The Federal Government has announced the temporary closure of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu, Enugu State, following serious safety concerns on the runway. The decision, which took effect on Saturday, April 19, 2025, has led to major flight diversions to Chinua Achebe Airport, Anambra State, and Asaba International Airport, Delta State.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) disclosed in a statement that the closure was necessary due to a sudden and significant rupture in the asphalt surface of a critical section of the runway. According to Obiageli Orah, FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, repairs will run from April 22 to May 6, 2025.
In response, United Nigeria Airline announced the suspension of flights to Enugu, redirecting all operations to the Chinua Achebe Airport in Anambra. The airline expressed regret over the disruption and advised passengers who found the new route convenient to take advantage of the services from Anambra.
Similarly, Air Peace confirmed that its flights originally scheduled for Enugu would operate out of Asaba Airport during the repair period.
Travel estimates show that passengers diverted to Asaba Airport will need to travel approximately 160–170 kilometers by road to reach Enugu. The journey takes around 3 to 4 hours, depending on traffic and stopovers. In contrast, those diverted to Chinua Achebe Airport in Umueri, Anambra, are just 100–110 kilometers away from Enugu, with an estimated 2-hour drive.
The Enugu airport runway had previously undergone two full reconstructions—first in 2009 with funding from a $500 million Chinese loan during Stella Oduah’s tenure, and again in 2019, when PW Construction Company was awarded a ₦4.13 billion contract under Hadi Sirika. The airport reopened in 2020, but recent developments suggest structural issues were not fully addressed.
Commenting on the situation via his X (formerly Twitter) handle, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, criticized the previous rehabilitation works. He noted that the waterlogged areas of the runway were not properly handled, leading to recurring cracks and potholes. He described the worsening situation as “craters” that put passengers’ lives at risk.
“We have carried out palliative works repeatedly, but the problem has not abated,” Keyamo said. “I personally visited the airport after taking office and was displeased with the work done by the contractor.”
Flights are expected to return to Enugu once the emergency repair works are completed by May 6, 2025.
