Owerri Airport to Close for 25 Days for Repairs

The Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport in Owerri, Imo State, will be closed for 25 days from October 20, 2026, to allow for runway rehabilitation and extension.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, announced the planned closure in a post on his X account on Friday, saying the decision followed an agreement between the Nigerian Government, the Imo State Government and aviation stakeholders in the South-East.

Keyamo said he spoke with Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma earlier in the day, adding that the rehabilitation was necessary to improve aviation safety and prepare the airport for increased passenger traffic during the Christmas travel season.

According to the minister, the project will be executed by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria in partnership with the Imo State Government.

The work will involve repairing deteriorated sections of the runway pavement, treating surface cracks, filling potholes, resurfacing affected areas and extending the runway.

“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,” Keyamo said.

He added that the completed project was expected to improve the runway’s safety and reliability and enable it to accommodate larger aircraft, subject to operational and regulatory requirements.

The minister said the timing of the intervention was important because passenger traffic and flight movements to Owerri traditionally increase during the festive season.

“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.

Passengers advised to contact airlines

Keyamo acknowledged that the temporary closure would inconvenience passengers and other airport users but appealed for their understanding, stressing that aviation safety remained a priority.

He assured passengers that the Nigerian Government would continue to work with the Imo State Government, airlines and other stakeholders to coordinate the project and minimise disruptions.

Passengers scheduled to travel through the airport during the closure have been advised to contact their airlines for information on flight cancellations, rescheduling and alternative travel arrangements.

Keyamo said the confirmed closure and reopening dates would be communicated through official aviation channels.

He also commended Uzodimma and the Imo State Government for their cooperation, describing the partnership as an effort to upgrade aviation infrastructure and support regional economic growth.