FAAN: Lagos airport will accommodate 17.6m passengers annually after rehabilitation

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) says the ongoing rehabilitation of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, will improve the airport’s aesthetics and ease passenger movement.

FAAN, in its frequently asked questions (FAQs) document released on Tuesday, explained that the terminal has been in operation for nearly 50 years and no longer meets modern aviation safety and service standards.

The authority said the building will be stripped down to its concrete core and fully rebuilt with upgraded mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and passenger-facing systems.

The document added that the project is being executed by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), under the supervision of the federal ministry of aviation and FAAN’s engineering services directorate.

“A modern glass curtain wall will be installed to enhance aesthetics and energy efficiency,” the FAQs said.

“The internal layout will be reconfigured to streamline passenger movement and improve commercial and office space utilisation. Departing and arriving passengers will be separated in the upgraded terminal fingers to reduce congestion and enhance operational efficiency.”

ACCESS, AIRCRAFT CAPACITY TO BE UPGRADED

As part of the project, FAAN said a new access road network will be constructed to ease traffic for pickups and drop-offs.

The authority said the road system will also address the elevation difference between terminals 1 and 2.

According to the FAQs, terminal 2 (T2) will be expanded to accommodate more wide-body aircraft, with its boarding finger and apron extended by approximately 15,000 square metres.

“This project is a comprehensive transformation designed to create a safe, modern, and comfortable gateway for travellers entering or departing Nigeria, while also attracting more tourism and significantly enhancing business,” FAAN added.

TEMPORARY TERMINAL UNDERWAY

To ensure continuous operations during the 22-month rehabilitation, FAAN said it is constructing an 8,000-square-metre temporary departure hall adjacent to terminal 2.

FAAN added that the facility will be equipped with essential services, including check-in, security screening, ticketing, and waiting areas.

“It will accommodate up to 1,500 passengers during peak hours and features three boarding gates to ensure smooth departures,” the agency said.

“The temporary hall will also offer VIP lounges, dining and retail outlets, emergency medical assistance, and accessible facilities for passengers with reduced mobility, addressing the diverse needs of all travellers.

“Additionally, temporary access roads and signage will be implemented to guide passengers effectively.”

The authority said the check-in process handled at T1 has been relocated to the new temporary facility, with clear signage and on-site staff to assist travellers.

“All international travellers are advised to arrive at least three hours before departure and follow the displayed signs and information boards,” the document said.

‘CARGO OPERATIONS NOT DISRUPTED’

FAAN clarified that cargo services at MMIA will not be affected by the renovation.

The agency also said it has maintained close coordination with cargo airlines, logistics firms, and customs authorities to ensure smooth operations throughout the renovation period.

“All import and export cargo clearance, loading/unloading, warehousing, and logistics services will continue as normal throughout the closure of T1,” FAAN said.

WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER RENOVATION

When completed, FAAN said the revamped terminal will handle 3,840 passengers per hour — up from the current 500 — while terminal 2 can handle 3,200 passengers.

According to the authority, both terminals will accommodate up to 17.6 million passengers annually.

FAAN said the redesigned MMIA will feature automated passport control gates and fast check-in systems, smart HVAC and lighting that respond to real-time passenger traffic, and expanded lounges and waiting areas.

The agency added that it will also include cultural displays and redesigned retail zones, two ring roads for arrival and departure, a bridge connecting to T2’s upper floor, and an improved baggage claim with reduced wait times.

‘OTHER AIRPORTS ALSO UNDERGOING UPGRADES’

FAAN confirmed that similar infrastructure upgrades are underway at airports in Kano, Port Harcourt, and other cities — including improvements to runways, taxiways, and lighting systems.

The agency acknowledged that the ongoing construction will result in temporary inconveniences, but stressed that the long-term benefits far outweigh the disruptions.

“We are reimagining the future of MMIA,” the authority said.

“This project represents both a future-focused infrastructure upgrade and a solemn commitment to every traveller. The upgraded terminal will elevate MMIA to an international platform, establishing it as a leading aviation hub in West Africa—becoming a source of national pride and meeting the highest global standards.”

To ensure transparency and real-time updates, FAAN said it has deployed multiple communication channels for passengers, including display screens and broadcast systems in terminals, official social media pages on X, Facebook, and Instagram, SMS/email alerts for registered travellers, and in-terminal service desks and mobile guides.