Federal neglect forces Enugu airport into sudden closure

DDM News

The Federal Government has announced the temporary closure of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu.

The closure comes after the discovery of a major defect on a critical section of the airport’s runway.

According to Diaspora digital media (DDM), this development was disclosed on Saturday, April 19, 2025, in an official statement issued by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

The statement was signed by the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at FAAN, Obiageli Orah.

According to her, a sudden and dangerous rupture appeared on the asphalt surface of the runway.

The affected portion, she said, represents a serious threat to the safety of flight operations.

As a result, emergency repairs have been scheduled to begin on April 22, 2025.

The repairs are expected to be completed by May 6, 2025.

During this period, no aircraft will be permitted to take off or land on the runway.

Orah stressed that the closure is in full compliance with Nigerian civil aviation regulations.

She said the decision is part of FAAN’s broader commitment to maintaining safety and improving airport infrastructure across Nigeria.

She added that the Federal Government remains focused on modernising airport facilities and ensuring secure flight operations.

According to the statement, FAAN has already made arrangements to reroute flights to nearby airports.

Passengers and airline operators have been urged to cooperate with airport authorities during the closure.

Orah appealed for patience from the traveling public and all aviation stakeholders.

She assured that every effort would be made to minimise inconvenience.

The closure of the Enugu airport is not the first time such action has been taken due to runway concerns.

In 2019, the airport was shut down for months over similar structural issues

After months of repairs, the airport was reopened in 2020 with upgraded runway features and improved terminal facilities.

Despite these past upgrades, the latest discovery suggests lingering concerns over the durability of previous repair works.

Background of Akanu Ibiam International Airport

Akanu Ibiam International Airport is located in Enugu, the capital of Enugu State in southeastern Nigeria.

The airport is named after Dr. Akanu Ibiam, a prominent Nigerian nationalist and former Governor of Eastern Nigeria.

Initially serving only domestic flights, the airport was upgraded to international status in 2009.

This upgrade was part of a federal initiative to boost air travel in the southeastern region of Nigeria.

In 2013, the airport began handling international flights, with Ethiopian Airlines leading operations to Addis Ababa and other global destinations.

The airport quickly became a strategic air travel hub for people in the South-East geopolitical zone.

It serves a mix of business travellers, government officials, and citizens visiting from the diaspora.

The airport’s proximity to major southeastern cities has made it vital to the region’s economic and social activities.

However, the airport has faced ongoing challenges with its infrastructure.

Runway issues have emerged multiple times, raising questions about long-term planning and maintenance.

Stakeholders have repeatedly called for consistent investments in aviation infrastructure to prevent recurring disruptions.

The current closure once again highlights the urgent need for sustainable infrastructural upgrades in Nigerian airports.

FAAN has assured the public that the Enugu airport will not resume operations until the runway is certified safe.

Authorities have promised to maintain a strict timeline and carry out quality work that meets international standards.

Travellers are advised to follow official channels for updates and plan accordingly during the closure window.

The temporary shutdown is expected to impact flight schedules and logistics, especially for passengers travelling in and out of southeastern Nigeria.

Nonetheless, the government insists that safety remains the top priority.

FAAN’s decision is seen as a proactive step to prevent accidents and reinforce passenger confidence in air travel.

The aviation community is watching closely, hoping that this repair project will mark the beginning of more reliable operations at Enugu airport.

By the end of the repair period, FAAN aims to restore full service and reassure the public of the airport’s operational safety.

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