AVIATION STAKEHOLDERS AND passengers at Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA), Lagos, are adjusting to the temporary closure of Runway 18R/36L, as the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) carries out critical rehabilitation work.
The closure, which began at 03:00 hours on 3rd March 2025 and is scheduled to last until 23:59 hours on 4th March 2025, is part of FAAN’s ongoing efforts to maintain safety and efficiency at Nigeria’s busiest airport.
The Explainer gathered that the rehabilitation focuses on the asphalt phase at the A2 Taxiway-link of the runway. FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mrs Obiageli Orah, stated, “There will be no disruption to flight operations during this period as all flights would be redirected to the alternative runway, 18L/36R.”
Runway 18R/36L, the longer of the two runways at MMA, is primarily used for international and heavy aircraft operations. Measuring approximately 3,900 metres in length, it accommodates wide-body jets such as the Boeing 777, Airbus A330, and other long-haul aircraft. The alternative runway, 18L/36R, is significantly shorter at 2,745 metres and is typically used for domestic flights and smaller aircraft.
Nigeria’s aviation industry has witnessed several runway-related incidents in the past, underscoring the need for regular maintenance. The Explainer recalls Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos has experienced several incidents involving Runway 18R/36L in recent years. Notably:
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On June 18, 2023, an Overland Airways ATR 42-320 aircraft with registration 5N-BRQ experienced a serious incident on Runway 18R/36L. The aircraft veered off the runway during landing, coming to rest on the adjacent grass area. There were no fatalities, but the aircraft sustained substantial damage.
On July 23, 2019, an Air Peace Boeing 737-300 aircraft with registration 5N-BQO had a hard landing on Runway 18R/36L. The impact led to the collapse of the nose landing gear. All passengers and crew evacuated safely, with no reported injuries.
On February 16, 2021, an Azman Air Boeing 737-500 aircraft with registration 5N-SYS suffered a burst tyre upon landing on Runway 18R/36L. The incident resulted in the aircraft veering off the runway, but all occupants were unharmed.
SKYbrary, an aviation safety resource, highlights that the integrity of runway surfaces is ensured through regular inspections and periodic renewal of the top or wearing surface. The interval between resurfacing varies based on the type of surface, with both concrete and asphalt requiring timely maintenance to prevent cracks and foreign object debris.
FAAN has reassured airlines and passengers that the redirection of flights to Runway 18L/36R will not disrupt schedules. However, concerns remain over potential congestion. The Explainer gathered that Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA) in Lagos is Nigeria’s busiest aviation hub. In 2022, the airport handled approximately 6.5 million passengers. Daily flight operations at MMA average around 270 flights, encompassing both domestic and international services.
The authority has urged airlines and passengers to cooperate with operational adjustments, assuring that the rehabilitation will enhance long-term runway efficiency. Passengers travelling through MMA during this period are advised to stay updated on airline notifications and plan for possible delays.
