Updated: FAAN Speaks on Alleged Lagos Airport Fire Incident as Video Trends

• FAAN deployed emergency firefighting teams to Terminal 2 of MMIA Lagos on Sunday, August 2, 2026, after smoke was spotted inside the facility
• Preliminary findings by FAAN pointed to the terminal's FM-200 fire suppression system as the source of the smoke
• FAAN confirmed no casualties were recorded and said investigations are ongoing to determine what triggered the system

Ikeja, Lagos state - The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has said that the smoke seen inside Terminal 2 of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos on Sunday, August 2, did not come from a fire, contradicting fears that sparked an emergency response at the facility.

A video purportedly showing a fire incident at the facility circulated widely on social media.

What triggered emergency response at Lagos airport?

Legit.ng reports that in a statement, FAAN said early findings from its investigation pointed to the accidental discharge of the terminal's FM-200 fire suppression system as the cause of the smoke, ruling out an actual fire incident.

FAAN had earlier received reports of smoke within Terminal 2 and responded by deploying its Aerodrome Rescue and Firefighting Service (ARFFS) to the scene. Standard emergency protocols were activated as a precaution while the situation was assessed.

Following its preliminary review, the authority said:

"Preliminary findings indicate that there was no fire at the terminal. The smoke observed within the affected area resulted from the discharge of the terminal's FM-200 fire suppression system. The reason for the activation of the fire suppression system is currently being investigated."

The FM-200 system is a chemical-based fire suppression mechanism commonly installed in airport terminals and other critical facilities. When discharged, it releases a colourless gas that can appear as a cloud or smoke-like mist, which can be mistaken for the aftermath of a fire.

Operations resume at Lagos airport

FAAN confirmed that no passengers or members of staff were injured during the incident. The authority also said the terminal had returned to full operation, with passengers being processed and flights running as scheduled.

"Normal operations have since resumed at the terminal, while detailed investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the incident," the authority added in its statement.

FAAN said it would continue looking into what caused the suppression system to activate, with findings expected to follow the conclusion of its ongoing investigation.

Read FAAN's full statement, shared via its verified X account, below:

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FAAN introduces facial recognition measure

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that FAAN announced plans to deploy a biometric facial recognition system called V-Pass at domestic airports under its management, describing it as a major step towards faster and more secure passenger processing.

FAAN made the announcement via its official X account, stating that the technology would reduce queues through automated e-Gates and lessen the reliance on physical identification documents during airport checks.

Under the new system, passengers will complete a single enrolment session to register their facial data. From that point, their identity can be verified electronically each time they travel, removing the need to present physical ID at multiple checkpoints.