FG shuts Owerri airport over runway repair

Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri. Credit: Farringdonjets.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has announced the temporary closure of the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, Imo State, for 25 days to allow for runway rehabilitation and extension.

The closure is scheduled to commence on October 20, 2026, ahead of the peak Christmas travel season.

Keyamo disclosed this in a post on his X handle on Friday, explaining that the decision followed an agreement among the Federal Government, the Imo State Government, and aviation stakeholders in the South-East.

He stated that he had spoken with Governor Hope Uzodimma earlier in the day, adding that the planned works were necessary to ensure aviation safety and prepare the airport for increased passenger traffic during the festive period.

According to the minister, the rehabilitation will involve repairing deteriorated sections of the runway pavement, treating surface cracks, filling potholes, resurfacing affected areas, and extending the runway.

He noted that the project, executed through the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria in partnership with the Imo State Government, would restore the runway to a safer and more reliable condition.

“The rehabilitation will involve repairs to deteriorated sections of the runway pavement, treatment of extensive surface cracks, filling of potholes, and resurfacing of affected areas, alongside the planned runway extension.

“When completed, these works are expected to restore the runway to a safer and more reliable operational condition and improve its capacity to accommodate larger aircraft, subject to applicable operational and regulatory requirements.

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“The timing of this intervention is particularly important as we approach the Christmas travel season, when passenger traffic and flight movements to Owerri traditionally increase.

“It is our responsibility to ensure that the necessary infrastructure is in the right condition to support safe and efficient operations during this busy period and beyond.

The minister acknowledged that the temporary closure would inconvenience passengers and airport users but appealed for understanding, stressing that aviation safety remains non-negotiable.

He assured that the Federal Government would continue to engage the Imo State Government, airlines, and other stakeholders to coordinate the project and minimize disruptions.

Keyamo advised passengers scheduled to travel through the airport during the closure period to contact their respective airlines regarding flight rescheduling, cancellations, and alternative travel arrangements.

He added that confirmed closure and reopening dates would be officially communicated through formal aviation channels.

The minister commended Uzodimma and the Imo State Government for their cooperation, describing the partnership as an effective collaboration to upgrade aviation infrastructure and stimulate regional economic growth.