FAAN plans 25-day Owerri Airport runway closure for repairs

…closure tentatively scheduled for October 20 ahead of Christmas travel rush The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has proposed a 25-day closure of the runway at Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, from October 20, 2026, to carry out repairs, resurfacing and extension works. The planned closure, which is subject to final confirmation, follows the deterioration of sections of the runway, including potholes and extensive surface cracks aggravated by recent heavy rainfall. Henry Agbebire, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at FAAN, disclosed this in a statement, noting that the intervention was necessary to restore the runway to a safer operational condition. The rehabilitation will involve pavement repairs, crack treatment and resurfacing of affected sections ahead of the anticipated increase in passenger and flight traffic during the Christmas season. FAAN said the works would also include extending the runway to enable the airport to accommodate wide-body aircraft as air traffic to the region grows. The expansion is expected to improve passenger comfort and support smoother airport operations as demand for air travel increases. The proposed closure could affect passengers travelling through Owerri during the period, with FAAN advising travellers to contact their respective airlines for updates on flight schedules and alternative arrangements. The authority said it would continue consultations with relevant stakeholders and announce the confirmed closure and reopening dates once finalised. FAAN said the intervention forms part of its efforts to maintain safe, efficient and reliable airport operations. Share

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has proposed a 25-day closure of the runway at Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, from October 20, 2026, to carry out repairs, resurfacing and extension works. The planned closure, which is subject to final confirmation, follows the deterioration of sections of the runway, including potholes and extensive surface cracks aggravated by recent heavy rainfall. Henry Agbebire, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at FAAN, disclosed this in a statement, noting that the intervention was necessary to restore the runway to a safer operational condition. The rehabilitation will involve pavement repairs, crack treatment and resurfacing of affected sections ahead of the anticipated increase in passenger and flight traffic during the Christmas season. FAAN said the works would also include extending the runway to enable the airport to accommodate wide-body aircraft as air traffic to the region grows. The expansion is expected to improve passenger comfort and support smoother airport operations as demand for air travel increases. The proposed closure could affect passengers travelling through Owerri during the period, with FAAN advising travellers to contact their respective airlines for updates on flight schedules and alternative arrangements. The authority said it would continue consultations with relevant stakeholders and announce the confirmed closure and reopening dates once finalised. FAAN said the intervention forms part of its efforts to maintain safe, efficient and reliable airport operations. Share

The planned closure, which is subject to final confirmation, follows the deterioration of sections of the runway, including potholes and extensive surface cracks aggravated by recent heavy rainfall. Henry Agbebire, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at FAAN, disclosed this in a statement, noting that the intervention was necessary to restore the runway to a safer operational condition. The rehabilitation will involve pavement repairs, crack treatment and resurfacing of affected sections ahead of the anticipated increase in passenger and flight traffic during the Christmas season. FAAN said the works would also include extending the runway to enable the airport to accommodate wide-body aircraft as air traffic to the region grows. The expansion is expected to improve passenger comfort and support smoother airport operations as demand for air travel increases. The proposed closure could affect passengers travelling through Owerri during the period, with FAAN advising travellers to contact their respective airlines for updates on flight schedules and alternative arrangements. The authority said it would continue consultations with relevant stakeholders and announce the confirmed closure and reopening dates once finalised. FAAN said the intervention forms part of its efforts to maintain safe, efficient and reliable airport operations. Share

Henry Agbebire, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at FAAN, disclosed this in a statement, noting that the intervention was necessary to restore the runway to a safer operational condition. The rehabilitation will involve pavement repairs, crack treatment and resurfacing of affected sections ahead of the anticipated increase in passenger and flight traffic during the Christmas season. FAAN said the works would also include extending the runway to enable the airport to accommodate wide-body aircraft as air traffic to the region grows. The expansion is expected to improve passenger comfort and support smoother airport operations as demand for air travel increases. The proposed closure could affect passengers travelling through Owerri during the period, with FAAN advising travellers to contact their respective airlines for updates on flight schedules and alternative arrangements. The authority said it would continue consultations with relevant stakeholders and announce the confirmed closure and reopening dates once finalised. FAAN said the intervention forms part of its efforts to maintain safe, efficient and reliable airport operations. Share

The rehabilitation will involve pavement repairs, crack treatment and resurfacing of affected sections ahead of the anticipated increase in passenger and flight traffic during the Christmas season. FAAN said the works would also include extending the runway to enable the airport to accommodate wide-body aircraft as air traffic to the region grows. The expansion is expected to improve passenger comfort and support smoother airport operations as demand for air travel increases. The proposed closure could affect passengers travelling through Owerri during the period, with FAAN advising travellers to contact their respective airlines for updates on flight schedules and alternative arrangements. The authority said it would continue consultations with relevant stakeholders and announce the confirmed closure and reopening dates once finalised. FAAN said the intervention forms part of its efforts to maintain safe, efficient and reliable airport operations. Share

FAAN said the works would also include extending the runway to enable the airport to accommodate wide-body aircraft as air traffic to the region grows. The expansion is expected to improve passenger comfort and support smoother airport operations as demand for air travel increases. The proposed closure could affect passengers travelling through Owerri during the period, with FAAN advising travellers to contact their respective airlines for updates on flight schedules and alternative arrangements. The authority said it would continue consultations with relevant stakeholders and announce the confirmed closure and reopening dates once finalised. FAAN said the intervention forms part of its efforts to maintain safe, efficient and reliable airport operations. Share

The expansion is expected to improve passenger comfort and support smoother airport operations as demand for air travel increases. The proposed closure could affect passengers travelling through Owerri during the period, with FAAN advising travellers to contact their respective airlines for updates on flight schedules and alternative arrangements. The authority said it would continue consultations with relevant stakeholders and announce the confirmed closure and reopening dates once finalised. FAAN said the intervention forms part of its efforts to maintain safe, efficient and reliable airport operations. Share

The proposed closure could affect passengers travelling through Owerri during the period, with FAAN advising travellers to contact their respective airlines for updates on flight schedules and alternative arrangements. The authority said it would continue consultations with relevant stakeholders and announce the confirmed closure and reopening dates once finalised. FAAN said the intervention forms part of its efforts to maintain safe, efficient and reliable airport operations. Share

The authority said it would continue consultations with relevant stakeholders and announce the confirmed closure and reopening dates once finalised. FAAN said the intervention forms part of its efforts to maintain safe, efficient and reliable airport operations. Share

FAAN said the intervention forms part of its efforts to maintain safe, efficient and reliable airport operations. Share