A fire broke out at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on Monday afternoon, leading to temporary airspace suspension over the city. The incident occurred around 3 pm when a fire ignited in a server room on the first floor of Terminal 1. Emergency services responded promptly, evacuating fourteen people who were trapped in the control tower. Fortunately, the six individuals injured in the fire are reported to be in stable condition.

The fire caused damage to the airport's departures hall, which is currently undergoing extensive renovations costing approximately $500 million. In response to the incident, Nigeria’s Airspace Management Agency announced efforts to establish a temporary control tower, allowing for the restoration of airport operations. Flights were able to resume at around 7:30 pm the same day, signaling a swift return to service after the disruption.

This incident raises concerns about safety and preparedness at major airports, especially in a country where infrastructure is often under pressure. The effective response by emergency teams and the quick resumption of flights highlight the importance of crisis management in such critical transport hubs. As investigations into the cause of the fire continue, the incident routes back to ongoing discussions about airport safety regulations and renovation management in Nigeria.