The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has announced the temporary closure of Runway 18R/36L at Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos. The closure, which began at 3:00 a.m. on Monday, March 3, 2025, is scheduled to last until 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, March 4, 2025. This is part of ongoing efforts to rehabilitate the runway’s asphalt and ensure its operational safety and efficiency.
In a statement issued on Sunday, FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mrs. Obiageli Orah, explained that the rehabilitation work is focused on the A2 Taxiway link of the runway. She reassured travelers that flight operations would not be disrupted during this period, as all flights have been redirected to the alternative Runway 18L/36R.
“The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria wishes to inform the general public that there will be a temporary closure of Runway 18R/36L at Murtala Muhammed Airport Lagos from 03:00 hours on March 3, 2025, to 23:59 hours on March 4, 2025. The closure is due to ongoing rehabilitation work (asphalt phase) at the A2 Taxiway link of the runway,” the statement read.
This maintenance project is part of FAAN’s continuous efforts to enhance aviation safety and maintain compliance with international standards. Over the years, FAAN has periodically closed runways at Murtala Muhammed Airport for upgrades and repairs aimed at improving infrastructure and ensuring optimal conditions for both domestic and international flight operations.
For instance, in March 2023, FAAN shut down both Runway 18L (domestic) and Runway 18R (international) for eight weeks to carry out critical maintenance. Similarly, in July 2022, extensive repairs were conducted on Runway 18L/36R over a four-month period, during which navigational aids such as approach lights and runway lighting systems were installed to support night operations.
Passengers traveling through Murtala Muhammed Airport during this period are advised to remain calm as flight schedules will proceed without interruption. Airlines will utilize the alternative runway to ensure smooth operations.
