The Federal Government has ordered the temporary shutdown of Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu State to allow for urgent repairs on the runway.
According to Mrs. Obiageli Orah, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the decision was made following the discovery of a sudden and severe rupture on a critical section of the runway’s asphalt surface.
Repair work is scheduled to begin on April 22, 2025, and conclude by May 6, 2025. During this period, the runway will be completely closed to both landings and takeoffs.
“In compliance with Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations, FAAN has closed the runway for the duration of the repairs. This is part of our commitment to ensuring passenger safety and continuing the modernisation of airport infrastructure,” Orah stated.
FAAN has appealed to passengers and stakeholders for understanding and cooperation, adding that flights originally bound for Enugu will be diverted to nearby airports.
Meanwhile, Air Peace, one of Nigeria’s major airlines, announced it has suspended operations to Enugu and will reroute flights to Asaba Airport. Service to Enugu will resume once the runway repairs are completed and certified.
