FAAN Closes Akanu Ibiam Airport for Runway Repairs

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) announced on Saturday that the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu has been closed temporarily to allow for essential runway maintenance works.

The closure, which will last from April 22nd to May 6th, 2025, is due to a sudden and significant rupture in the asphalt surface at a critical section of the runway.

According to FAAN, the emergency repairs are necessary to ensure the safety of passengers and aircraft.

“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,” he said.

The closure has affected several airlines, including Air Peace and Ibom Air, which have suspended all flights to and from the airport.

Air Peace attributed the development to the deteriorating airport infrastructure, which it said has continued to raise safety concerns. “The situation at the Enugu airport runway can no longer be managed, and we call on the authorities to wade into the situation urgently,” the airline stated.

Air Peace has announced that all flights scheduled into and out of Enugu will now be operated from Asaba, Delta State. “We regret any inconvenience this change may have caused,” the airline added. Ibom Air has also suspended all flights to and from Enugu within the affected period and has advised passengers to explore alternative travel options via its desks at Lagos, Abuja, or Enugu airports.

The closure of the airport has caused inconvenience to passengers, but airlines have assured that the safety of their passengers remains their top priority.

“We prioritise safety first over convenience,” Air Peace stated. “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.”

FAAN has apologised for the late and unexpected notice regarding the closure and has appealed to all airport users and stakeholders for their understanding and cooperation during this time. The authority has assured that the runway will be reopened as soon as the repairs are completed.