The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) plans to close the runway at Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport in Owerri, Imo State, for about 25 days for repairs and resurfacing.
FAAN announced this on Thursday. The closure is set to start on 20 October 2026, but this date needs final confirmation.
The authority noted that parts of the runway have deteriorated. They reported potholes and many cracks, which have worsened due to heavy rainfall recently.
The planned work will include fixing the pavement, treating the cracks, and resurfacing sections of the runway to make it safer and in better condition.
FAAN mentioned that the repairs aim to prepare the airport for an expected rise in passenger and flight traffic during the Christmas season.
Besides repairs, the project will extend the runway to fit larger aircraft as more flights come to the region.
The authority said this extension would help improve the airport’s capacity and the passenger experience.
Still, FAAN did not give details on how much longer the runway will be or what the extension will involve.
They added that the closure and reopening dates will be confirmed after discussions with relevant stakeholders.
FAAN advised passengers planning to travel through Owerri during the closure to reach out to their airlines for updates on flight schedules and alternative options.
They said the confirmed closure and reopening dates will be shared once they are finalized.
This proposed closure comes just before the busy Christmas travel season when more passengers and flights are expected.
The airport serves Owerri and nearby communities in Imo State and the larger South-east region. This makes the runway's condition and capacity critical for safe flight operations and handling the growing air traffic.
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