The closure, FAAN stated in a statement on Saturday, is due to a sudden and significant rupture in the asphalt surface at a critical section of the runway.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has announced the temporary closure of Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu from April 22 to May 6, 2025, for essential runway maintenance works.
The closure, FAAN stated in a statement on Saturday, is due to a sudden and significant rupture in the asphalt surface at a critical section of the runway.
Signed by the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mrs. Obiageli Orah, the aviation agency explained that the runway will not be open for landings or takeoffs during the rehabilitation period.
All flights to the airport will be diverted to nearby airports.
FAAN apologised for the late notice and appealed for understanding and cooperation from airport users and stakeholders.
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,” she stated.
The announcement follows Air Peace's decision to suspend flights to Enugu Airport, citing safety concerns due to the poor condition of the runway. The airline stated that the runway issues had been causing major disruptions to its flights.
In a statement released on Friday and signed by the Head of Corporate Communications, Dr. Ejike Ndiulo, the airline said it was compelled to halt operations into Enugu due to persistent runway issues that have been causing major disruptions to its flights.
“We regret to inform you that all flights scheduled to Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu are temporarily suspended due to safety concerns,” 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.”
In the interim, it was stated that all Air Peace flights originally scheduled for Enugu will now operate to and from the Asaba Airport.
The statement concluded with an appeal for passengers’ understanding during this period, reiterating that the decision was made in the best interest of public safety.
“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.”
Meanwhile, Ibom Air in a statement earlier said in light of the repairs, it had suspended all flights to and from Enugu within the affected period.
“Our Customer Contact Centre will reach out to all passengers already booked on affected flights. In the meantime, passengers may explore alternative travel options via our desks at Lagos (LOS), Abuja (ABV), or Enugu (ENU) airports,” the airline stated.
The airline said it regretted the inconvenience the disruption may cause to its passengers and thanked them for their understanding.
“The safety of our passengers remains our top priority, and we look forward to resuming full operations in Enugu once the runway maintenance is completed,” it added.
FAAN's commitment to passenger safety and modernisation of airport facilities necessitates the temporary closure.