The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has announced its intention to temporarily close the runways 18R and 36L at the international axis of the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos for maintenance work.
According to a statement released by the organization on Monday, the closure will last for eight weeks to allow for repairs.
During this period, all flight operations will be redirected to Taxiway B-18L until the maintenance work is completed. It is worth noting that this same international runway was closed earlier this year for repairs by the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency.
The latest announcement comes eight months after Runway 18, located at the domestic wing of the airport, was also shut down. This was to allow contractors to install an airfield ground lighting system that had been neglected for over 15 years. The closure caused difficulties for domestic airlines, who had to use the 18/Right runway typically reserved for international airlines.
FAAN has stated that the current shutdown is part of a larger plan to improve the safety and efficiency of flight operations at the Lagos Airport. However, it is possible that the closure and diversion of foreign airline flights to alternate taxiways may create chaotic situations, especially during peak periods of foreign flights.
Comments are closed.