Lagos Airport Renovation Sparks Travel Advisory: FAAN Reminds Passengers of Past Chaos, Urges Early Arrivals

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has issued a stern travel advisory to passengers using the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMA), Lagos, as major renovation works get underway.

In its announcement, FAAN cautioned travellers to leave home early to avoid missing flights, obey traffic instructions around the airport corridor, and make proper use of the designated car park. The authority further appealed to Nigerians to limit visits to the airport strictly to travellers, citing limited space as a result of the ongoing works.

This advisory stirs memories of previous airport renovation phases that often came with heavy gridlocks, confusion for passengers, and last-minute flight misses. For years, Murtala Muhammed International Airport—Nigeria’s busiest gateway—has been under pressure to match international standards. Renovation drives, though necessary, have historically disrupted passenger flow and heightened stress for both travellers and staff.

A flashback to the 2013–2015 terminal refurbishments highlights how poorly managed traffic and unregulated airport access left many passengers stranded, while airlines battled delays from passengers arriving late. FAAN’s current advisory appears to be a deliberate attempt to avoid repeating those painful experiences.

“Lagos airport is the first impression visitors have of Nigeria. Renovations are critical, but we must learn from the chaos of the past. If FAAN enforces discipline this time, it could turn a challenge into a chance for lasting improvement,” noted an industry analyst reflecting on the announcement.

The MMA upgrade is part of a wider effort to modernize Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure in line with global standards. However, as history shows, without proper passenger sensitization and strict traffic management, the project risks being overshadowed by the same frustrations travellers endured in the past.

FAAN insists it is determined to serve passengers better during this period of inconvenience, but the responsibility also rests on travellers and airport users to heed the advisory.