The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has commenced the process of relocating international airlines to the new international terminal at the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA), Lagos. This directive from the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, follows the recent fire incident at the old international terminal.
The new international terminal, commissioned on March 22, 2022, by former President Muhammadu Buhari, features state-of-the-art facilities. Keyamo has set a deadline of October 1, 2023, for FAAN to complete the relocation of all flight operations to the new terminal, allowing for the rehabilitation of the old terminal.
Keyamo emphasized the need to fully utilize the new terminal, which has been underutilized despite significant investment. He pointed out the shortcomings of the old terminal, including issues with central air conditioning and malfunctioning carousels.
Additionally, Keyamo highlighted the logistical challenges posed by private hangars near the new terminal, preventing large airplanes from utilizing the avio-bridges effectively. This has led to a decision to temporarily shut down the old terminal to facilitate comprehensive repairs and upgrades.
The move aims to enhance passenger experience and overhaul the terminal, which has been in operation since its inauguration in 1979. Keyamo emphasized the impossibility of conducting major repair work on the old terminal while it remains in active use. This relocation initiative is part of broader efforts to modernize Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure and services.