Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
Flight operations were disrupted on Sunday after a fire broke out at Terminal 2 of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, prompting an emergency response from aviation authorities.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) had earlier confirmed a fire incident, saying firefighters from its Aerodrome Rescue and Firefighting Service (ARFFS) were deployed to the scene to contain the blaze.
Passengers were left waiting at the airport as the fire incident caused confusion.
In the first statement, FAAN said: “The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) wishes to inform the public that a fire incident has occurred at Terminal 2 of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
“The FAAN Aerodrome Rescue and Firefighting Service (ARFFS) is currently responding to the incident and working diligently to contain the situation.”
But FAAN withdrew its earlier statement saying there was no fire incident at the Airport.
The Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection of FAAN, Henry Agbebire, explained that the smoke observed at the aviation facility emanated from the discharge of the terminal’s FM-200 fire suppression system.
“The smoke observed within the affected area resulted from the discharge of the terminal’s FM-200 fire suppression system.
“The reason for the activation of the fire suppression system is currently being investigated.
“Normal operations have since resumed at the terminal, while detailed investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the incident.
“FAAN appreciates the understanding and cooperation of passengers, airlines, airport users and all stakeholders, and reiterates its commitment to the safety and security of all airport operations.” He said
