By Adesina Soyooye
Beginning October 20, passengers who usually fly to Imo State, through the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, will access the State through Porthacourt, Asaba or Enugu Airports.
This is because, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, is set to shut down the Airport temporarily.
The shutdown which passengers may find very inconveniencing, is aimed at carrying out some repairs at the airport which is one of the busiest in the country, especially, as the Christmas and New Year seasons approach.
A letter addressed to Airlines, passengers, and other users of the Airport, signed by FAAN’s Henry Agbebire, said the temporary closure is for “essential repairs and resurfacing.”
It will last 25 days, approximately, subject to final confirmation.
The letter reads in part: “The planned intervention has become necessary due to the deterioration of sections of the runway, including potholes and extensive surface cracking which have been further aggravated by recent heavy rainfall.
“The rehabilitation works will include pavement repairs, crack treatment, and resurfacing of affected sections to restore the runway to a safer operational condition, particularly, ahead of the anticipated increase in passenger and flight traffic during the Christmas season.
“These repairs will also include the extension of the runway which will enable the airport to accommodate wide-body aircraft as traffic to the region grows. This expansion is aimed at improving passenger comfort and facilitating a more seamless travel experience.”
Already, Airlines are re-routing their passengers who already booked their flights to Imo Airport for after October 19 to the nearest Airports.
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