FAAN announces closure of Lagos Airport Runway for maintenance

Monday, March 3, 2025 - The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has announced the temporary closure of Runway 18R/36L at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, for further rehabilitation work.

The closure, scheduled for Monday and Tuesday, comes just two weeks after the runway was reopened following an almost 11-month maintenance shutdown.

This was revealed in a memo dated February 28, 2025, from FAAN’s Head of Operations, Mrs. J.U. Nwosu, addressed to the Airport Manager (AM)/Regional General Manager (RGM) for the Southwest Region, titled "Total Closure of Runway 18R/36L.

It reads, “This is to bring to your notice the closure of runway 18R/36L due to the rehabilitation work (asphalt phase) at A2 Taxiway-link of the runway.

“It is considered necessary to close the runway due to the protruding construction equipment which may likely become a potential hazard to any landing and departing aircraft.”

SaharaReporters learnt that the closure will take effect on March 3 and 4, 2025.

According to FAAN, the alternative runway 18L/36R will be in active use during the period.

“However, all the technical departments whose facilities may be affected as a result of the closure are advised to constantly inspect those facilities to ensure everything is in place including but not limited to: the grass management, security must be beefed up, and 24-hour surveillance,” it said.

“It is pertinent to know that all the measures associated to total runway closure will be applied hence, adequate facility protection is necessary,” it added.

In March 2023, FAAN temporarily closed the international runway 18R/36L at Lagos Airport for maintenance, initially scheduled to last eight weeks.

The closure disrupted air traffic and airline schedules as the repairs extended beyond the expected timeframe. During this period, both international and domestic airlines operated on runway 18L/36R, a shorter runway primarily designated for domestic flights.

However, Links 2 and 3 of the taxiway are now operational, offering international airlines an alternative route alongside runway 18L/36R.

The reopened runway 18R/36L spans 3,900 meters (12,794 feet) in length and 60 meters (197 feet) in width.