The Federal Government has ordered a temporary closure of Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu State to allow for emergency repairs on the runway.
In a statement released on Saturday, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) announced that a section of the runway developed a sudden fault, prompting the need for immediate intervention.
The announcement was made by FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Obiageli Orah.
She revealed that a significant break had appeared on the asphalt at a crucial point on the runway, necessitating swift repair work.
“Emergency maintenance is scheduled to run from April 22 to May 6, 2025, to address the affected area and ensure flight safety,” Orah stated.
She added that the shutdown aligns with regulatory standards under Nigeria’s civil aviation guidelines, emphasizing that passenger safety remains FAAN’s top priority.
“As part of efforts to improve airport safety and infrastructure, the runway will be closed to all air traffic during the repair window,” the statement explained.
FAAN urged passengers, airline operators, and other users of the airport to remain understanding during the period of inconvenience. Orah confirmed that all flights originally destined for the Enugu airport will be rerouted to alternative nearby airports.
“We apologize for the short notice and the inconvenience this may cause, but the safety of all stakeholders is paramount,” she added.
In a related development, Air Peace airline has halted its flight operations to and from Enugu, citing ongoing concerns over the condition of the airport’s facilities.
The airline expressed that the state of the infrastructure poses potential safety risks and must be addressed.