The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has announced plans to shut the runway at Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport in Owerri for about 25 days to repair damaged sections and resurface the facility ahead of the Christmas travel rush.

The temporary closure is tentatively scheduled to begin on October 20, 2026, although FAAN says the date is subject to final confirmation.

The authority said the repairs became necessary after parts of the runway developed potholes and extensive cracks, with recent heavy rainfall worsening the damage.

Henry Agbebire, FAAN’s director of public affairs and consumer protection, announced the planned closure in a statement on Thursday.

He said the rehabilitation would cover pavement repairs, crack treatment and resurfacing of affected sections to restore the runway to a safer condition.

The work is expected to improve the airport’s condition before passenger numbers and flight operations increase during the Christmas season, when many Nigerians travel to their home states to celebrate with family and friends.

Runway expansion included in repair work

Beyond fixing the damaged surface, FAAN said the project would also include extending the runway to allow the airport to accommodate wide-body aircraft as air traffic to the region grows.

The planned expansion is part of efforts to improve the airport’s capacity and make air travel more convenient for passengers using the facility.

According to Agbebire, the upgrade is expected to improve passenger comfort and support a smoother travel experience.

The airport serves Owerri and other parts of Imo State, as well as travellers from neighbouring areas in the South-East who use the facility for domestic air travel.

The proposed closure means passengers planning to fly through Owerri during the affected period may need to adjust their travel plans, depending on the arrangements made by their airlines.

However, FAAN has yet to announce the final closure and reopening dates, saying it will continue discussions with relevant stakeholders before confirming the schedule.

What passengers need to know

FAAN has advised passengers intending to travel through the airport during the proposed shutdown to contact their respective airlines for updates on flight schedules and possible alternative arrangements.

Travellers are also advised to confirm their flight details before heading to the airport, particularly as the repair period approaches.

The authority said it would communicate the confirmed dates once they had been finalised.

The planned 25-day shutdown is expected to cover a significant part of the period leading into November, making timely communication important for passengers who may already have booked flights.

Although the repairs are intended to address the runway’s deteriorating condition and prepare it for increased traffic, passengers will have to wait for further announcements to know exactly how the closure will affect their journeys.

FAAN’s proposed intervention comes ahead of the end-of-year travel period, when demand for flights typically rises as people travel for Christmas celebrations and other activities.

The authority has urged passengers to stay in touch with their airlines while it finalises arrangements for the temporary closure.