The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has announced the temporary closure of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu.
In a statement on Saturday, Obiageli Orah, the authority’s director of public affairs and consumer protection, said the shutdown is for emergency repairs to be conducted on a section of the runway.
The FAAN said the repairs will run from April 22 to May 6, 2025.
“There is a sudden and significant rupture in the asphalt surface at a critical section of the runway,” the statement reads.
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“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.”
The authority said all flights scheduled for the airport will be diverted to nearby airports until repairs are completed.
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The agency appealed for the understanding and cooperation of stakeholders, apologising for the late and unexpected closure notice.
In 2019, ex-President Muhammadu Buhari approved the sum of N10 billion as an intervention fund for the rehabilitation of the international airport.
Prior to the financing announcement, the FAAN closed the runway at the airport for repairs on August 24, 2019.
However, the rehabilitation of the facility commenced 34 days after the closure.
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The facility was reopened in 2020, eliciting commendations from leaders in Nigeria’s south east region.
