Flights Cancelled, Redirected as FG Shuts Down International Airport, Gives Reason
- The FG has temporarily shut down the airport in Enugu State to carry out urgent repairs on a damaged section of the runway
- FAAN stated that the closure is part of efforts to ensure passenger safety and upgrade airport infrastructure
- As a result, several flights were cancelled or diverted, with Air Peace announcing a shift of all Enugu-bound operations to the Asaba airport
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The Nigerian government has temporarily closed the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu State.
Legit.ng recently reported that the Enugu state government had just unveiled Enugu Air, a new airline that would boost economic activities and revenue in the state.
Source: UGC
FAAN shuts down Enugu airport
According to a statement by Obiageli Orah, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at FAAN, the closure is to allow for emergency repairs on a damaged section of the runway.
She explained that a serious crack appeared on a key part of the runway, making the repair work necessary from April 22 to May 6, 2025.
The statement by FAAN said the shutdown follows the safety regulations of Nigeria's civil aviation authority.
Orah said:
“In compliance with Nigerian civil aviation regulations, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has, therefore, closed the runway during this period.
“As part of FAAN’s commitment to passenger safety and the modernisation of airport facilities, the runway will not be open for landings or takeoffs during the rehabilitation period.”
Ms Orah added that the airport was closed to protect travellers and improve the airport's condition.
She asked passengers and other airport users to be patient during the repair work, noting that all flights will be redirected to nearby airports during this time.
Flight diversions and cancellations
Premium Times gathered from airport staff in Enugu that some flights scheduled for Saturday morning were cancelled due to the airport closure.
As a result, certain airlines suspended their planned landings at the airport.
For example, Air Peace cancelled all its flights meant to land in Enugu on Saturday.
The airline said the decision was made because the airport’s infrastructure had become unsafe.
They also announced that all their flights originally set for Enugu would now operate from the airport in Asaba, Delta State, in Nigeria’s South-South region.
Ibom Air announced on Saturday that it would stop all flights to and from Enugu from April 19 to May 6, and plans to restart operations on May 7.
Likewise, United Nigeria Airlines said it will temporarily move its Enugu flights to Chinua Achebe Airport in Anambra until the repair work is finished and the airport reopens.
Nigerian airline acquires new aircraft
Meanwhile, Legit.ng earlier reported that a Nigerian airline, Green Africa, has acquired a new aircraft a few days after announcing flight suspension as its lessor reportedly repossessed its aircraft.
The new aircraft, ATR 72-500 with serial number 852 and registration number 5N-GAB, is expected to be launched shortly after the usual regulatory approvals.
Green Africa suspended operations due to what the management described as unforeseen circumstances.
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Source: Legit.ng
