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The Federal Government has announced the temporary closure of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu, Enugu State, for emergency repairs of the runway.
This is coming hours after Air Peace, one of the airline operating to the airport, suspended flights temporarily citing safety concerns.
Dr. Ejike Ndiulo, Head of Corporate Communications of Air Peace who confirmed the decision in a statement said safety issues at Enugu Airport had been causing disruption to Air Peace flights.
The statement read: “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 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. We believe that if flights are not operated into this aerodrome for the next few days, it will allow FAAN the opportunity to perform the necessary repairs on the runway.
“To this end, please be informed that all flights scheduled into and out of Enugu will now be operated into and out of Asaba airport. We regret any inconvenience this change might have caused. At Air Peace, your safety is our priority.”
Daily Trust reports that Enugu Airport was shut down for months in 2019 until September 2020 when it was reopened after the rehabilitation of the runway.
However, the runway which was rehabilitated at the time with the entire length of the runway paved, had become dilapidated again.
It was learnt that the runway had virtually returned to its old self causing pilots to experience hard landing at the runway.
FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Obiageli Orah in a statement confirming the shutdown stated that there was a sudden and significant rupture in the asphalt surface at a critical section of the runway.
She said emergency repairs would be conducted on that portion of the runway from April 22nd to May 6th, 2025.
“In compliance with Nigerian civil aviation regulations, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has, therefore, closed the runway during this period.
“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 appeals to all airport users and stakeholders for their understanding and cooperation during this time. All flights to this airport will be diverted to nearby airports.
“We sincerely apologise for the late and unexpected notice regarding this closure,” she said.
