The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has announced the temporary closure of Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport in Ibadan, Oyo State, for extensive upgrade works aimed at enhancing its infrastructure and operational capacity.
In a statement released on Sunday, FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mrs. Obiageli Orah, confirmed that the Federal Government had approved the closure to facilitate critical improvements at the airport. The decision was made to support ongoing efforts to elevate the airport’s status to an international level.
As part of this upgrade, the Nigeria Airspace Management Agency has closed the airport’s runway, halting all operations in line with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) regulations. These developments are a key part of Oyo State’s initiative to transform the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport into an international airport, ensuring it meets global aviation standards.
The closure is in accordance with aviation safety recommendations, and FAAN is calling on passengers and stakeholders to cooperate throughout the duration of the upgrade.
A portion of the statement reads: “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 plan to elevate Ibadan Airport from domestic to international status, various improvements and remodeling are being carried out. This closure is essential to meet aviation safety standards and ensure the well-being of both passengers and airport staff.”
With this major upgrade, Ibadan’s airport is set to improve its services, paving the way for greater connectivity and a boost to the region’s aviation infrastructure.
