Owerri Airport to Pause Flights for 25 Days as Runway Upgrade Begins October 20

Travellers using Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport in Owerri will face a temporary interruption to flight operations from October 20 as authorities begin major work on the airport's runway. The planned shutdown will last 25 days.

Aviation and Aerospace Development Minister Festus Keyamo announced the decision on Friday. He said the timing and scope of the work were agreed after discussions involving the Federal Government, the Imo State Government and aviation stakeholders from the South-East. Keyamo also said he had spoken with Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma earlier that day about the project.

The upgrade is intended to address deterioration along the runway before passenger traffic increases during the Christmas travel period. Planned work includes fixing damaged pavement, treating widespread cracking, filling potholes and resurfacing affected sections. The project also includes extending the runway.

According to Keyamo, the work is being carried out through the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria in partnership with the Imo State Government. The minister said the objective is to return the runway to a safer and more dependable condition while improving its ability to handle larger aircraft, subject to the relevant operational and regulatory approvals.

The government acknowledged that the shutdown will disrupt journeys for passengers who had planned to use Owerri during the affected period. Keyamo advised travellers with existing bookings to contact their airlines for information about cancellations, revised schedules or alternative arrangements.

Airlines and other aviation stakeholders are expected to remain involved in coordinating the temporary closure. Keyamo said the government would continue working with the Imo administration and operators to reduce disruption while the rehabilitation is underway.

Although the shutdown is scheduled to begin on October 20 and run for 25 days, the minister said the confirmed closure and reopening dates would be communicated through official aviation channels. Passengers have therefore been advised to rely on announcements from aviation authorities and their respective airlines when making travel plans.

Keyamo described the airport project as part of efforts to strengthen aviation infrastructure in the region. He also credited the Imo State Government for cooperating with federal authorities on the planned improvements, which are expected to support safer flight operations and accommodate future traffic growth.