THE Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has directed all processing of passengers be carried out through the new international terminal at Lagos airport.
The directive is contained in a statement released by FAAN’s spokesman, Mr Abdullahi Yakubu-Funtua, on Friday afternoon.
According to Yakubu-Funtua, the directive takes effect immediately.
He explained that the move became cogent in the aftermath of fire incident at International Terminal 1 on Thursday.
“The Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festusn Keyamo during his maiden visit to Lagos airport had directed the FAAN to relocate airlines to the New International Terminal for the shutdown of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Terminal 1 by 1st October 2023 with a view to improving passenger experience and for a total overhaul of the terminal.
“We intend to make this movement as seamless as possible but appeal to all travellers to please be at the airport early enough to complete their check-in formalities on time in order not to miss their flight,” the statement read.
The unfortunate fire outbreak occurred at the immigration basement at the old terminal.
Even before the fire incident, the new Minister had reeled out plans to temporarily shut down the old terminal for repairs after the near collapse of facilities.
During his inaugural tour of the airport, the new Minister noted complaints from passengers about the facility.