A major fire outbreak at Terminal 1 of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) on Monday afternoon injured six people and forced the diversion of several international flights, airport officials say, in a dramatic disruption at Nigeria’s busiest airport.

According to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) the blaze was first noticed around 3 :25 p.m. in the server room on the first floor of the old international terminal before spreading to other sections of the building causing thick smoke and panic among passengers and staff. Emergency crews quickly activated response protocols to contain the fire.

FAAN confirmed that all 14 airport personnel who were initially trapped in the control tower were safely rescued, with six people — three males and three females — sustaining minor injuries and receiving medical attention at the FAAN Headquarters Hospital. All of the injured are reported to be in stable condition.

The fire outbreak led to a temporary closure of the airport’s airspace and significant operational disruption. At least three international flights operated by British Airways, Lufthansa and Emirates were diverted to alternate destinations such as Abuja and Malabo while firefighting and rescue operations were underway.

FAAN Managing Director Olubunmi Kuku said emergency procedures were promptly activated and that the authority worked closely with other agencies including the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) to manage the situation. The airspace was reopened later in the evening after the flames were brought under control and alternative control arrangements were established.

Preliminary assessments by FAAN indicate the blaze may have begun in the server room but investigations into the exact cause are ongoing. Structural engineers are expected to evaluate the terminal to determine the extent of damage to the facility.

Airport operations, including departures and arrivals, have largely resumed with temporary measures in place. Passengers affected by flight diversions have been advised to check with their airlines for updated travel details while normal schedules are restored.