Murtala Muhammed International Airport Explained

Murtala Muhammed
International Airport
Iata:LOS
Icao:DNMM
Pushpin Map:Nigeria Lagos#Nigeria#Africa
Pushpin Map Caption:Location of Airport in Lagos
Pushpin Label:LOS
Pushpin Label Position:right
Type:Public
Owner-Oper:Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN)
City-Served:Ikeja
Lagos
Lekki
Location:Ikeja, Lagos State, Nigeria
Hub:
Timezone:WAT
Elevation-F:135
Elevation-M:41
Metric-Rwy:y
R1-Number:18R/36L
R1-Length-F:12,794
R1-Length-M:3,900
R1-Surface:Asphalt
R2-Number:18L/36R
R2-Length-F:8,999
R2-Length-M:2,743
R2-Surface:Asphalt
Stat-Year:2021
Stat1-Header:Passengers
Stat1-Data:5,689,234
Footnotes:Sources: National Bureau of Statistics, Nigeria[1] Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria[2] WAD[3] GCM

Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) (Yoruba: Pápá Ọkọ̀ Òfurufú Káríayé Múrítàlá Mùhammẹ̀d) is an international airport located in Ikeja, Lagos State, Nigeria, and is the major airport serving the entire state. The airport was initially built during World War II and is named after Murtala Muhammed (1938–1976), the fourth military ruler of Nigeria.

History

The airport was built during World War II. West African Airways Corporation (WAAC) was formed in 1947 and had its main base at Ikeja. De Havilland Doves were initially operated on WAACs Nigerian internal routes then West African services.[4] Larger Douglas Dakotas were added to the Ikeja-based fleet from 1957.[5]

Originally known as Lagos Airport, it was renamed after military head of state Murtala Muhammed in 1976 following his assassination in a failed coup attempt. A new international terminal modeled after Amsterdam Airport Schiphol was constructed through the decade at a cost of ₦240 million, officially opening on 15 March 1979, as part of a broader master plan to ensure sufficient capacity through the year 2000.[6] It is the main base for Nigeria's largest airline, Air Peace, as well as for several other Nigerian airlines.

Murtala Muhammed International Airport consists of an international and a domestic terminal, located about one kilometre from each other. Both terminals share the same runways. This domestic terminal used to be the old Ikeja Airport. International operations moved to the new international airport when it was ready while domestic operations moved to the Ikeja Airport, which became the domestic airport. The domestic operations were relocated to the old Lagos domestic terminal in 2000 after a fire. A new domestic privately funded terminal known as MMA2 has been constructed and was commissioned on 7 April 2007.[7] [8]

During the late 1980s and 1990s, the international terminal had a reputation of being dangerous. From 1992 through 2000, the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) posted warning signs in all US international airports advising travelers that security conditions at Lagos Airport did not meet ICAO minimum standards. In 1993, the FAA suspended air service between Lagos and the United States. The decision affected Nigeria Airways and American Trans Air.[9]

Following Olusegun Obasanjo's democratic election in 1999, the security situation at Lagos began to improve. Airport police instituted a "shoot on sight" policy for anyone found in the secure areas around runways and taxiways, stopping further airplane robberies. Police secured the inside of the terminal and the arrival areas outside. The FAA ended its suspension of direct flights to Nigeria in 2001 in recognition of these security improvements. Through its joint venture with Nigeria Airways, South African Airways (SAA) inaugurated a flight from Johannesburg to New York via Lagos in February 2001. The airline reserved roughly a third of the seats on the Boeing 747 for Nigeria Airways. SAA terminated the service the following March, stating that it was unprofitable. The company added that in an attempt to increase passenger counts, they had tried to convince Nigeria Airways to accept a smaller seat allotment, but the latter refused.[10] One month later, Nigeria Airways began their own route to New York with a leased Boeing 747.[11] The airline had to suspend the flight in January 2003 because creditors had seized one of their last planes.[12] [13] In July 2006, North American Airlines launched nonstop service to New York using Boeing 767s.[14] [15]

By 2010, the FAA had granted the airport its highest safety rating.[16] That year, the airport served 6,273,545 passengers.[17]

Recent years have seen substantial improvements at Murtala Muhammed International Airport. Malfunctioning and non-operational infrastructures such as air conditioning and luggage belts have been repaired. The entire airport has been cleaned, and many new restaurants and duty-free stores have opened. Bilateral Air Services Agreements signed between Nigeria and other countries are being revived and new ones signed. These agreements have seen the likes of Emirates, Ocean Air, Delta and China Southern Airlines express interest and receive landing rights to Nigeria's largest international airport.

