The Deteriorating State of Akanu Ibiam International Airport and the Urgent Need for Repairs
The Akanu Ibiam International Airport, a vital transportation hub serving Nigeria’s Southeastern region, is facing a critical situation due to the persistent deterioration of its runway. Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), expressed his profound disappointment with the quality of previous rehabilitation work, highlighting the ongoing issues with waterlogging and the resulting cracks and potholes that pose significant safety risks to air travelers. This situation necessitates an emergency closure of the runway for two weeks, commencing April 22, 2025, to conduct essential repairs and address the underlying problems plaguing the airport’s infrastructure.
The airport previously underwent a major rehabilitation in 2019, a project that necessitated its closure for a full year. However, the reconstruction efforts failed to effectively address the persistent issue of waterlogging, which has continued to undermine the integrity of the runway. The inadequate drainage system has led to the formation of cracks and potholes, raising serious concerns about the safety of aircraft operations. Minister Keyamo personally inspected the runway some months after assuming office and expressed his strong dissatisfaction with the substandard work performed by the contractor responsible for the 2019 rehabilitation.
Despite ongoing palliative measures to mitigate the runway’s deterioration, the situation has worsened considerably. The cracks have expanded into sizable craters, posing an even greater threat to aircraft safety and necessitating a complete shutdown of the runway for urgent intervention. This closure will allow for comprehensive repairs to be undertaken, aiming to rectify the issues stemming from the previous inadequate reconstruction and ensure long-term stability and safety of the runway.
The decision to close the airport for two weeks, while essential for safety reasons, will undoubtedly cause inconvenience to the traveling public. The Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development acknowledges the disruption this will cause, particularly for travelers in the Southeastern region who rely on the airport for international and domestic connectivity. To minimize the impact, arrangements are being made to reroute scheduled flights to neighboring airports during the closure period. The ministry is committed to working diligently to complete the repairs within the stipulated timeframe and restore full operations as quickly as possible.
The closure of Akanu Ibiam International Airport underscores the importance of rigorous oversight and quality control in infrastructure projects. The failure of the 2019 rehabilitation to address the fundamental issue of waterlogging highlights the need for thorough assessments and effective solutions to prevent recurring problems. The current situation serves as a reminder that infrastructure development must prioritize long-term sustainability and prioritize the safety of the public above all else.
The Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development is committed to ensuring the safety and efficiency of Nigeria’s airports. The closure of Akanu Ibiam International Airport, while disruptive in the short term, is a necessary step to address critical safety concerns and ensure the long-term viability of this crucial transportation hub. The ministry will continue to work tirelessly to improve Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure and provide safe and reliable air travel for all citizens and visitors.
