The federal government on Saturday announced the closure of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu to traffic.
Spokesperson for the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria FAAN, Mrs Obiageli Orah said in a statement that the airport was shut for emergency runway repairs.
She said the closure would last from April 22 to May 6, 2025.
The statement reads: “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.
‘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.
“We sincerely apologise for the late and unexpected notice regarding this closure.”
The action was taken after Air Peace announced yesterday that it had withdrawn its services to the airport for safety reasons.
Recall that the airport’s runway was closed on August 24, 2019 for rehabilitation and reopened one year after in 2020.
“After 370 days of closure the Akanu Ibiam International Airport comes alive with an aircraft conveying the Hon. Minister of Aviation; Sen. Hadi Sirika/entourage landing on the new runway,” then spokesperson for FAAN, Mrs Henrietta Yakubu said when the facility was reopened.