The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has resumed rehabilitation works on Runway 18R/36L at Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA) in Ikeja to ensure seamless takeoff and landing operations.
Following an 11-month maintenance shutdown, the runway recently reopened, but will temporarily close again on March 3 and 4 for further works.
In a memo dated February 28, released to journalists on Monday, FAAN’s Head of Operations, J.U. Nwosu, highlighted safety concerns stemming from construction equipment at the A2 Taxiway-link, which poses a hazard to aircraft taking off and landing.
The memo, addressed to the Airport Manager and the Regional General Manager for the Southwest Region, underscored the imperativeness of temporary closure to mitigate operational risks.
During the closure, all flight operations will be diverted to the shorter domestic runway, 18L/36R.
Although this runway is operational, its limited capacity may result in potential delays for both domestic and international flights.
FAAN has instructed its technical departments to bolster security measures, conduct thorough facility inspections, and maintain 24-hour surveillance to guarantee seamless operations.
Persecondnews recalls that this latest closure follows an extended maintenance period for Runway 18R/36L, which was initially shut down in March 2023 for what was projected to be an eight-week maintenance project.
However, unforeseen delays prolonged the closure for several months, causing significant disruptions to airline schedules and exacerbating congestion at the airport.
Industry stakeholders have raised concerns over the recurring extended maintenance closures at one of Nigeria’s most critical international airports, citing potential impacts on aviation efficiency and economic growth.
Although the temporary closure has come into effect, FAAN has assured airlines and passengers that proactive measures are being taken to minimize disruptions.
Notably, the authority has confirmed that Links 2 and 3 of the taxiway are now fully operational, providing an alternative route for international flights, which will be used in conjunction with runway 18L/36R.
FAAN appealed to airlines, passengers, and airport stakeholders to collaborate with airport management, as it works diligently to upgrade safety standards and infrastructure reliability at the airport.
The runway has experienced recent safety incidents, including an incident on May 11, where an XEJet Airlines aircraft skidded off Runway 18L at the Ikeja airport.
This incident occurred just 16 days after a similar incident involving Dana Air, which also skidded off the runway at MMA, prompting the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to suspend its operations.
The 5N-BZZ Airbus, carrying 52 passengers and a crew of three, departed from Abuja and touched down safely in Lagos at 11:29 am.
Upon landing at the Lagos airport, the aircraft deviated from the runway and came to a stop on the grass verge adjacent to the runway.
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