The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has announced the temporary closure of the runway at Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport in Owerri, Imo State, for 25 days starting October 20, 2026. The closure is scheduled to complete necessary repairs and resurfacing work on the runway.
The decision follows assessments identifying deteriorating sections of the runway that require urgent attention to ensure safety standards are maintained. The closure is subject to final confirmation and will impact all flights using the airport during the period. No alternative arrangements have been specified for air traffic during the shutdown.
This marks the second time the airport has faced a runway closure in recent months, raising concerns about the long-term maintenance of critical infrastructure. Previous closures were attributed to similar structural issues, prompting calls for increased investment in airport facilities. The current plan aims to address these concerns through comprehensive repairs. The closure is expected to affect local and regional air connectivity, highlighting the importance of maintaining operational readiness in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
