FG shuts Enugu Airport over bad runway

The Federal Government has ordered the immediate closure of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu, Enugu State, to allow for emergency repairs on the facility’s runway. 

The shutdown, confirmed by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), follows growing concerns about the safety of aircraft operations at the airport.

The development comes shortly after Air Peace, one of Nigeria’s leading carriers operating in and out of Enugu, announced the suspension of all its flights to the airport. In a statement issued by Dr. Ejike Ndiulo, Head of Corporate Communications at Air Peace, the airline attributed the decision to the deteriorating condition of the runway, which has been causing repeated disruptions to flight schedules.

“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 airport runway,” the statement read. “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. At Air Peace, we prioritize safety first over convenience.”

Air Peace further disclosed that flights previously scheduled for Enugu will now operate in and out of the Asaba airport, assuring passengers of continued service while repairs are underway.

FAAN, in its own statement signed by the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Obiageli Orah, confirmed that the closure was prompted by a sudden and significant rupture in the asphalt surface at a critical section of the runway. She said emergency repairs will be carried out from April 22 to May 6, 2025.

“In compliance with Nigerian civil aviation regulations, FAAN has, therefore, closed the runway during this period,” she noted. “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 agency apologised for the short notice and appealed to stakeholders and travellers for understanding and cooperation during the closure. All flights scheduled for Enugu will be diverted to other nearby airports.

This marks the second major closure of the Enugu airport in recent years. In 2019, the airport was shut down for an extended period and only reopened in September 2020 after extensive rehabilitation work. However, recent reports indicate that the runway has once again fallen into disrepair, with pilots reportedly experiencing hard landings due to its poor state.

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