The Federal Government through the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), has said it will close temporary the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu, Enugu, for emergency runway repairs.
A statement signed by the Director of Public Affairs & Consumer Protection, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Obiageli Orah explained that the closure was necessitated by a sudden and significant rupture in the asphalt surface at a critical section of the runway.
She further explained that as a result, emergency repairs will be conducted on that portion of the runway from April 22nd to May 6th, 2025.
She stated that in compliance with Nigerian civil aviation regulations, FAAN has, therefore, closed the runway during this period.
She noted that 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 appealed 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 statement said.
Meanwhile, Air Peace and Ibom Air have temporarily suspended flight operations to the troubled airport.
A statement signed by Air Peace Head of Corporate Communications, Dr. Ejike Ndiulo said the suspension of flights to the airport by Air Peace was due to safety concerns of the Enugu airport runway.
Ndiulo explained in the statement that the situation of the Enugu runway had been causing major disruptions to the carrier’s flight; hence the decision to temporarily suspend further flights into the airport until further notice.
“We regret to inform you that all flights scheduled to Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu are temporarily suspended due to safety concerns of the Enugu runway. The situation of the Enugu runway has been causing major disruptions to Air Peace flights, hence, the decision to temporarily suspend further flights into this airport until further notice”, Ndiulo said.
“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 FAAN the opportunity to perform the necessary repairs pf the runway,” he added.
The Air Peace Spokesman further explained that all flights scheduled into and out of Enugu will now be operated into and out of Asaba Airport.
According to him, ” We regret any inconveniences this change might have caused”, the airline emphasised.
In the same vein, Ibom Air, one of the leading domestic airlines in the country has also announced the suspension of its flights in and out of Enugu within the affected period.
The suspension of its flights is contained in a statement issued at the weekend and signed by the management of the airline.
“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.
“We sincerely regret the inconvenience this disruption may cause and appreciate your 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,” the statement reads.
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