The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has announced the temporary closure of Runway 18R/36L at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, to allow for further rehabilitation work.
The shutdown, scheduled for March 3 and 4, 2025, comes just weeks after the runway was reopened following nearly 11 months of maintenance.
The development was outlined in a memo dated February 28, 2025, from FAAN’s Head of Operations, Mrs. J.U. Nwosu, addressed to the Airport Manager/Regional General Manager for the Southwest Region.
The memo, titled “Total Closure of Runway 18R/36L,” explained the need for repairs on the A2 Taxiway link.
“This is to bring to your notice the closure of runway 18R/36L due to the rehabilitation work (asphalt phase) at A2 Taxiway-link of the runway,” the memo stated. “It is considered necessary to close the runway due to the protruding construction equipment which may likely become a potential hazard to any landing and departing aircraft.”
During the closure, FAAN confirmed that Runway 18L/36R would be available for flight operations.
“However, all the technical departments whose facilities may be affected as a result of the closure are advised to constantly inspect those facilities to ensure everything is in place including but not limited to: the grass management, security must be beefed up, and 24-hour surveillance,” FAAN stated.
“It is pertinent to know that all the measures associated to total runway closure will be applied hence, adequate facility protection is necessary,” the authority added.
This isn’t the first time the runway has been closed for repairs. In March 2023, FAAN shut down Runway 18R/36L for maintenance, initially estimating an eight-week timeline. The closure extended longer than expected, disrupting flight schedules as airlines relied on the shorter, domestic-use Runway 18L/36R.
With Links 2 and 3 of the taxiway now operational, international airlines have an alternate route, easing some of the impact of the closure.
The recently reopened Runway 18R/36L measures 3,900 meters (12,794 feet) long and 60 meters (197 feet) wide, serving as a crucial part of Lagos’ air traffic infrastructure