# Lomé airport infrastructure and management updates > Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/lom-airport-infrastructure-and-management-updates > Updated: 2026-10-21T19:33:43.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2. On September 30, 2026, a major sewage pipe explosion occurred at Gnassingbé Eyadéma International Airport in Lomé, Togo. An aging evacuation pipe in the central hall burst due to hydraulic pressure and accumulated gases, projecting sewage and toxic effluents onto hundreds of passengers. The incident caused significant property damage, including destroyed passports and electronics, and forced the complete closure of the airport, diverting regional flights to Cotonou and Accra. In response to the sanitary crisis and previous management deficiencies, the Société Aéroportuaire de Lomé-Tokoin (SALT) has initiated a modernization project. This effort includes transitioning toward private sector involvement to restore international confidence. A key strategic partnership with Lagardère Travel Retail has been established to modernize duty-free areas, enhance sanitary standards, and improve passenger flow at the airport. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-21: Lomé Airport modernization involves private sector partnership Togo is modernizing duty-free shops at Gnassingbé Eyadéma International Airport through SALT and private partnerships like Lagardère Travel Retail to improve service standards and passenger experience. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lom-airport-modernization-involves-private-sector-partnership ### 2026-10-02: Lomé airport sewage pipe explosion disrupts travel A sewage pipe burst at Lomé's Gnassingbé Eyadéma International Airport, spraying waste on hundreds of passengers and forcing the terminal to close and regional flights to divert. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lom-airport-sewage-pipe-explosion-disrupts-travel --- Cite as: Lomé airport infrastructure and management updates. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/lom-airport-infrastructure-and-management-updates