The Federal Government, in collaboration with the Imo State Government, will temporarily close the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport in Owerri for approximately 25 days, starting Tuesday, October 20, 2026. The emergency closure is aimed at carrying out urgent runway repairs and expansion works to ensure passenger safety and expand regional air traffic capabilities.
​The joint decision, finalized during high-level consultations between federal aviation authorities and state officials, addresses progressive surface deterioration along the airport’s main runway.
Prolonged operational stress, compounded by heavy seasonal rainfall across the South-East, led to severe structural cracking and pothole formation that pose potential risks to aircraft landing gears and overall flight safety.
​Beyond critical pavement resurfacing, engineers will undertake a strategic runway extension. The physical upgrade is designed to accommodate larger wide-body commercial and cargo aircraft, positioning the strategic transport hub to absorb anticipated surge capacity ahead of the end-of-year festive travel rush.
​Speaking on the infrastructure initiative, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, reaffirmed the government’s focus on modernising regional transport links.
​”The temporary closure of Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport starting October 20, 2026, is a vital step toward safeguarding lives and upgrading critical national infrastructure,” Keyamo said. “Through this 25-day intervention, we are not only restoring the structural integrity of the runway, but extending its reach to support larger aircraft, driving economic and trade connectivity across the South-East.”
​Elaborating on operational adjustments for affected passengers and airlines, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection for the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Henry Agbebire, urged travelers to adjust their travel itineraries in advance.
​”FAAN advises all passengers intending to fly through Owerri during this period to liaise directly with their respective airlines for re-routing options and schedule modifications,” Agbebire stated.
Formal Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) bulletins will be issued through official aviation channels. We regret the temporary inconvenience, but stress that these safety-critical repairs cannot be delayed.”
​During the 25-day shutdown, commercial carriers are expected to divert Owerri-bound flights to neighboring gateways, including Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu, Port Harcourt International Airport in Rivers State, and Asaba International Airport in Delta State.
Normal flight operations at Owerri are scheduled to resume upon technical completion and safety certification in mid-November 2026.
