Enugu, Nigeria: Runway Closure Sparks Aviation Safety Crisis
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has temporarily shut down the runway of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, citing a sudden rupture in the asphalt surface at a critical section of the runway. The closure, which will last until May 6, 2025, comes as multiple airlines, including Air Peace and Ibom Air, have suspended all flights into Enugu due to deteriorating runway conditions and rising safety risks. • Deteriorating runway conditions
• Sudden rupture in the asphalt surface
• Closure of the runway for emergency repairs
• Suspended flights to Enugu
• Airlines rerouting flights to other airports
In a press release issued on Saturday, FAAN explained that the move follows a significant and dangerous breach on the runway’s surface. The authority assured the public that emergency rehabilitation work would be completed within two weeks to restore safe operations. “The runway will not be open for landings or takeoffs during this period,” FAAN stated, adding that the closure complies with Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations. The agency appealed for public understanding and cooperation, apologising for the short notice and disruptions this may cause. • Public understanding and cooperation
• Apology for short notice and disruptions
• Emergency rehabilitation work
Reacting swiftly to FAAN’s announcement, Nigeria’s largest domestic carrier, Air Peace, suspended all scheduled flights into Enugu until further notice. The airline said the runway’s condition had “continued to raise safety concerns” and had already disrupted operations. “We prioritise safety over convenience. The Enugu runway is now beyond what can be managed. We support this closure to allow for proper repair,” Air Peace said in a statement. The airline announced that all its flights to Enugu would be rerouted to Asaba Airport in Delta State, urging passengers to bear with the disruption. • Safety concerns
• Rerouting flights to other airports
• Alternative options
Ibom Air also issued a statement suspending all Enugu flights during the runway closure. The airline’s Customer Contact Centre has begun reaching out to affected passengers, with assurances that safety remains the top priority. “We regret the inconvenience and appreciate your understanding. We look forward to resuming flights once the runway is deemed safe again,” the airline noted. Passengers are being advised to explore alternative options via Ibom Air desks in Lagos (LOS), Abuja (ABV), or Asaba (ABB). • Alternative options
• Passenger inconvenience
The closure has already caused confusion among travelers, particularly those who had made plans for the busy end-of-April travel period. “It’s a disgrace that the only international airport in the Southeast has become a death trap,” said a frustrated business traveler at the Enugu terminal. • Travel disruptions
Regional stakeholders have begun calling for a comprehensive probe into the 2019 runway reconstruction, which has now come under renewed scrutiny amid revelations that the core problem of waterlogging was never resolved. • Probing the 2019 runway reconstruction
• Waterlogging issue
Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo (SAN) has described the previous runway work as “substandard and unsafe.” He accused the contractor of poor-quality delivery, which has now forced the airport into emergency closure just a few years after costly rehabilitation. “We cannot continue putting the lives of Nigerians at risk. Cracks have now turned to craters. This cannot be ignored,” Keyamo declared. • Minister’s condemnation
• Quality of delivery
The runway closure is a stark reminder of the ongoing aviation safety crisis in Nigeria. It is a stark warning to the aviation industry that the country cannot afford to compromise on safety standards. The federal government must take immediate action to address the underlying issues and ensure that the airport is restored to safe operations.

The Enugu airport has become a death trap, and it is imperative that the federal government takes immediate action to address the issues plaguing the airport. The safety of passengers and crew is of utmost importance, and any compromise on safety standards will have severe consequences. The government must ensure that the airport is restored to safe operations and that the necessary measures are taken to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.

The runway closure has already caused significant disruptions to travel plans, and the situation is likely to worsen until the emergency repairs are completed. The federal government must take swift action to address the underlying issues and ensure that the airport is restored to safe operations. The Enugu airport has become a death trap, and it is imperative that the federal government takes immediate action to address the issues plaguing the airport.

As the runway closure continues, the aviation industry in Nigeria is on high alert, and stakeholders are calling for a comprehensive probe into the 2019 runway reconstruction.