The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has announced an immediate temporary closure of the runway at Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, to facilitate emergency repairs.
In a statement issued on Saturday, April 19, 2025, Obiageli Orah, FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, confirmed the shutdown is necessary due to significant damage found on the runway surface.
“There is a sudden and significant rupture in the asphalt surface at a critical section of the runway,” the official statement reads.
The emergency repairs are scheduled to take place over approximately two weeks, commencing April 22, 2025, and concluding May 6, 2025.
“In compliance with Nigerian civil aviation regulations, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has, therefore, closed the runway during this period,” the statement continued. “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 has advised that all flights originally scheduled to operate into or out of Enugu during the closure period will be diverted to alternative nearby airports.
The authority appealed for the understanding and cooperation of airlines, passengers, and all stakeholders, acknowledging the disruption and apologising for the late notice necessitated by the unexpected nature of the runway damage.
