FG Closes Enugu Airport for Runway Reconstruction

After months of contemplation, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has finally closed the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu for the rehabilitation of its runway and provision of airfield lighting.

The decision was disclosed in a statement FAAN’s General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Mrs. Henrietta Yakubu issued yesterday, stating that the airport would be shut effective from August 24.

The statement said the agency “has notified airlines and passengers about the closure. Effective 00:00 on 24th August, 2019, the runway at Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu will be closed for major repairs and works on the airfield.”

The statement added that the decision to close the airport was aimed “at resolving the existing safety and security concerns to flight operations. A date to reopen the runway will be communicated in due course.”

Reacting to the closure, the Chairman and CEO of Air Peace, a major domestic carrier that operates at the airport, Mr. Allen Onyema commended the federal government for the decision to close the airport.

He explained that it was necessary “to ensure safety of flight operations to the route. The management and staff of Air Peace wish to commend the federal government for the decision to close the Akanu Ibiam Enugu International Airport in order to allow proper repair and maintenance of the airports runway which has given us serious safety concerns.

“For the avoidance of doubt, Air Peace is fully and totally in support of this decision. Though the decision will affect the traveling public and, of course, the airline, we place the safety of the flying public, our crew and equipment above any commercial benefits,” Onyema said.