Travel plans for thousands of passengers have been abruptly disrupted as authorities announce a two-week shutdown of Akanu Ibiam International Airport’s runway following the discovery of critical structural damage. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria revealed in a pre-dawn Saturday statement that a sudden asphalt rupture on a vital section of the tarmac necessitates immediate rehabilitation work commencing April 22.
FAAN’s spokesperson Obiageli Orah emphasized the compulsory nature of the closure, citing strict compliance with aviation safety protocols that prohibit operations during such emergency repairs. All scheduled flights will be rerouted to alternative airports across the region until May 6, when the crucial transportation hub is expected to resume normal operations. The authority acknowledged the inconvenience caused by the short notice, attributing the urgent action to unforeseen pavement failure that could compromise aircraft safety if left unaddressed.
This development deals another blow to Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure after recent similar repairs at other major airports with the timing coinciding with peak travel periods, forcing airlines to hastily rearrange schedules and passengers to endure extended ground transportation between diversion airports and their original Enugu destinations.
Authorities assure the public that the repairs will restore full operational safety standards while appealing for patience from affected travelers and airline operators during the disruptive but necessary maintenance period.
