The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has officially reopened the 18R/36L Runway at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos, marking the end of a 10-month closure for maintenance.
The development allows for the resumption of international traffic on Links 2 and 3 of the runway, effectively reducing the operational load on the domestic 18L/36R runway.
The closure of the international runway had significant implications for air travel, affecting traffic flow, airline schedules, and leading to increased operational costs for airlines. Passengers also experienced delays during this period.
Initially planned for an eight-week duration, the closure extended to 10 months due to unforeseen delays in the maintenance work, according to FAAN officials.
The reopened runway, designated 18R/36L, boasts a length of 3,900 meters (12,794 feet) and a width of 60 meters (197 feet).
The reopening of this critical infrastructure at MMIA is expected to enhance airport operations, improve overall efficiency, and alleviate congestion, providing a positive impact on both domestic and international air travel.
A notable event marking the reopening was the arrival of Kenya Airways, which landed on the rehabilitated runway and received a water cannon salute in celebration.
The airline’s successful operation on the reopened runway signals the readiness of the facility to accommodate international flights.
Olubunmi Kuku, the Managing Director of FAAN, expressed optimism about the reopening and emphasized the efforts made to expedite the process.
The reopening comes after concerted engagements with stakeholders, including the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), to ensure a seamless resumption of airport operations.
Kuku acknowledged the patience of stakeholders during the extended closure and reiterated FAAN’s commitment to minimizing any further disruptions.
She highlighted the challenges faced during the maintenance work and assured stakeholders that FAAN is dedicated to enhancing the efficiency and reliability of airport services.
”The reopening of the 18R/36L Runway at MMIA is a significant milestone for the Nigerian aviation sector, contributing to the overall improvement of air travel infrastructure in the country,” she said.
