FAAN to shut Lagos airport runway for repairs again

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has announced the temporary closure of Runway 18R/36L at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, for rehabilitation work. The closure, scheduled for March 3 and 4, comes just two weeks after the runway was reopened following an 11-month maintenance shutdown.

In a memo dated February 28, J.U. Nwosu, FAAN’s Head of Operations, cited safety concerns, stating that construction equipment at the A2 Taxiway-link could pose a hazard to landing and departing aircraft. The memo, addressed to the Airport Manager and the Regional General Manager for the Southwest Region, emphasised the necessity of the closure to prevent operational risks.

During the closure, the shorter domestic runway, 18L/36R, will handle all flight operations. While this runway is functional, its capacity constraints may lead to potential delays for both domestic and international flights.

FAAN has directed technical departments to enhance security, inspect facilities, and enforce 24-hour surveillance to ensure smooth operations.

Read also: FAAN reopens Lagos airport runway 18R/36L

This latest closure follows an extended maintenance period for Runway 18R/36L, which was initially shut down in March 2023 for what was projected to be an eight-week maintenance project.

However, delays extended the closure for several months, disrupting airline schedules and increasing congestion at the airport.

Industry stakeholders have since expressed concerns about the frequency of extended maintenance closures at one of Nigeria’s busiest international gateways.

Despite the temporary closure, FAAN assured airlines and passengers that necessary measures would be in place to mitigate disruptions. The authority highlighted that Links 2 and 3 of the taxiway are now operational, providing an alternative route for international flights alongside the use of 18L/36R.

FAAN also urged airlines, passengers, and airport stakeholders to cooperate with airport management as efforts are made to enhance safety and infrastructure reliability at Murtala Muhammed International Airport.