The Federal Government has announced the temporary closure of Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, for approximately 25 days to allow for runway rehabilitation, resurfacing, and extension works.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, disclosed this on Friday in a post on his personal X handle.
Keyamo said the closure would begin on October 20, 2026, as part of efforts to improve aviation safety, operational efficiency and the airport’s capacity ahead of the Christmas travel season.
He said the runway rehabilitation was a joint project of the Federal Government and the Imo State Government, adding that Governor Hope Uzodimma and other stakeholders in the state and the South-East had agreed on the need for the temporary closure.
“I wish to inform the travelling public, particularly residents of Imo State and the wider South-East on the temporary closure of Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, for improved safety, operational efficiency and capacity ahead of the Christmas travel season.
The planned runway rehabilitation is a joint partnership of the Federal Government and Imo State Government.
“The Governor of Imo State, H.E Senator Hope Uzodinma (to whom I spoke earlier today) along with other critical stakeholders in Imo State and South East have agreed on the need for the temporary closure of the runway, to allow for essential rehabilitation, resurfacing and extension works.
“The closure is expected to commence on October 20, 2026, and last approximately 25 days. This decision is in the best interest of aviation safety and the long-term operational efficiency of the airport, which serves as a critical gateway for the people, businesses and economic activities of the South-East,” he said.
The minister said the agreement reflected the shared commitment of the Federal Government, through the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), and the Imo State Government to improving aviation infrastructure and meeting the growing demand for air travel in the region.
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He acknowledged the Imo State Government’s contribution to the runway extension project, noting that cooperation between the two levels of government would help deliver an airport that meets users’ needs and supports regional economic development.
According to Keyamo, 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.
He said the completed works were expected to restore the runway to a safer and more reliable operational condition and improve its capacity to accommodate larger aircraft, including wide-body aircraft, subject to applicable operational and regulatory requirements.
Keyamo said the timing of the intervention was important because passenger traffic and flight movements to Owerri and other parts of the South-East traditionally increase during the Christmas travel season.
“Whilst we recognise that the temporary closure will cause some inconvenience to passengers and other airport users, we appeal for their understanding and cooperation. Aviation safety cannot be compromised, and the closure is necessary to enable contractors to carry out the required works effectively,” he urged.
The minister added that the Federal Government would continue to engage the Imo State Government, airlines and other relevant stakeholders to ensure proper coordination and minimise disruption to travellers.
He advised passengers scheduled to travel through the airport during the closure period 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 the appropriate official channels.
He thanked Governor Uzodimma and the Imo State Government for their cooperation, while expressing appreciation to airlines, aviation stakeholders and the travelling public for their anticipated understanding.
“Our commitment remains to provide safer, more efficient and modern aviation infrastructure across the country. The Owerri runway rehabilitation and extension project is another step towards achieving that objective and strengthening air connectivity for the South-East,” he said.