The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced the
temporary closure of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu, Enugu
State, for emergency runway repairs.
“There is a sudden and significant rupture in the
asphalt surface at a critical section of the runway.
“Hence, emergency repairs will be conducted on that
portion of the runway from April 22nd to May 6th, 2025.” A statement by the
Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) stated.
FAAN added that, “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 is therefore appealing to all airport users and
stakeholders for their understanding and cooperation
during this time.”
The statement added that, “All flights to this airport
will be diverted to nearby airports.”
Meanwhile, the Honourable Minister of Aviation and
Aerospace Development, Olorogun Festus Keyamo has inspected the runway to
ascertain its condition.
Reacting, Keyamo said: “Dear compatriots, we have been
compelled to take this decision to close the runway of the Akanu Ibiam
International Airport, Enugu, for two weeks starting from April 22nd, 2025, in
order to carry out major repair works on it.
“We sincerely apologise to Nigerians over this
development as the airport is our major international gateway in the
Southeastern part of Nigeria.
“It will be recalled that this same development led to
the closure of the runway in August 2019 for one whole year and the contract
for the total rehabilitation was awarded to a contractor.
“Unfortunately, when we came to office, we discovered
that waterlogged part of the runway was not properly constructed to take care
of the problem, leading to constant cracks and potholes on the runway.
“These obviously put the lives of the travelling
public at great risk. We have been carrying out constant palliative works on
it, but the problem has not abated and the cracks on the runway are becoming
craters.
“I personally visited the airport some months after
assuming office and expressed my total displeasure with the work done by the
contractor.”
The Minister stressed that, “In the meantime,
scheduled flight operations to Enugu will be diverted to other neighbouring
airports.
“We are going to work tirelessly to meet the timeline
in order to mitigate the inconvenience this closure will cause the travelling
public.”
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