The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has announced the temporary closure of Runway 18R/36L at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, for rehabilitation work.
The closure, scheduled for Monday, March 3, and Tuesday, March 4, 2025, comes just two weeks after the runway was reopened following an 11-month maintenance shutdown.
In a memo dated February 28, 2025, FAAN’s Head of Operations, Mrs. J.U. Nwosu, stated that the closure is necessary due to ongoing rehabilitation of the A2 Taxiway-link, with protruding construction equipment posing a potential hazard to aircraft landing and taking off.
To minimize disruptions, FAAN confirmed that Runway 18L/36R will remain operational during the closure. However, all technical departments have been advised to ensure security, grass management, and 24-hour surveillance to maintain safety at the airport.
FAAN assured airlines and passengers that adequate safety measures will be implemented during the closure period.
The international runway 18R/36L, measuring 3,900 meters in length and 60 meters in width, was previously closed in March 2023 for maintenance. Initially planned for eight weeks, the repair works extended significantly, disrupting both domestic and international flight schedules.
During that period, all flights were redirected to Runway 18L/36R, a shorter runway primarily used for domestic operations. With recent upgrades, Links 2 and 3 of the taxiway are now operational, providing international airlines with additional access routes.
Passengers and airlines are advised to plan their travel accordingly, as the two-day closure may cause temporary delays. FAAN has urged all stakeholders to cooperate while the repairs are completed to ensure long-term operational efficiency at Nigeria’s busiest airport.
