The Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu State, Nigeria, has been temporarily closed by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) for emergency runway repairs. This decision follows safety concerns raised by airlines, including Air Peace, which had temporarily suspended flights to the airport due to the deteriorating condition of the runway.

According to FAAN's Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Obiageli Orah, a sudden and significant rupture in the asphalt surface of a critical section of the runway necessitated the closure. The emergency repairs are scheduled to take place from April 22nd to May 6th, 2025. FAAN stated that the closure is in compliance with Nigerian civil aviation regulations and is part of their commitment to passenger safety and the modernization of airport facilities. During this period, the runway will be closed for all landings and takeoffs, and flights will be diverted to nearby airports.

Air Peace had earlier announced the suspension of its flights to Enugu due to safety concerns related to the runway's condition. The airline stated that the deteriorating infrastructure was causing major disruptions to their flights and called for urgent action from the authorities. Air Peace emphasized that safety is their top priority and expressed hope that the temporary suspension of flights would allow FAAN to carry out the necessary repairs.

Ibom Air also announced the suspension of all flights to and from Enugu during the affected period. Passengers with bookings on affected flights were advised to explore alternative travel options through the airline's desks at Lagos, Abuja, or Enugu airports.

This is not the first time the Enugu airport has been closed for runway repairs. In 2019, the airport was shut down for several months and reopened in September 2020 after rehabilitation work. However, the runway has since deteriorated again, leading to hard landings and safety concerns for pilots.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has expressed his disapproval of the previous repair work carried out on the runway. He noted that the waterlogged part of the runway was not properly constructed, leading to constant cracks and potholes. Keyamo apologized for the inconvenience caused by the closure and stated that the government is committed to working tirelessly to meet the timeline for repairs.

The temporary closure of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport will undoubtedly cause disruptions for travelers in the southeastern part of Nigeria. However, FAAN has appealed to airport users and stakeholders for their understanding and cooperation during this time, emphasizing that the repairs are necessary to ensure passenger safety and modernize airport facilities.

The Nigerian government approved N10 billion for the rehabilitation of the airport in 2019, and while the facility was reopened in 2020, the recent developments indicate that the underlying issues with the runway's construction need to be addressed to prevent future closures and ensure the safety of air travel.