FAAN Issues Travel Advisory as Renovation Works Begin at Lagos International Airport

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has announced that major renovation works have commenced at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, one of the busiest airports in Africa.

In a public advisory, FAAN urged travellers and airport users to take note of temporary changes that may affect access and movement around the airport. The agency explained that the project is designed to upgrade facilities and enhance passenger experience, but it comes with short-term inconveniences.

Passengers are strongly advised to:

• Leave early for the airport to avoid missing flights.
• Obey all traffic and parking instructions from airport officials.
• Park only in designated areas to reduce congestion.
• Minimize unnecessary visits, as space will be restricted to travellers and those on essential duty.

FAAN expressed appreciation to the public for their patience and understanding, adding that the renovations are a necessary step towards delivering safer, more efficient, and modern airport services.

What the Renovation Means for Passengers

For travellers, the renovation works at MMIA could mean slightly longer waiting times, heavier traffic at the approach roads, and restricted parking availability. This makes time management crucial for passengers.

Experts note that Nigerian airports, especially Lagos, handle thousands of passengers daily. With limited space during renovations, even small delays could lead to missed flights if travellers do not adjust their schedules.

Passengers may also notice the presence of construction workers and equipment in certain sections of the airport. While this may cause some inconvenience, FAAN assures that safety measures are in place to prevent disruption of core services such as check-in, security checks, and boarding.

For international travellers, who often connect through Lagos to other parts of the world, the advisory serves as a timely reminder to plan ahead. Airlines are also expected to continue cooperating with FAAN to ease the impact on their passengers.

FAAN’s Drive for World-Class Airports

The renovation at MMIA is part of a broader drive by FAAN to modernize Nigeria’s airports and bring them in line with global aviation standards.

In recent years, FAAN has embarked on infrastructure upgrades in Abuja, Port Harcourt, Enugu, and Kano airports, with Lagos now receiving focused attention due to its status as Nigeria’s commercial capital and primary international gateway.

Aviation analysts point out that Lagos airport, opened in the late 1970s, has been long overdue for modernization. With increasing passenger traffic and growing airline operations, the need for world-class facilities has never been more urgent.

By investing in renovations, FAAN aims to:

• Improve passenger comfort and safety.
• Strengthen Nigeria’s competitiveness as a regional aviation hub.
• Boost investor and traveller confidence in the aviation sector.

Speaking on the development, FAAN reiterated its commitment: “These upgrades are for the benefit of all Nigerians and international visitors. We are building a future-ready airport system that will make Nigeria proud.”

As the works progress, passengers and stakeholders alike are watching closely, hopeful that the short-term discomfort will pave the way for a world-class travel experience in Lagos and beyond.