The proposed intervention, which is tentatively scheduled to commence on October 20, 2026, is expected to last approximately 25 days, although FAAN said the commencement and reopening dates are subject to final confirmation.
The planned closure follows the deterioration of sections of the runway, where potholes and extensive surface cracks have reportedly developed, with recent heavy rainfall worsening the condition of the pavement.
The authority said the rehabilitation would involve repairs to damaged pavement sections, treatment of cracks and resurfacing of affected areas to restore the runway to an improved operational condition.
The development is expected to temporarily affect flight operations at the airport, which serves Owerri and other parts of Imo State and the surrounding South-East region. Consequently, passengers scheduled to travel through the facility during the proposed closure period have been advised to remain in contact with their respective airlines for updates on flight schedules and possible alternative travel arrangements.
In a statement issued by FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Henry Agbebire, the authority explained that the planned intervention was necessary to address the identified runway defects and maintain safe and reliable airport operations.
According to the authority, the timing of the project is also intended to ensure that the airport is better prepared for the anticipated increase in passenger numbers and flight movements during the Christmas travel period, when demand for air transportation typically rises.
Beyond the immediate rehabilitation works, FAAN disclosed that the project would include an extension of the runway to enable the airport to accommodate wide-body aircraft as aviation activity in the region expands.
The proposed extension is expected to improve the airport’s operational capacity and provide greater flexibility in handling aircraft, although the authority did not specify the proposed length of the extension or the types of wide-body aircraft the facility would be able to accommodate.
FAAN said the combined rehabilitation and expansion works formed part of its efforts to improve airport infrastructure, enhance passenger comfort and facilitate smoother travel operations.
The runway’s deteriorating surface has made the planned repairs a priority, particularly as runway conditions remain critical to safe aircraft take-offs and landings. Potholes and surface cracks can affect pavement integrity, making timely maintenance essential to sustaining airport operations and protecting aviation infrastructure from further deterioration.
The authority’s decision to undertake the work ahead of the Christmas season also highlights the need to balance immediate infrastructure maintenance with preparations for periods of increased travel demand.
However, the proposed 25-day closure means passengers travelling to and from Owerri may need to make alternative arrangements while the work is ongoing. FAAN has therefore urged travellers to contact their airlines directly to confirm the status of their flights and obtain information about any changes to schedules or alternative arrangements.
The authority said it would continue consultations with relevant stakeholders before communicating the final closure and reopening dates. It also appealed to airport users for their understanding and cooperation, stressing that the temporary disruption was necessary to support the long-term safety, efficiency and reliability of operations at the facility.
For travellers and other airport users, the confirmation of the final dates will be particularly important in planning journeys during the period, especially as the proposed rehabilitation falls within the weeks leading up to the busy end-of-year travel season.
FAAN maintained that the planned intervention was part of its broader commitment to maintaining airport infrastructure and ensuring that facilities remain capable of meeting operational requirements.
While the temporary closure may present challenges for passengers and airlines serving the Owerri route, the authority expects the rehabilitation and proposed runway extension to improve the airport’s infrastructure and support its ability to accommodate growing aviation demand.
Until the final dates are announced, passengers have been advised to monitor communications from FAAN and their airlines to avoid disruptions to their travel plans.