The Federal Government has ordered the immediate closure of Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu to allow for urgent repairs on the runway, following mounting safety concerns.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) confirmed the shutdown, citing a significant rupture in the asphalt surface of a critical section of the runway. According to FAAN, emergency rehabilitation work will take place from April 22 to May 6, 2025.
The closure comes shortly after Air Peace, Nigeria’s leading airline serving Enugu, suspended all flights to the airport due to the worsening condition of the runway. In a statement, Dr. Ejike Ndiulo, Head of Corporate Communications at Air Peace, emphasized that the decision was made to ensure passenger safety.
“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,” the airline stated. Flights initially scheduled for Enugu will now operate through Asaba Airport.
FAAN Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Obiageli Orah, assured travelers that the closure aligns with civil aviation safety regulations and emphasized the agency’s commitment to safe and modern airport infrastructure.
This marks the second major closure of Enugu airport in recent years. The facility was previously shut down in 2019 and reopened in 2020 after a lengthy rehabilitation. However, fresh reports of deteriorating runway conditions have sparked renewed concern, with pilots reportedly experiencing hard landings.
FAAN apologized for the short notice and appealed for understanding and cooperation from passengers and stakeholders during the repair period. Flights scheduled for Enugu will be redirected to other nearby airports until the runway is deemed safe for operations.
