The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria said it has temporarily shut the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, Ibadan, Oyo State, to facilitate extensive upgrade works to enhance infrastructure and operational standards.
On Sunday, FAAN released a statement that was signed by its Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mrs. Obiageli Orah. The statement said that the Federal Government had approved the closure, which made it possible to carry out crucial airport enhancements. The Nigeria Airspace Management Agency has consequently closed the runway and suspended airport operations by the International Civil Aviation Organization regulations.
The upgrade was part of the state government’s move to transform the aerodrome into an international status.
The airport operators noted that the closure was in line with aviation safety recommendations, appealing for both stakeholders’ and passengers’ cooperation throughout the closure.
The statement read partly, “The Federal Government of Nigeria has approved the temporary closure of Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport (SLAA), Ibadan, due to ongoing upgrade works.
“As part of the Oyo State Government’s initiative to upgrade Ibadan Airport from a domestic to an international airport, various improvements and remodeling works are currently underway.
“In compliance with aviation safety recommended standards and processes, the closure became imperative to ensure the safety of passengers as well as airport personnel.”