The Federal Government, through the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, has announced the temporary closure of the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, Ibadan, Oyo State.
This was contained in a statement by FAAN Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Obiageli Orah, on Sunday.
Orah stated that the closure was to facilitate extensive upgrade works to enhance infrastructure and operational standards.
She added that the move became necessary to enable the execution of 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.
As part of the Oyo State Government’s initiative to upgrade Ibadan Airport from a domestic to an international airport, various improvements and remodelling works are currently underway,” the statement read.
The statement further said that the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency has consequently closed the runway and suspended airport operations in line with International Civil Aviation Organisation regulations.
It reiterated that the upgrade was part of the state government’s move to transform the aerodrome into international status.
“In compliance with aviation safety recommended standards and processes, the closure became imperative to ensure the safety of passengers as well as airport personnel,” FAAN added.