On 6 September 2012, then Minister of Aviation, Stella Oduah, announced that the Federal Government of Nigeria approved a N106 billion loan from the Exim Bank of China to construct 5 new international terminals, including a passenger terminal in Murtala Muhammed International Airport.[18] Construction began in late 2013,[19] and the new international terminal was commissioned by President Muhammadu Buhari on 22 March 2022. The new terminal has the capacity to process 14 million passengers annually.[20] Initially, most airlines did not move their flights to the new terminal as the apron did not have enough space for larger planes to taxi to the gate with the terminal's layout.[21] In response, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria announced that it would demolish two private hangars to increase the apron space and successfully ordered all airlines to shift to the new terminal by October 2023, stating that the move was necessary to renovate the old terminal.[22] [23]

Airlines and destinations

Cargo

Other facilities

The airport includes the headquarters of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria.[24] It also houses the head office of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority,[25] formerly just its Lagos office;[26] and the head office of the Accident Investigation Bureau.[27] The Lagos office of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority is located in Aviation House on the grounds of the airport.[28]

Arik Air's head office is in the Arik Air Aviation Center on the grounds of the airport.[29] Aero Contractors has its head office in the Private Terminal of the Domestic Wing at Murtala Muhammed International Airport.[30] [31]

At one time Nigeria Airways had its head office in Airways House on the airport property.[32] Prior to its disestablishment Afrijet Airlines had its head office in the NAHCO Building on the grounds of the airport.[33]

Statistics

These data show number of passengers movements into the airport, according to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria's Aviation Sector Summary Reports.

Year201120122013201420152016201720182019202020212022
Passengers 6,746,290 6,879,286 7,261,178 7,374,507 7,164,169 6,694,747 6,553,151 7,290,530 7,496,318 4,110,3955,689,234 6,526,023
Growth (%) 7.54% 1.97% 5.55% 1.56% 2.8% 7.1% 2.16% 11.2% 2.8% 45.17% 38.41% 14.71%
Source: Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). Aviation Sector Reports (2010–2013,[34] 2014,[35] Q3-Q4 of 2015,[36] and Q1-Q2 of 2016,[37])[38] [39] [40]

Accidents and incidents

See also

References

Citations

75. https://www.vanguardngr.com/2024/05/breaking-emirates-airlines-to-resume-operation-in-nigeria-october-1/

