The Federal Government has officially reopened the D Wing of the old international terminal at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

The government aimed to alleviate flight disruptions and improve the overall efficiency of air travel.

The move was part of a broader effort to address the growing challenges faced by travellers and airlines operating in Nigeria, following the sudden relocation of foreign airlines from the international terminal of the Lagos airport to an adjoining new terminal that opened in March.

The reopening of the old international terminal, which had been temporarily closed for renovation, was announced by the Minister of Aviation, Mr Festus Keyamo, on Monday.

A statement signed by the Director, Public Affairs & Consumer Protection, FAAN, Abdullahi Yakubu-Funtua, said Keyamo emphasised the government’s commitment to enhancing the aviation sector and ensuring that passengers had a seamless travel experience.

The statement reads in part, “This is to inform  the travelling public  that the Hon. Minister of Aviation, Mr Festus Keyamo,  has  graciously  allowed  the use of the D Wing  of the Old Murtala  Muhammed International terminal to compliment the New International Terminal in order to  ease facilitation of passengers through  the airport.”

Keyamo had ordered airlines to relocate to the new terminal on October 1, 2023 but FAAN on Wednesday forcefully relocated the international carriers to the facility.

The sudden relocation by FAAN came the same day fire razed part of the baggage hall of the MMIA, forcing the agency to evacuate passengers and personnel from the facility.

Reacting, the Director of Media, FAAN, Mr Abdullahi Yakubu-Funtua, said the airport fire and other development affecting power supply necessitated the sudden relocation of the foreign carriers.  However, he said FAAN was on the matter.

The use of the D Wing for the processing of passengers had commenced.