From dangerous reputation to global hub: the turbulent history of Lagos's primary airport

Countries & Cities · Published 10 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Murtala Muhammed International Airport has evolved from a World War II-era facility into Nigeria's busiest gateway. Once notorious for security failures that led to international flight suspensions, the airport has undergone decades of transformation, including major terminal expansions and safety upgrades, to reclaim its status as a vital African aviation center.

Originally established during World War II, the airport was renamed in 1976 to honor Murtala Muhammed, Nigeria's fourth head of state, following his assassination. By the late 1980s and 1990s, the facility faced severe challenges. The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) famously issued warnings regarding security standards and suspended direct air services to Lagos in 1993. This period was marked by significant safety concerns, including reports of airplane robberies on the tarmac, which were eventually curtailed by a strict shoot-on-sight policy implemented by airport police following the 1999 democratic election.

The airport's infrastructure has seen constant, often difficult, evolution. A new international terminal, modeled after Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, opened in 1979. Decades later, a massive expansion project funded by a ₦106 billion loan from the Exim Bank of China led to the commissioning of a second international terminal in 2022, designed to process 14 million passengers annually. However, the transition was not seamless; initial layout issues prevented larger aircraft from reaching gates, necessitating the demolition of private hangars to expand the apron space. By October 2023, authorities successfully mandated that all airlines shift operations to this new facility to allow for the renovation of the original terminal.

Today, the airport serves as the headquarters for the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and remains a critical hub for major carriers like Air Peace. Despite its growth, the site has a complex history of accidents and operational hurdles, ranging from the 1969 Nigeria Airways crash to more recent infrastructure fires in 2026. As of 2010, the FAA had restored the airport to its highest safety rating, reflecting a long-term commitment to modernization. With ongoing projects, such as the 2025 renovation of the original terminal, the airport continues to navigate the demands of serving Nigeria's largest state while balancing the complexities of international aviation standards.

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