Pilots Laud FAAN Over Prompt Response to Lagos Airport Fire

The National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) has praised the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) for its swift and professional handling of the recent fire outbreak at the International Terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.

In a statement issued by NAAPE’s Public Relations Officer, Blessing Ahmadu, the association said the incident, which temporarily disrupted flight operations and led to aircraft diversions, tested the operational strength of the country’s busiest airport.

According to NAAPE, FAAN’s rapid activation of its Emergency Response Plan, in line with Nigerian Civil Aviation regulations, demonstrated a high level of preparedness and effective crisis management.

The association noted that beyond extinguishing the fire, FAAN ensured the safe evacuation of personnel, protection of passengers, proper coordination with airline operators, and orderly management of flight diversions. These actions, it said, reflected professionalism and discipline rather than a rushed response under pressure.

NAAPE President, Captain Bunmi Gindeh, specifically commended FAAN’s Managing Director, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, for providing strong leadership during the emergency.

He stated that the immediate activation of the Emergency Operations Centre, combined with structured coordination and safe evacuation procedures, showed that FAAN’s emergency systems were well established and effectively implemented.

Captain Gindeh added that the absence of casualties and the quick restoration of stability at the airport underscored the effectiveness of the response. He stressed that aviation safety depends on coordinated efforts across infrastructure, air traffic support, emergency readiness, and human resource management.

The association also described the temporary suspension of operations and flight diversions as responsible decisions aimed at prioritising safety above convenience, noting that such measures reflect sound aviation governance.

NAAPE further called for sustained investment in infrastructure upgrades, advanced fire detection and suppression systems, backup facilities, and regular emergency simulation exercises across the nation’s airports to strengthen resilience.

Reaffirming its commitment to collaboration with FAAN and other aviation stakeholders, the association expressed confidence that ongoing technical assessments and post-incident reviews would further enhance safety measures at MMIA and reinforce Nigeria’s aviation safety framework.