The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has announced the temporary closure of the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport in Ibadan, Oyo State, to facilitate extensive upgrade works aimed at improving infrastructure and operational standards.
In a statement issued on Sunday, FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mrs. Obiageli Orah, confirmed that the Federal Government approved the closure to allow for critical improvements at the airport.
Following this directive, the Nigeria Airspace Management Agency has shut down the runway and suspended airport operations in line with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) regulations.
The upgrade aligns with the Oyo State Government’s plan to elevate the airport to international status. FAAN appealed to stakeholders and passengers for cooperation, emphasizing that the closure is necessary to meet aviation safety standards.
“The Federal Government has approved the temporary closure of Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport due to ongoing upgrade works. These improvements are part of the Oyo State Government’s initiative to transform the airport from a domestic to an international hub,” the statement read.
FAAN assured the public that the decision was taken to enhance passenger safety and improve overall airport operations.