The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has announced plans to temporarily close the runway at Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, from October 20, 2026, for repairs and resurfacing.

FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Henry Agbebire, said the closure was expected to last about 25 days, subject to final confirmation.

The authority said the project would address potholes and extensive surface cracks worsened by heavy rainfall.

The work would also include extending the runway to accommodate wide-body aircraft and improve the airport’s capacity as passenger traffic to the region increases.

FAAN has advised passengers scheduled to travel through Owerri during the proposed closure to contact their airlines for updates on flight schedules and alternative arrangements.

The authority added that the confirmed closure and reopening dates would be communicated in due course.