The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, has extended the closure of the airport to complete the ongoing runway rehabilitation and extension project informing all airlines, airline station managers and other airports stakeholders at the airport is progressing.
However, to allow for the completion of all outstanding project activities, the necessary technical assessments and the fulfilment of applicable regulatory and safety requirements, the existing runway closure will be extended.
Consequently, the runway closure is hereby extended from 13th November to 25th November, 2026, subject to the relevant NOTAM notification.
The additional period will enable the contractor and relevant technical teams to conclude outstanding pavement works, runway markings, pavement curing, quality assurance checks, friction testing, runway survey and verification of the revised runway physical characteristics, as well as the completion and inspection of associated airfield lighting and safety installations.
Furthermore, the extension will allow the NCAA to undertake the necessary regulatory inspections and confirm compliance with applicable aviation safety standards before the runway is returned to service.
It is pertinent to note that the runway length has been increased from 2,700 metres to 3,200 metres, making it necessary to verify and update the revised aerodrome data and ensure that all required information is duly published before the resumption of flight operations.
We sincerely regret any inconvenience this extension may cause to airlines, passengers and other airport users.
This decision is, however, necessary to ensure that the project is completed to the required standar
