The Federal Government will temporarily close Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, Imo State, for 25 days from October 20, 2026, to allow runway rehabilitation and extension works ahead of the Christmas travel season.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, announced the planned closure on Friday, October 9, following consultations with Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma and other aviation stakeholders in the South-East.
The PUNCH reported the announcement on October 10, 2026, stating that the intervention would be carried out through the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) in partnership with the Imo State Government.
The project will involve repairing deteriorated sections of the runway pavement, filling potholes, treating surface cracks, resurfacing damaged areas and extending the runway to improve its operational condition and capacity.
FAAN had earlier explained in a statement issued on October 8, 2026, that sections of the runway had deteriorated, with potholes and extensive surface cracking worsened by recent heavy rainfall.
The authority said the rehabilitation was necessary to restore the runway to a safer operational condition ahead of the anticipated increase in passenger numbers and flight movements during the Christmas period.
The planned extension is also expected to improve the airport’s capacity to accommodate larger aircraft, including wide-body aircraft, subject to applicable operational and regulatory requirements.
In his October 9 announcement, Keyamo acknowledged that the temporary closure could inconvenience passengers and other airport users but stressed that aviation safety remained a priority.
He said the Federal Government would continue working with the Imo State Government, airlines and other stakeholders to coordinate the project and minimise disruptions.
FAAN has advised passengers intending to travel through Owerri during the closure period to contact their respective airlines for information on flight rescheduling, cancellations and alternative travel arrangements.
The authority said it would communicate the confirmed closure and reopening dates through official channels once finalised.
The planned intervention is intended to improve the airport’s safety and operational capacity while preparing it to handle increased travel demand during the festive season.
