The Federal Aviation Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has announced that the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport (SLAA) in Ibadan will be temporarily closed for upgrades.
Obiageli Orah, FAAN‘s director of public affairs and consumer protection, stated on Saturday that the federal government has approved the airport’s temporary shutdown due to continuing construction.
Orah stated that following the clearance, the Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has closed the runway and airport following International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards.
“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 reads.
“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 also requested stakeholders’ and airport users’ understanding and cooperation throughout the closure.
On June 27, 2024, Oyo state governor Seyi Makinde announced that President Bola Tinubu had approved the renovation of Ibadan’s airport to world standards.
According to Makinde, the renovation will entail the construction of a new terminal, runway, and other structural elements.
On February 28, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) announced that the airport could be closed for six months for maintenance and renovations, beginning in March.
