Ibadan airport closes temporarily for upgrade works

March 23, 2025

By Ayinde Adeleke

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has announced the temporary shutdown of the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport in Ibadan, Oyo State, to facilitate extensive upgrade works.

The closure, approved by the Federal Government, aims to enhance the airport’s infrastructure and operational standards.

According to Obiageli Orah, FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, the upgrade is part of the Oyo State Government’s initiative to transform the airport into an international facility.

The renovation works are necessary to ensure the safety of passengers and airport personnel, complying with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) regulations.

The Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has closed the runway and suspended airport operations.

The temporary closure will enable the execution of critical improvements at the facility, including remodelling works to upgrade the airport from a domestic to an international airport.

FAAN assured that the closure is imperative to ensure the safety of all stakeholders, adhering to aviation safety recommended standards and processes.