Bibliography

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Air Transportation Data (Q4 & Full Year 2017). Nigerianstat.gov.ng. 8 May 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180508121814/http://www.nigerianstat.gov.ng/download/736. 8 May 2018. dead.
  2. Web site: Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos. Faanigeria.org. 30 May 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20161116154102/http://www.faannigeria.org/index.php/airports/international-airports/lagos-mma1. 16 November 2016. dead. dmy-all.
  3. Web site: usurped. Airport information for DNMM. https://web.archive.org/web/20190305143444/http://worldaerodata.com/wad.cgi?airport=DNMM. 2019-03-05. World Aero Data. Data current as of October 2006. Source: DAFIF.
  4. Sykes, 1973, p. 10
  5. Gradidge, 2006, p. 205
  6. News: Joseph . Abola . 15 March 1979 . Details of new international airport facilities . .
  7. Web site: Opinion . 2024-05-06 . MMA2: Still soaring @17 . 2024-06-28 . Punch Newspapers . en-US.
  8. Web site: Murtala Mohammed International Airport . 2024-06-28 . Airport Suppliers . en-GB.
  9. News: . New Leader of Nigeria Plans to Free 3 Dissidents; Strikes Continue . The New York Times . 1993-08-30 . Noble, Kenneth B..
  10. News: . South African Airways ends joint venture with Nigerian Airways . South African Press Association . 2002-03-12.
  11. News: . Nigeria Airways Starts Flights on Lagos-New York Route . Xinhua News Agency . 2002-04-03.
  12. News: Nigerians protest over grounded airline . CNN . 2003-01-15 . 7 February 2023 . Koinange, Jeff . https://web.archive.org/web/20030124024130/http://www.cnn.com/2003/TRAVEL/01/15/nigeria.airport/index.html . 2003-01-24.
  13. News: Stranded Nigeria Airways passengers hold protests . Airline Industry Information . 2003-01-17 . .
  14. . North American Airlines Inaugurates Nonstop Scheduled Service Between New York and Lagos, Nigeria . World Air Holdings . 2006-07-17.
  15. News: . Travel watch . The Wall Street Journal . 2006-07-25 . Chao, Loretta.
  16. Web site: FAA Grants Nigeria Its Highest Air Safety Rating. SSi (Safety & Security Instruction). 24 August 2010. 6 June 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150227214409/https://aviaed.wordpress.com/2010/08/23/faa-grants-nigeria-its-highest-air-safety-rating/. 27 February 2015. live.
  17. Web site: Nigerian airports handled 57.55m passengers in four years. Punchng.com. 18 September 2015. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20141129051533/http://www.punchng.com/news/nigerian-airports-handled-57-55m-passengers-in-4-years-nbs/. 29 November 2014. dmy-all.
  18. Web site: 2012-09-06. FG approves N106bn for construction of new airport terminals. 2022-02-24. Vanguard News. en-US.
  19. Web site: 2017-11-09. Waiting for New Airport Terminals. 2022-02-24. THISDAYLIVE. en-US.
  20. Web site: Buhari inaugurates terminal with 66 check-in counters for MMIA in Lagos - P.M. News . 2022-03-26 . en-US.
  21. Web site: Wole. Oyebade. 2023-10-20. New MMIA Terminal: Design flaws leave $100m 'beauty' deserted, grossly underutilised. The Guardian (Nigeria). 6 November 2022.
  22. Web site: Funmilayo. Fabunmi. 2023-10-20. Airport expansion: FG to demolish multibillion-naira Lagos private jet terminals. The Punch. 1 September 2023.
  23. Web site: 2023-10-20. FAAN announces relocation of flight operations to Lagos airport new terminal. 7 September 2023. TheCable.
  24. "Contact Information ." Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria. Retrieved on 8 September 2010.
  25. Web site: Contact. Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority. 2020-06-21. Visit our office AVIATION HOUSE P.M.B. 21029, 21038 Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria.
  26. "Contact Us ." Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority. Retrieved on 9 September 2010.
  27. "Home ." Accident Investigation Bureau. Retrieved on 4 November 2011. "HEAD OFFICE Muritala Muhammed International Airport P.M.B 016, MMIA,Ikeja, Lagos"
  28. "Contact Us ." Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority. Retrieved on 9 September 2010.
  29. "New aircraft to make arik air the largest commercial carrier in nigeria arik air reflects on six months of flying "the new experience" ." Arik Air. 28 March 2007. Retrieved on 8 September 2010. "For more information, please contact: Gbemiga Ogunieye, Head of Communications, Arik Air Ltd, Arik Air Aviation Centre, Murtula Muhammed Domestic Airport, PO Box 10468, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria."
