The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has announced a temporary closure of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, to allow for essential runway maintenance works.
In a statement by FAAN on Saturday, it explained that there is a sudden and significant rupture in the asphalt surface at a critical section of the runway.
Emergency repairs will 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,” FAAN stated.
The authority apologised for the late and unexpected notice regarding this closure.
In light of the repair, Air Peace said it has suspended all flights scheduled to the airport.
The airline attributed the development to what it described as the deteriorating airport infrastructure, which it said has continued to raise safety concerns.
The airline complained about the airport runway, which it said has been causing a major disruption to its flights. Necessitating the decision to suspend further flights into the airport until further notice.
This was made known in a statement by Air Peace on Saturday morning.
The airline lamented that the situation at the Enugu airport runway can no longer be managed, calling on the authorities to wade into the situation urgently.
“At Air Peace, we prioritise safety first over convenience. We believe that if flights are not operated into this aerodrome for the next few days, it will allow the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria the opportunity to perform the necessary repairs on the runway,” the airline stated.
Air Peace said that all flights scheduled into and out of Enugu will now be operated from Asaba, Delta State.
“Please be informed that all flights scheduled into and out of Enugu will now be operated into and out of Asaba.
“We regret any inconvenience this change may have caused,” the airline added.
Also, Ibom Air in a statement earlier, said 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 regrets the inconvenience this disruption may cause and appreciates your 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.
