FAAN closes Enugu airport for two weeks to fix runway

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) said will shut down the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu to allow for essential runway maintenance works.

According to the agency, the airport would be temporarily closed from April 22 to May 6th, 2025, for runway repairs.

FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mrs. Obiageli Orah in a statement early Saturday, explained that 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 22 to May 6, 2025.

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 appeals to all airport users and stakeholders for their understanding and cooperation during this time. All flights to this airport will be diverted to nearby airports,” she stated.

She apologised for the late and unexpected notice regarding the closure.

Ibom Air in a statement earlier said in light of the repairs, it had suspended all flights to and from Enugu within the affected period.

“Our Customer Contact Centre will reach out to all passengers already booked on affected flights. In the meantime, passengers may explore alternative travel options via our desks at Lagos (LOS), Abuja (ABV), or Enugu (ENU) airports,” the airline stated.

The airline said it regretted the inconvenience the disruption may cause to its passengers and thanked them for their understanding.

“The safety of our passengers remains our top priority, and we look forward to resuming full operations in Enugu once the runway maintenance is completed,” it added.

Wole Shadare