The federal government has ordered the immediate closure of Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu State for emergency repairs on the runway of the facility.
The closure confirmed by the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) is an increasing concern about the safety of airport aircraft operations.
The development, shortly after air peace at one of Nigeria’s leading operators, was operated inside and outside Enugu, announcing the suspension of all flights to the airport. In a statement released by Dr. Ejike Ndiulo, head of corporate communications at Air Peace, the airline attributed the decision to a deteriorating runway condition, which led to repeated interruptions in flight schedules.
“We regret to inform you that all flights to Akanu Ibiam International Airport are temporarily suspended due to safety concerns on the Enugu Airport runway.” “The situation on the Enugu runway has been causing significant interference with aircraft peace flights and it was decided to temporarily suspend further flights to the airport until further notice. In air peace, we first place safety prevail over convenience, not convenience.”
Air Peace further revealed that flights previously planned to be in Enugu will now operate inside and outside Asaba Airport and ensure passengers continue to serve during the repair process.
Faan, signed in its own statement by Obiageli Orah, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, confirmed that the closure was caused by a sudden and significant rupture of the asphalt surface in a critical area of the runway. She said emergency repairs will be conducted from April 22 to May 6, 2025.
“According to Nigerian civil aviation regulations, FAAN closed the runway during this period,” she noted. “As part of FAAN’s commitment to passenger safety and modernization of airport facilities, the runway will not be open to land or takeoff during rehabilitation.”
The agency apologizes for the brief notice and calls on stakeholders and travelers to understand and cooperate during the closure. All flights arranged by Enugu will be transferred to other nearby airports.
This marks the second largest closure of the Enugu airport in recent years. In 2019, the airport was closed for a long time until it was reopened in September 2020 after extensive rehabilitation efforts. However, recent reports suggest that the runway was disrepair again, and the pilots reportedly experienced a difficult landing due to their poor condition.
