The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria has announced plans to temporarily close the runway at Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, for essential repairs and resurfacing works.
The closure is tentatively scheduled to commence on October 20, 2026, and last for approximately 25 days, subject to final confirmation, FAAN stated in a statement on Thursday.
The planned intervention became necessary following the deterioration of sections of the runway, including potholes and extensive surface cracking, which have been aggravated by recent heavy rainfall.
According to FAAN, the rehabilitation will involve pavement repairs, crack treatment and resurfacing of affected sections to restore the runway to a safer operational condition, particularly ahead of the anticipated increase in passenger and flight traffic during the Christmas season.
The repairs will also include an extension of the runway to enable the airport to accommodate wide-body aircraft as traffic to the region grows.
The announcement means travellers planning flights through Owerri in late October and early November should expect changes to flight schedules, as airlines typically adjust or suspend services when a runway is out of use for resurfacing works of this length.
FAAN’s statement did not announce specific alternative arrangements for passengers, and the authority says the start date remains subject to final confirmation, so passengers are advised to confirm their travel plans with their airlines as the October 20 date approaches.
The Christmas-season timing gives FAAN a narrow window: the authority expects heavier passenger traffic through the South-East’s main cargo airport during the festive period, and the runway work is intended to be completed before that peak.
With the planned extension of the runway, the airport is also being positioned to receive wide-body aircraft, a capacity upgrade FAAN ties to the growing traffic to the region.
Source: Punch. This story was rewritten from the original report.
Image: Punch
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