The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has announced the temporary closure of the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, to allow for major runway rehabilitation works.
A statement by the Minister says the closure has become necessary to improve safety and operational efficiency at the airport, ahead of the Christmas travel season.
It adds that the rehabilitation project is a joint partnership between the Federal Government and the Imo State Government, and will involve repairs to deteriorated sections of the runway, treatment of surface cracks, filling of potholes, resurfacing, and extension works to accommodate larger aircraft.
The Minister disclosed that he had earlier spoken with the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, who, along with other critical stakeholders in the South-East, agreed on the need for the temporary closure.
The airport is expected to be closed from October 20th, 2026, for a period of approximately 25 days.
The statement further advises passengers scheduled to travel through Owerri during the period to contact their airlines for information on flight cancellations, rescheduling and alternative travel arrangements.
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