The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has announced the temporary closure of the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport in Ibadan, Oyo State.
In a statement released on Sunday, FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Obiageli Orah, confirmed that the Federal Government had approved the closure.
The closure is intended to allow for extensive upgrade work aimed at improving infrastructure and operational standards at the airport.
Orah explained that the decision was necessary to facilitate critical improvements at the airport.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria has approved the temporary closure of Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport (SLAA), Ibadan, due to ongoing upgrade works,” the statement said.
“As part of the Oyo State Government’s initiative to upgrade Ibadan Airport from a domestic to an international airport, several enhancements and remodeling works are currently underway.”
The statement further noted that the Nigeria Airspace Management Agency has closed the runway and suspended airport operations in line with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) regulations.
The upgrade is part of the state government’s plan to elevate the airport’s status to an international facility.
“In accordance with recommended aviation safety standards, the closure is essential to ensure the safety of passengers and airport personnel,” FAAN added.
