To Avert Plane Crash, FG May Shut Down Enugu Airport over Deteriorating Runway
Chinedu Eze
In recent discussions, there has been talk about the potential closure of Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu for runway rehabilitation, a move intended to enhance safety for air travelers. This would mark the airport’s third closure, as officials weigh the need for extensive repairs to ensure the runway meets safety standards.
Akanu Ibiam Airport is the only facility in the South-East that supports international flight operations and serves residents from Anambra, Benue, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Abia states. The potential shutdown raises concerns about significant negative impacts on transportation, especially given the ongoing security issues that discourage long-distance travel by road.
An insider, who previously led the aviation agency and oversaw the last runway rehabilitation in 2019, expressed frustration over the prospect of another closure. “They’re planning to close the runway again, and that’s worrying. The state governor has shown strong commitment to the airport, and shutting it down will hinder economic activities in the state. It feels like Nigerians will have to endure another setback, similar to past closures for the same reasons,” he said.
He further questioned the quality of past repairs, noting, “This runway breakdown raises doubts about the work previously done, considering a substantial budget was allocated for its rehabilitation. There are alternatives; repairs could be done at night or over the weekends, as seen with Gatwick Airport in London, which managed to maintain operations during the day while undergoing renovations at night.”
When the airport reopened in 2020 post-repair, former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika assured that ongoing maintenance would prevent future closures of this kind. “The management of FAAN has been tasked with ensuring timely maintenance to avoid the painful experience of closure. I urge the local government and community to maximize the airport’s capacity,” he stated while announcing a special funding of N10 billion for the airport’s rehabilitation.
Air Peace, a major operator serving the airport, supported the 2019 closure due to safety concerns but remained optimistic about improved operations post-rehabilitation. Dr. Allen Onyema, Chairman and CEO of Air Peace, emphasized safety above all during his statement, saying, “While the closure will impact travelers and the airline, we prioritize the safety of our passengers, crew, and equipment.”
He also called on the government to enhance the airport, pushing for a 24-hour operational capability by upgrading night landing infrastructure.
Yet, here we are, just four years later, contemplating another closure. The runway was previously reconstructed by PW Nigeria Limited, known for its expertise in airport construction. According to a FAAN official, the difficulties stem from the soft soil of the runway, leading to deterioration with continuous aircraft landings. He suggested that for long-lasting infrastructure, a heavy concrete base followed by asphalt, similar to the Abuja airport design, would be more effective to prevent recurring repairs and disruptions.
As for the airport’s future, FAAN’s public affairs team stated that no official closure plans have been communicated. However, Mrs. Josephine Ajara, spokesperson for Akanu Ibiam International Airport, confirmed ongoing remedial work on the runway, downplaying the likelihood of a closure announcement.
Many advocate for an alternative approach that maintains operational service while conducting necessary rehabilitation—similar to practices in other countries. P.W. Nigeria Ltd., with over 45 years of experience in the West African region, remains dedicated to contributing to Nigeria’s infrastructure development with state-of-the-art construction equipment and a skilled workforce.
