Air travellers in Nigeria’s southwest region have been thrown into chaos following the indefinite closure of Akure and Ibadan airports, leaving many stranded and frustrated.

Akure, Ibadan Airport Closures Leave Many South-West Nigeria Air Passengers Stranded

Air travellers in Nigeria’s southwest region have been thrown into chaos following the indefinite closure of Akure and Ibadan airports, leaving many stranded and frustrated.

The Akure Airport, which serves Ondo and neighbouring states, was shut down by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) after a rainstorm on Monday evening destroyed critical infrastructure.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) also confirmed that Ibadan Airport will be closed for six months for maintenance and upgrade work.

This implies that Lagos is the only state in Nigeria’s southwest region with a functioning airport, leaving many travellers stranded.

Frustrated passengers have taken to social media to express their anger and disappointment over the disruptions, with many calling out airlines for failing to provide adequate information or alternative solutions.

A user on X, identified as Sonia (@iTheCrux), called out Overland Airways, saying: "The airport in Akure has been shut yet you are refusing to send out cancellation messages.

“After having to pay through my nose for a car to Lagos, surely you guys don’t expect me to still pay for a rescheduling! @fccpcnigeria please help."

Another user, @iMotivateAfrica, lamented the situation, stating: "I wish commercial flights had started operations in Ekiti Airport, as Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria shuts down Akure Airport for three months.

“It would have been an opportunity to showcase the airport facilities to the world. Unfortunately, commercial airlines will not start operations in Ekiti Airport until June/July."

Similarly, Ayotomiwa Olutayo (@ayotomiwa_olu) noted the wider impact of the closures, saying: "Exactly same thing I said when I heard the Akure incident. Especially when Ibadan airport is also down. But another factor to consider/worry about is the state of the federal roads leading to our state.”

FAAN officials revealed that Akure Airport was closed due to severe damage caused by a rainstorm that swept through the facility on Monday evening.

An airport staff member, who spoke anonymously to The PUNCH, said: “Monday’s rainstorm damaged several pieces of equipment in the control tower, including the network time protocol, encoder, air conditioners, computers, and other engineering tools. The windows were shattered, and part of the ceiling caved in.”

She further disclosed that residential areas of the airport were also affected: “If you go around the airport, you’ll see that many buildings, including staff quarters, were affected. About seven staff quarters had their roofs blown off by the heavy storm.”

As a result, all commercial flights have been suspended until further notice, pending the repair of the damaged infrastructure.

Beyond the airport, the storm also wreaked havoc in several communities in Akure North Local Government Area, including Eleyewo, Ilu Abo, and Bolorunduro, where properties worth millions of naira were destroyed.

Residents said the downpour, which lasted for several hours, damaged vehicles, shops, churches, and other structures. However, no casualties were reported.

In a separate development, the NCAA had also announced the closure of Ibadan Airport for six months to allow for maintenance and upgrade works. The Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, made this known on Friday via his X handle, saying: “Subject to new information, Ibadan airport may be shut down for six months for maintenance/upgrade, starting from early March.”

This comes barely eight months after President Bola Tinubu approved plans to upgrade the Ibadan Domestic Airport, Alakia, to an international airport.

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde had earlier disclosed that the upgrade would include expanding and extending the runway and improving facilities to accommodate international flights.

A new international terminal is also under construction as part of this initiative. The first phase of the project began on September 18, 2024, and Governor Makinde announced in January 2025 that the terminal was a crucial step in achieving the goal of turning Ibadan Airport into a fully functional international gateway.

With two major airports in the southwest region now non-operational, travelers are forced to rely on alternative transport means, mainly road travel, which poses its own risks due to the poor condition of federal roads.

The situation has sparked renewed calls for the urgent development of regional airports, particularly in states like Ekiti, where commercial flight operations have yet to commence.

Many believe that improving and diversifying air transport options in the region will help reduce over-reliance on major hubs like Lagos and Abuja, ultimately improving connectivity and economic activities.