The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has confirmed that Terminal 1 at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos will be temporarily shut down in March 2026 as part of a major rehabilitation and expansion project to modernise the ageing facility. This move is part of a broader effort to upgrade one of Nigeria’s most important aviation gateways — and comes after decades of use without significant overhauls.
What’s Happening at MMIA
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Terminal 1 Closure: FAAN has announced that Terminal 1 will be closed starting in March 2026 for extensive renovation works, including mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and civil upgrades.
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Reason for Closure: The rehabilitation is necessary because the old terminal — in operation for nearly 48 years without major improvement — no longer meets modern needs for passenger comfort, safety, and efficient operations.
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Temporary Terminal Facility: To minimise disruption, a temporary 8,000 m² departure terminal has been built nearby and is nearing completion. This facility will serve about five to six airlines during the shutdown and can handle up to 1,500 departing passengers at peak times, with check‑in, security, and boarding functions in place.
Why This Matters
The shutdown and rehabilitation of Terminal 1 are part of the Federal Government’s aviation infrastructure modernisation plan, supported with a N712 billion approval for upgrades to Lagos Airport’s main passenger terminal. This project is expected to enhance passenger experience, improve safety standards, and support international travel growth.
For passengers, airlines, and airport users, switching to the temporary facility means adjusting travel plans and arrival points, but the intervention aims to keep international operations running smoothly without a full airport closure.
FAAN and aviation authorities continue to advise travellers to plan ahead, allow extra time for airport procedures, and follow updates as the upgrade works progress.