The Federal government has said that the temporary closure of the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, Imo State, is necessary to address runway defects and improve aviation safety ahead of the Christmas travel season.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, disclosed this yesterday in a statement.
Keyamo said that the airport’s runway would be closed for approximately 25 days, effective October 20, 2026, to allow for rehabilitation, resurfacing, and extension works.

Keyamo said the decision was reached in collaboration with the Imo State government and other stakeholders in the South-East, stressing that aviation safety could not be compromised in the interest of uninterrupted flight operations.

According to the minister, the rehabilitation became necessary to repair deteriorated sections of the runway pavement, treat extensive surface cracks, fill potholes, and resurface affected areas.

He said the intervention was also expected to improve the airport’s operational efficiency and strengthen its capacity to accommodate larger aircraft, including wide-body aircraft, subject to applicable operational and regulatory requirements.

The minister added: “I have spoken with the Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, who, alongside other stakeholders, agreed on the need for the temporary closure to enable contractors to execute the work effectively.

“The timing of this intervention is particularly important as we approach the Christmas travel season, when passenger traffic and flight movements to Owerri and other parts of the South-East traditionally increase.”
Keyamo explained that the government had a responsibility to ensure that airport infrastructure was in the right condition to support safe and efficient operations during the peak travel period and beyond.

The minister agreed that the temporary shutdown could inconvenience passengers, airlines and other airport users, but appealed for their understanding and cooperation.

Keyamo added the Federal government, through the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), would continue to engage the Imo State government, airlines and other relevant stakeholders to coordinate the project and minimise disruption to travellers.

He also emphasised the contribution of the Imo State government to the runway extension project, describing the collaboration as evidence of what could be achieved through cooperation between different levels of government.

According to him, the joint effort was aimed at delivering an airport capable of meeting the growing air transport needs of the South-East and supporting the region’s economic development.

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

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

He further reiterated the Federal government’s commitment to developing safer, more efficient and modern aviation infrastructure across the country, adding that the Owerri runway rehabilitation and extension project formed part of efforts to strengthen air connectivity in the South-East.