  30. "Privacy Policy ." Aero Contractors. Retrieved on 8 September 2010. "Aero Contractors Company of Nigeria Limited, (Private Terminal), Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja, Lagos State, Nigeria."
  31. "Offices & Phone Numbers ." Aero Contractors. Retrieved on 8 September 2010.
  32. World Air Transport statistics, Issues 24–28. International Air Transport Association, 1980. 4 . Retrieved from Google Books on 11 June 2012. "NIGERIA AIRWAYS LIMITED – WT Airways House Murtala Muhammed Airport PO 8ox 136 Lagos. Nigeria"
  33. "Directory:World airlines." Flight International. 16–22 March 2004. 53 .
  34. Web site: Passenger Only Aviation Data Report 2010-13 to Q1 2014. Nigerianstat.gov.ng. 30 May 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170328105853/http://nigerianstat.gov.ng/download/245. 28 March 2017. dead.
  35. Web site: Aviation Sector Summary Report Q4 2014 – Q1 2015. Nigerianstat.gov.ng. 30 May 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170328105314/http://nigerianstat.gov.ng/download/301. 28 March 2017. dead.
  36. Web site: NIGERIA AVIATION SECTOR Q3-Q4 2015 REPORT. Nigerianstat.gov.ng. 30 May 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170328105604/http://nigerianstat.gov.ng/download/391. 28 March 2017. dead.
  37. Web site: Nigerian Aviation Sector Summary Report: Q1-Q2 2016. Nigerianstat.gov.ng. 30 May 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170328105323/http://nigerianstat.gov.ng/download/449. 28 March 2017. dead.
  38. Web site: FEDERAL AIRPORTS AUTHORITY OF NIGERIA : OPERATIONS HEADQUAETERS : JANUARY – DECEMBER 2015 ANNUAL REPORT : DOMESTIC AND INTERNATIONAL. Faan.gov.ng. 27 December 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20161230160408/http://www.faan.gov.ng/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/HARMONIZE-DATA-2015-PAX-AND-AIRCRAFT.pdf. 30 December 2016. dead.
  39. Web site: Traffic Movement Data – Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria. 1 March 2021. 8 November 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201108070331/https://www.faan.gov.ng/category/airports-statistics/traffic-movement-data/. dead.
  40. Web site: Five airports share 89.7% passenger traffic in Nigeria in 2022 – Report. 29 August 2023 .
  41. Web site: African/Arab Countries . Aviation in Malta . 24 July 2010 . https://web.archive.org/web/20111004193722/http://www.aviationinmalta.com/CivilGeneralAviation/DC3/Miaco/tabid/432/language/en-US/Default.aspx . 4 October 2011 . dead .
  42. Web site: 5N-ARA Accident description . Aviation Safety Network . 24 July 2010 . https://web.archive.org/web/20121102150344/http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19819999-4 . 2 November 2012 . live .
  43. Web site: ASN Aircraft accident Boeing 727-231 5N-BBG Ejirin .
  44. "http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/4368516.stm BBC News article."
  45. News: Urquhart. Conal. At least 147 Killed in Nigeria Plane Crash. 3 June 2012. The Guardian. 3 June 2012. London. https://web.archive.org/web/20140219025601/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/jun/03/nigeria-plane-crash. 19 February 2014. live.
  46. Report on the Accident to DANA AIRLINES NIGERIA LIMITED Boeing MD-83 aircraft with registration 5N-RAM which occurred at Iju-Ishaga Area of Lagos State, Nigeria, on 3rd June 2012. Accident Investigation Bureau. DANA/2012/06/03/F. 11 March 2021.
  47. Web site: The Aviation Herald. Avherald.com. 6 June 2015.
  48. Web site: Accident: Delta A332 at Lagos on Feb 13th 2018, engine fire. Avherald.com. 25 February 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180224061806/http://avherald.com/h?article=4b4ea714&opt=0. 24 February 2018. dead.
  49. Web site: Serious incident Airbus A330-223 N858NW, 13 Feb 2018. Harro. Ranter. Aviation-safety.net. 25 February 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180226032643/https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=206158. 26 February 2018. live.
  50. Web site: Accident: Peace B733 at Lagos on May 15th 2019, hard landing and engine pod strike . 23 June 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190612004836/http://avherald.com/h?article=4c916624&opt=0 . 12 June 2019 . dead .
  51. Web site: Incident: Azman B735 at Lagos.

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