THE Nigerian Government has ordered the temporary closure of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu State to allow emergency repairs on a critical section of the runway.
This was announced on Saturday, April 19, by the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Obiageli Orah, in a statement.
According to Orah, the decision became necessary following the discovery of a sudden rupture in the asphalt surface of the runway, posing a significant safety concern.
“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,” the statement said.
Orah noted that the closure was in line with civil aviation regulations and part of efforts to ensure passenger safety and upgrade airport infrastructure.
“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,” she added.
She further appealed to travellers for their understanding during the period, while confirming that flights would be redirected to nearby airports.
Air Peace suspends operations
The Federal Government’s announcement came hours after Air Peace said it had suspended its operations at the Enugu Airport due to the deteriorating state of the runway.
In its statement on Friday, April 18, the airline expressed frustration over the state of the runway, which it said had increasingly disrupted its operations.
The airline said the runway had posed persistent safety concerns. It called for urgent intervention from the authorities.
“At Air Peace, we prioritise safety first over convenience. We believe that if flights are not operated into this aerodrome for the next few days, it will allow the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria the opportunity to perform the necessary repairs on the runway,” the airline stated.
It further announced the diversion of all Enugu-bound flights to the Asaba Airport in Delta State.
Usman Mustapha is a solution journalist with International Centre for Investigative Reporting. You can easily reach him via: umustapha@icirnigeria.com. He tweets @UsmanMustapha_M