The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has proposed last the runway at Sam Mbakwe World Shipment Airport, Owerri, Imo State, for approximately 25 days to hold out upkeep and resurfacing.
FAAN disclosed this on Thursday, announcing the closure used to be tentatively scheduled to start out on 20 October 2026, matter to ultimate affirmation.
The authority mentioned sections of the runway had deteriorated, with potholes and intensive floor cracks worsened via contemporary heavy rainfall.
The deliberate works will come with pavement upkeep, crack remedy and resurfacing of affected sections to fortify the runway’s situation and protection.
FAAN mentioned the upkeep have been additionally meant to arrange the airport for an expected build up in passenger and flight site visitors throughout the Christmas season.
Runway extension deliberate
Past the upkeep, the mission will lengthen the runway to house wide-body airplane as air site visitors to the area grows.
The authority mentioned the extension used to be anticipated to fortify the airport’s capability and passenger revel in.
On the other hand, FAAN didn’t supply main points of the deliberate extension or specify how a lot further runway duration could be required.
The authority mentioned the closure and reopening dates could be showed after consultations with related stakeholders.
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Passengers steered to touch airways
FAAN steered passengers making plans to trip via Owerri throughout the proposed closure duration to touch their airways for updates on flight schedules and choice preparations.
It mentioned the showed closure and reopening dates could be communicated as soon as finalised.
The proposed closure comes forward of the Christmas trip season, when passenger and flight site visitors is predicted to extend.
The airport serves Owerri and surrounding communities in Imo State and the broader South-east area, making its runway situation and capability vital for keeping up secure flight operations and accommodating rising air site visitors.
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