By Oscar Okhifo
The Federal Government has announced the temporary closure of Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, Imo State, from October 20 for approximately 25 days to allow for runway rehabilitation, resurfacing and extension ahead of the Christmas travel season.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, announced the decision in a statement on Friday, saying it followed consultations with Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma and other stakeholders.
Keyamo said the temporary closure was necessary to improve aviation safety, operational efficiency and the airport’s capacity to handle increasing air traffic.
“I wish to inform the travelling public, particularly residents of Imo State and the wider South-East, of the temporary closure of Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, for improved safety, operational efficiency and capacity ahead of the Christmas travel season,” he said.
According to the minister, the runway rehabilitation and extension project is a joint initiative of the Federal Government and the Imo State Government.
He said he spoke with Uzodimma earlier on Friday and that the governor, alongside other stakeholders in Imo State and the South-East, had agreed on the need for the temporary closure.
“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,” Keyamo stated.
Describing the airport as a critical gateway for the people, businesses and economic activities of the South-East, the minister said the project would strengthen its capacity to meet the region’s growing air travel demands.
He explained that the work would involve repairing deteriorated sections of the runway pavement, treating extensive surface cracks, filling potholes and resurfacing affected areas, alongside the planned extension.
“When completed, these works are 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,” he said.
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 season.
“It is our responsibility to ensure that the necessary infrastructure is in the right condition to support safe and efficient operations during this busy period and beyond,” he added.
Acknowledging the inconvenience the closure would cause passengers and other airport users, the minister appealed 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 said.
He assured travellers that the Federal Government would continue to engage the Imo State Government, airlines and other stakeholders to coordinate the project and minimise disruptions.
Passengers scheduled to travel through the airport during the closure were advised to contact their airlines for information on flight cancellations, rescheduling and alternative travel arrangements.
Keyamo said the confirmed closure and reopening dates would be communicated through official channels.
The minister also commended the Imo State Government for its contribution to the runway extension project, describing the collaboration as an example of cooperation between different levels of government.
“This collaboration demonstrates what can be achieved when different levels of government work together in the interest of the public. Our common objective is to deliver an airport that meets the needs of its users and supports the economic development of the region,” he said.
Keyamo reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to improving aviation infrastructure nationwide, adding that the Owerri runway rehabilitation and extension project would help strengthen air connectivity in the South-East.