A press release from the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) on Good Friday, 18th April 2025, disclosed that Akanu Ibiam International Airport would be closed temporarily for emergency runway rehabilitation.
FAAN disclosed further that the Airport desires emergency repair as the runway needs repair after recording a significant rupture of the asphalt surface at a critical section of the runway.
Emergency repair at the sole international airport in South East located in Enugu will commence after the Easter holiday on Tuesday, April 22nd 2025 to 6th May 2025.
In the Press Release signed by Mrs Obiageli Orah, FAAN Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, the runway will not be opened for landings or takeoffs during the rehabilitation period.
Minister of Aviation, Barr Festus Keyamo, in a tweet on his X social media handle, confirmed the closure of the Airport due to poor contractor work done in the runway, which the rehabilitation intervention became a child of necessity to safeguard the life of people who uses the airport, known as the international route in South East.
The closing down of the airport came during the Easter period, at a time when many people coming to the South East have booked flights coming to Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, Enugu State. Airlines that already planned to take the Enugu route cancelled their flight and rerouted to other airports.
Users of the Airport frowned at the short notice, which came when they had already made their plans for the Easter holiday, while others applauded the immediate intervention of FAAN in moving to prevent uncertainty, as prevention is better than a cure.