Akanu Ibiam International Airport Closed for Emergency Runway Rehabilitation
By Reporter
The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced the temporary closure of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu, Enugu State, for emergency runway repairs.
“There is a sudden and significant rupture in the asphalt surface at a critical section of the runway.
“Hence, emergency repairs will be conducted on that portion of the runway from April 22nd to May 6th, 2025.” A statement by the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) stated.
FAAN added that, “In compliance with Nigerian civil aviation regulations, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has, therefore, closed the runway during this period.
“As part of FAAN’s commitment to passenger safety and the modernisation of airport facilities, the runway will not be open for landings or takeoffs during the rehabilitation
period.”
FAAN is therefore appealing to all airport users and stakeholders for their understanding and cooperation
during this time.”
The statement added that, “All flights to this airport will be diverted to nearby airports.”
Meanwhile, the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Olorogun Festus Keyamo has inspected the runway to ascertain its condition.
Reacting, Keyamo said: “Dear compatriots, we have been compelled to take this decision to close the runway of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, for two weeks starting from April 22nd, 2025, in order to carry out major repair works on it.
“We sincerely apologise to Nigerians over this development as the airport is our major international gateway in the Southeastern part of Nigeria.
“It will be recalled that this same development led to the closure of the runway in August 2019 for one whole year and the contract for the total rehabilitation was awarded to a contractor.
“Unfortunately, when we came to office, we discovered that waterlogged part of the runway was not properly constructed to take care of the problem, leading to constant cracks and potholes on the runway.
“These obviously put the lives of the travelling public at great risk. We have been carrying out constant palliative works on it, but the problem has not abated and the cracks on the runway are becoming craters.
“I personally visited the airport some months after assuming office and expressed my total displeasure with the work done by the contractor.”
The Minister stressed that, “In the meantime, scheduled flight operations to Enugu will be diverted to other neighbouring airports.
“We are going to work tirelessly to meet the timeline in order to mitigate the inconvenience this closure will cause the travelling public.”
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