Owerri runway closure diverts travellers to Enugu, Port Harcourt, raises capacity concerns

THE planned 25-day closure of Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, from October 20, 2026, for runway rehabilitation and extension, may redirect passengers to Enugu and Port Harcourt airports.

They according to experts also raised concerns over airlines’ capacity to absorb additional traffic, accommodate airline operational adjustments and sustain efficient passenger processing during the disruption, particularly ahead of the peak Christmas travel season.

The closure, announced by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, is intended to facilitate runway repairs, resurfacing and extension to improve operational safety and accommodate growing passenger traffic ahead of the Christmas travel season.

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In a notice to passengers, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) said Runway 17/35 at the Owerri airport would remain closed for the period, affecting flight operations to and from the airport.

One of the Domestic carriers, United Nigeria Airlines had, at the weekend, in its travel advisory on the development, advised passengers booked to travel through Owerri during the closure to consider using Enugu or Port Harcourt airports, while those seeking changes to their bookings were directed to contact the airline’s customer care service.

“Please be informed that the FAAN has directed the temporary closure of runway 17?35 at Sam Mbakwe Airport Owerri for a period of 25 days commencing oct 20, 2026.

“Flight operations to and from Owerri wil be affected for the duration of the closure. Passengers booked to or from Owerri during the closure period have the option to use the Enugu or Port Harcourt Airport” .

“Passengers wishing to make changes to their bookings should contact our customer care . We deeply regret any inconvenience this has caused,” the airline stated.

Beyond United Nigeria Airlines, there are indications that Air Peace and other airlines operating into Owerri Airport will likely divert to Enugu and Port Harcourt as well.

Commenting on the closure, aviation expert, Capt Peter Ubaka, said the designation of Enugu and Port Harcourt as alternative gateways is likely to shift a portion of Owerri-bound passenger demand to the two airports during the closure.

Capt Ubaka, a renowned pilot also pointed out that Enugu Airport could experience increased passenger traffic from travellers whose final destinations are Owerri and other parts of Imo State.

“The impact would be particularly significant for passengers who ordinarily rely on direct flights to Owerri for business, family visits, government engagements and seasonal travel,” he stated.

For airlines operating into Enugu, Ubaka said the diversion could create opportunities to serve passengers who would otherwise have flown to Owerri.

“However, the extent of any additional traffic will depend on individual airline decisions, available seats, flight frequencies and the practicality of the alternative routes,” he added.

Aviation expert and public opinion analyst, Dr Israel Oseafiana noted that the closure was in order, but too close to the Christmas season, when most travellers would be going back home to their homeland.

“The closure is in order but it happened at a peak period, when there will be massive movement of both air and land travellers across the country,” he noted.

Oseafiana, however, advised the government to expedite action on the work so that it will not eat into the end of year season.