Domestic airlines could lose up to N6.6 billion in potential revenue during a planned 25-day closure of Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport in Owerri, as runway rehabilitation threatens to disrupt passenger traffic, business travel and regional trade ahead of the Christmas travel season.

The shutdown, scheduled to begin on October 20, 2026, is expected to affect more than 55,000 passengers who would otherwise travel through the Imo State airport. Airlines operating the route face a combined estimated daily revenue exposure of N264 million, according to figures reported by BusinessDay.

Air Peace, United Nigeria Airlines, ValueJet and Enugu Air are among the operators expected to be affected by the suspension of flights to Owerri during the maintenance period.

The Federal Government and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) have defended the planned closure as necessary to restore the runway to a safe operating condition. However, the scale of the disruption has raised concerns about the financial cost to airlines and the additional travel burden on passengers.

Airlines adjust schedules as passengers face longer journeys

Owerri airport handles more than 2,200 arriving and departing passengers daily, making it an important air transport link for Imo State and neighbouring communities.

BusinessDay’s estimates put the average one-way economy ticket from Lagos or Abuja to Owerri at N120,000. Based on passenger movements and prevailing fares, airlines could forgo an estimated N264 million in daily revenue, bringing the potential exposure to N6.6 billion over 25 days.

The projected figure represents revenue at risk rather than confirmed losses, as some passengers may transfer to alternative airports or airlines during the closure.

Travellers heading to Owerri are expected to consider airports in Enugu, Port Harcourt, Asaba and other neighbouring locations, followed by road journeys that could take several additional hours.

The alternative arrangements have also raised security concerns among frequent travellers, some of whom say they may postpone non-essential trips rather than undertake longer road journeys amid fears of kidnapping and other highway risks.

United Nigeria Airlines said it had advised affected passengers to use alternative airports in the South-East and neighbouring areas without additional charges. The airline also plans to increase seat capacity on alternative routes to accommodate displaced travellers.

Enugu Air, meanwhile, said it had reviewed its flight schedules and introduced an Abuja–Asaba–Abuja service to provide another option for passengers affected by the Owerri shutdown.

The airline said the financial consequences would depend partly on how successfully passengers could be accommodated across its wider route network. It added that affected bookings would be handled under applicable ticketing rules, including rebooking or refunds where appropriate.

Runway repairs take priority amid debate over closure

FAAN said the rehabilitation became necessary after sections of the runway developed potholes and extensive surface cracks, which were aggravated by recent heavy rainfall.

The planned work includes pavement repairs, crack treatment, resurfacing and runway extension. Authorities say the intervention is intended to improve safety and prepare the airport for increased passenger traffic during the festive season.

Aviation stakeholders, however, have questioned whether a complete shutdown is the only practical option for carrying out the repairs.

Samuel Caulcrick, a former rector of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, said runway maintenance was essential to airport safety but noted that a phased approach could have been considered if technically feasible.

John Ojikutu, an aviation security expert and chief executive of Centurion Aviation Security and Safety Consult, also questioned whether some of the work could be undertaken during overnight hours while daytime operations continued.

Seyi Adewale, chief executive of Mainstream Cargo Limited, said the feasibility of phased repairs depended on runway construction, the sections requiring treatment and the time needed for newly laid materials to cure properly. He stressed that safety considerations must take precedence over pressure to maintain uninterrupted flights.

Beyond aviation, the closure could affect the movement of agricultural produce, particularly plantains and bananas, for which Imo State is an important production hub.

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