The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria has proposed closing the runway at Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport in Owerri, Imo State, for approximately 25 days to carry out repairs and resurfacing. The closure is tentatively scheduled to begin on October 20, 2026, but remains subject to final confirmation, leaving travellers awaiting a firm timetable for changes to flight operations.
FAAN announced the proposal in a statement issued on Thursday, October 8, by its Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Henry Agbebire. The authority said it would consult relevant stakeholders before communicating confirmed closure and reopening dates. As of October 9, the announcement was a notice of planned work rather than confirmation that the runway had closed.
The repairs are needed because sections of the runway have developed potholes and extensive surface cracks, according to FAAN. Recent heavy rainfall has worsened the deterioration. The authority linked the intervention to restoring the runway to a safer operational condition, making the condition of the pavement the central reason for the proposed shutdown.
The rehabilitation will include pavement repairs, treatment of cracks and resurfacing of damaged sections. FAAN said the work was particularly important ahead of the anticipated increase in passenger numbers and flight activity during the Christmas season. Completing the intervention before that busy period is the stated objective, although the final reopening date has not been announced.
The project also includes a proposed runway extension intended to enable the airport to accommodate wide body aircraft as traffic to the region grows. FAAN did not specify the additional runway length, project cost or aircraft types in the announced notice. The expansion signals an ambition to increase capacity, but it does not establish that airlines will introduce larger aircraft or new routes.
For passengers with journeys booked during the proposed closure, the immediate concern is how their airlines will handle affected flights. FAAN advised travellers to “stay in contact with their respective airlines for updates on flight schedules and alternative arrangements.” The notice did not identify designated diversion airports or set out an airline-by-airline schedule of cancellations and rerouting.
A change of arrival airport can turn a short flight into a longer journey involving an additional road transfer. For a parent travelling with children, that could mean arranging another vehicle and adjusting collection times; for a business traveller, it could require changing a meeting or overnight stay. These are potential consequences of rerouting, rather than verified accounts from passengers affected by this proposal.
The uncertainty also matters to people whose work depends on airport traffic, including drivers providing passenger transfers and businesses serving travellers. A temporary reduction in arrivals could affect demand for their services, while alternative travel arrangements could shift spending elsewhere. No estimate of lost income or the number of passengers likely to be affected accompanied FAAN’s announcement.
FAAN thanked airport users for their understanding and cooperation while presenting the work as part of its responsibility to provide safe and reliable operations. The proposal creates a practical balance between addressing deteriorated infrastructure and limiting disruption. Advance notice gives travellers time to review their plans, but useful preparation depends on confirmed dates and clear instructions from airlines.
The next step is a final announcement establishing when the runway will close, how flight schedules will change and when operations are expected to resume. Until then, October 20 and the approximately 25 day duration remain provisional. For passengers planning to use Owerri airport, confirmation from their airline will be essential before changing tickets, booking onward transport or committing to replacement travel.
