The Federal Government on Friday, October 9, announced a 25-day closure of the runway at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, which it said had been found to have deteriorated and needed urgent repairs.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, announced the development in a statement on his X handle on Friday night, saying the closure, which will begin on October 20, is to ensure improved safety, operational efficiency and capacity ahead of Christmas travel season.
“The closure is expected to commence on October 20 and last approximately 25 days. This decision is in the best interest of aviation safety and the long-term operational efficiency of the airport, which serves as a critical gateway for the people, businesses and economic activities of the South-East,” Keyamo said.
According to him, the rehabilitation will involve repairs of 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, including wide-body aircraft, subject to applicable operational and regulatory requirements,” Keyamo added.
“The timing of this intervention is particularly important as we approach the Christmas travel season, when passenger traffic and flight movements to Owerri and other parts of the South-East 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,” Keyamo stated further.
He urged passengers scheduled to travel through the airport during the closure period to contact their respective airlines for information on flight cancellations, rescheduling and alternative travel arrangements.
He added that the confirmed closure and reopening dates will be communicated through the appropriate official channels.
The planned runway rehabilitation, according to Keyamo, is a joint partnership of the Federal Government and Imo State government.
