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The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has extended the closure of the runway at Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, Imo State, to November 25, 2026.
The Airport Manager, Dr Nkechi Al-Ihekwaba, announced the extension in a notice dated November 6, 2026, addressed to the Station Manager, Enugu Air, and copied to other airport stakeholders.
The notice, signed by Al-Ihekwaba, explained that the extension would allow for the completion of ongoing rehabilitation and extension works.
The notice stated that the extension, which has moved the planned reopening period beyond November 13, is to enable contractors to complete outstanding construction activities, conduct safety and quality assurance tests and secure the necessary regulatory approvals before flight operations resume.
According to the notice, the on-going runway rehabilitation and extension project is progressing satisfactorily, but additional time is required to complete outstanding technical activities and meet applicable regulatory and aviation safety requirements.
FAAN explained that the additional period would enable the contractor and relevant technical teams to conclude pavement works, runway markings and pavement curing, as well as undertake quality assurance checks, friction testing, runway surveys and verification of the revised runway physical characteristics.
The extension would also allow for the completion and inspection of associated airfield lighting and safety installations.
The notice stated further that Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) is expected to conduct the necessary regulatory inspections and confirm compliance with applicable aviation safety standards before the runway is returned to service.
It was stated further that a significant aspect of the project is the extension of the runway from its previous length of 2,700 metres to 3,200 metres.
FAAN said the expansion had made it necessary to verify and update the revised aerodrome data and ensure that all required information was duly published before flight operations could resume.
The authority stressed that the additional closure period was necessary to ensure that the upgraded runway met the required standards and was safe and fully compliant before reopening.
