Owerri Airport to Shut October 20 for 25 Days, FG Confirms

By Nathaniel Irobi

The Federal Government has confirmed that the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, will be temporarily closed for approximately 25 days, beginning October 20, 2026, to allow for essential runway rehabilitation and extension works.

The Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, CON, announced this in a press statement issued on Friday.

According to the Minister, the planned runway rehabilitation is a joint partnership between the Federal Government and the Imo State Government.

Keyamo disclosed that he spoke earlier on Friday with the Governor of Imo State, H.E. Senator Hope Uzodimma, and that the Governor, along with other critical stakeholders in Imo State and the South-East, agreed on the need for the temporary closure of the runway to allow for essential rehabilitation, resurfacing, and extension works.

“The closure is expected to commence on October 20, 2026, 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,” the statement read.

The Minister said the agreement with Governor Uzodimma and other stakeholders reflects the shared commitment of the Federal Government, through the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), and the Imo State Government to improving aviation infrastructure and ensuring that the airport is equipped to meet the growing demands of air travel in the region.

He acknowledged the contribution of the Imo State Government to the runway extension project, describing the collaboration as a demonstration of what can be achieved when different levels of government work together in the interest of the public.

“Our common objective is to deliver an airport that meets the needs of its users and supports the economic development of the region,” he said.

The rehabilitation will involve repairs to 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, the 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 noted that the timing of the intervention is particularly important as the Christmas travel season approaches, 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,” he said.

While recognising that the temporary closure will cause some inconvenience to passengers and other airport users, the Minister appealed for their understanding and cooperation, stressing that aviation safety cannot be compromised and that the closure is necessary to enable contractors to carry out the required works effectively.

He assured that the Federal Government will continue to engage the Imo State Government, airlines, and other relevant stakeholders to ensure proper coordination and minimise disruption to travellers.

Passengers scheduled to travel through Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport during the closure period are advised to contact their respective airlines for information on flight cancellations, rescheduling, and alternative travel arrangements. The confirmed closure and reopening dates, he said, will be communicated through the appropriate official channels.

The Minister expressed appreciation to Governor Hope Uzodimma and the Imo State Government for their cooperation and commitment to the project, and thanked airlines, aviation stakeholders, and the travelling public for their anticipated understanding.

“Our commitment remains to provide safer, more efficient, and modern aviation infrastructure across the country. The Owerri runway rehabilitation and extension project is another step towards achieving that objective and strengthening air connectivity for the South-East,” Keyamo said.