February 23, 2026
LAGOS, NIGERIA — Chaos and fear gripped Nigeria’s busiest aviation hub on Monday evening after a massive fire erupted at the old terminal of Murtala Muhammed International Airport, forcing authorities to immediately shut down Lagos airspace.
SUNTV Global Channel gathered that the blaze, which reportedly started in the evening, rapidly spread through sections of the aging terminal, sending thick smoke into the sky and triggering an emergency response.
Airspace Locked Down
Aviation sources confirmed that all inbound and outbound flights were suspended as a safety precaution.
“The Lagos airspace has been closed. No aircraft can land or depart until further notice,” a source disclosed.
The closure disrupted several international and domestic flight operations, leaving passengers stranded.
People Trapped In Control Tower
Emergency officials revealed that about 10 individuals were trapped on the sixth floor, where the airport’s control tower is located.
Rescue teams battled intense heat and heavy smoke while attempting to reach those trapped.
“We are making efforts to evacuate those inside the control tower, but the smoke is very thick and the fire is still active,” an airport official said.
Cause Still Unknown
Although the exact cause has not been confirmed, preliminary findings suggest the incident may have been triggered by an electrical fault.
Firefighters were still working late into the evening to contain the flames.
Mystery Helicopter Raises Questions
Eyewitnesses reported seeing a helicopter hovering around the scene, believed to belong to security agencies, though it did not appear to be involved in rescue operations.
Not The First Incident
This is not the first fire emergency at the airport. In September 2023, authorities said a smoke incident in the international terminal was linked to a faulty lithium inverter battery, according to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria.
Rescue Efforts Ongoing
As of press time, emergency responders continued efforts to extinguish the blaze and ensure the safety of all occupants.
Authorities have yet to release official casualty figures or confirm the full extent of damage.
SUNTV Global Channel will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they unfold.
