This was contained in a notice to airmen issued by the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency Aeronautical Information Services on Friday.

According to the NOTAM, runway 18R/36L will be closed between the hours of 0000 and 0500.

No reason was given for the closure but a source, who spoke to our correspondent on condition of anonymity, said it was for maintenance purposes.

Some aviation workers were reportedly fired by Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited, hence the demonstration today, November 1.

Passengers were stranded Tuesday morning as flight operations were put on hold due to the protest.

The General Manager, Corporate Affairs of FAAN, Mrs Henrietta Yakubu, gave the assurance in a statement issued in Lagos on Monday, saying that in preparation for the season and beyond, FAAN had beefed up security at all airports, especially the major international gateways in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and Kano.

The statement reads: “We are intensifying our efforts at improving facilities and infrastructure to ensure maximum comfort for all airport users.

“At the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja and Port Harcourt International Airport, the recently commissioned brand new terminals are fully ready to play host to our esteemed passengers in safe, secure and very comfortable ambiences.

“At our premier airport, the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, the VIP lounge has been renovated to enhance passengers’ comfort.

“The carousels are working optimally, amidst other facilities’ upgrade currently ongoing

“The stories were similar in all other airports, as the Authority had put in place facilities, procedures and systems to ensure maximum comfort, safety and security of airport users during the season and beyond.

“FAAN will like to use this opportunity to appeal to passengers to please get to the airports early to conclude all check-in procedures in good time, so as to avoid the experience of missing their flights.

“This is important because of the heavy passenger traffic that is usually the experience around this time and also due to ongoing construction works around the Lagos and Abuja Airports.”

Yakubu added that FAAN would continue to deliver on its core values of safety, security and comfort.