The Federal Government has announced that the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, will officially reopen for flight operations on Monday, April 28, 2025 — a full week earlier than originally scheduled.
This was disclosed in a statement on Saturday by the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, which confirmed that repair works on critical sections of the airport’s runway, taxiways, and associated facilities have been substantially completed, paving the way for an early resumption of flights.
According to the statement, the speedy completion of the rehabilitation project was made possible through the joint efforts of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), contractors, and other stakeholders, who worked round the clock to meet the new target date. The Ministry further commended the understanding and patience shown by airlines, passengers, and the business community throughout the period of closure.
The Akanu Ibiam International Airport had been temporarily shut down earlier this year to allow for comprehensive maintenance works aimed at enhancing safety standards and operational efficiency. Authorities had initially set the reopening date for the first week of May 2025 but revised the schedule following faster-than-anticipated progress on site.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, described the early reopening as a testament to the government’s renewed commitment to improving aviation infrastructure nationwide and reducing inconveniences to travelers.
“We promised Nigerians that we would prioritize safety without unduly delaying economic activities in the South East and surrounding regions. Today, we are happy to announce that the Akanu Ibiam International Airport will be ready for operations one week ahead of time,” Keyamo said.
He further assured that all mandatory safety inspections had been successfully carried out by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and other relevant bodies to certify the airport fit for both domestic and international operations.
The reopening of Enugu Airport is expected to boost business activities across the South East, providing a critical link for passengers, cargo movement, and international trade. Airlines have already begun adjusting their schedules to resume flights from Monday, with stakeholders expressing optimism about improved traffic flow ahead of the mid-year travel season.
Passengers are advised to liaise with their respective airlines for updated flight information and to arrive at the airport early as operations normalize.
