By TheDailyNewsHub Reporter
The Federal Government has announced plans to temporarily close the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport in Owerri, Imo State, for 25 days to allow for runway repairs and extension ahead of the busy Christmas travel season.
The closure is scheduled to commence on October 20, 2026, following discussions between the Federal Government, the Imo State Government and aviation stakeholders in the South-East, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo said on Friday.
The planned shutdown is intended to address deteriorating sections of the runway, including potholes and extensive surface cracks that have reportedly worsened following recent heavy rainfall.
In a statement on the proposed intervention, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) said the rehabilitation would involve repairing damaged pavement, treating cracks and resurfacing affected sections. The project will also include extending the runway to improve the airport’s capacity to accommodate larger aircraft, subject to applicable operational and regulatory requirements.
Keyamo said he had spoken with Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma about the intervention, which is being undertaken through FAAN in partnership with the state government.
The minister said the timing was important because passenger numbers and flight movements to Owerri typically increase during the Christmas period. He added that the work was necessary to improve aviation safety and support more reliable airport operations.
The planned closure is expected to affect passengers travelling to and from Owerri during the period, particularly those relying on direct flights to the state capital for business, family visits and end-of-year activities.
Keyamo acknowledged that the temporary shutdown would inconvenience airport users but appealed for their understanding, stressing that safety remained a priority. He said the government would continue engaging the state government, airlines and other stakeholders to coordinate the work and reduce disruption.
FAAN had initially described the 25-day closure as tentative and subject to final confirmation. Keyamo’s subsequent announcement identified October 20 as the scheduled commencement date, while the minister said confirmed closure and reopening dates would be communicated through formal aviation channels.
Passengers with bookings during the affected period have been advised to contact their airlines directly for information on possible cancellations, rescheduling and alternative travel arrangements. Travellers should confirm their flight status before heading to the airport rather than assume that existing bookings will remain unchanged.
The runway project is also intended to improve the airport’s capacity as demand for air travel to the South-East grows. However, the extent to which the extension will enable operations by larger aircraft will depend on the completed infrastructure and the relevant aviation safety and regulatory approvals.
Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport serves Owerri and surrounding communities in Imo State, as well as passengers travelling from other parts of the South-East. A temporary interruption to its operations could therefore affect not only individual travellers but also businesses and other activities that depend on air connectivity.
The rehabilitation comes amid wider concerns about maintaining airport infrastructure and ensuring that runways remain suitable for safe aircraft operations. Runway pavement can deteriorate through regular use and exposure to weather, making timely inspections and repairs important for aviation safety.
The Federal Government and FAAN have not indicated that the proposed works will permanently affect the airport’s operations. The closure is intended to be temporary, with the rehabilitation and extension expected to improve the runway’s condition and operational capacity once completed.
Until the formal dates are confirmed through aviation channels, passengers are advised to monitor announcements from FAAN and their airlines for the latest information on the closure and the resumption of flights.