Lomé travellers: boarding-area plumbing overflow on 30 Sep, sewage claims unverified

The operator of Gnassingbé Eyadéma International Airport in Lomé, Togo, has confirmed a plumbing incident in the boarding area on 30 September 2026. The statement from Société aéroportuaire de Lomé-Tokoin (SALT) came after claims circulated widely on social media that passengers had been splashed with sewage.

Key facts

• Airport: Gnassingbé Eyadéma International Airport, Lomé, Togo
• Date and time: 30 September 2026 at 12:50
• Location: boarding area
• Cause given by the operator: an overflow from a plumbing trap
• Response: technical and cleaning teams sent to contain the overflow and restore the area
• Flight disruption: none identified in the operator's statement

What happened?

SALT said the incident took place at 12:50 in the boarding area and followed an overflow from a plumbing trap. According to the operator, technical and cleaning teams were deployed immediately to contain the overflow and restore the affected part of the terminal.

The airport operator said passengers were able to continue their activities while the intervention was under way.

What is being claimed?

Exiled Togolese investigative journalist Ferdinand Ayité alleged that toilet pipes had failed and that faecal matter had spilled onto passengers preparing to board a flight. His account triggered widespread criticism and commentary online.

SALT's statement did not confirm the allegation that passengers were splashed with sewage. It also gave no details of any flights affected by the incident.

What does this mean for travellers?

The incident was limited to the boarding area at Lomé's international airport, and the operator says that area was restored after technical and cleaning teams intervened. No flight cancellations, delays or schedule changes are mentioned in the operator's statement.

Travellers passing through Lomé can check with their airline for any flight-specific information, and note that the operator has not confirmed the sewage claims circulating on social media.

What happens next?

No further statements, investigations or follow-up measures have been announced at this stage. The airport operator has not published details of any affected flights, and no timeline for additional information has been given.