The Federal Government, in collaboration with the Imo State Government, has announced a temporary 25-day closure of the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport (Owerri), starting October 20, 2026.

Announced by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, the shutdown is designed to address long-standing safety concerns and upgrade the airport's infrastructure ahead of the high-demand Christmas travel season.

What is Happening?

The comprehensive rehabilitation project—spearheaded by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Imo State Government—will tackle critical infrastructure defects at the facility.

Runway Pavement Repairs: Fixing severely deteriorated sections and resurfacing affected zones.

Surface Treatment: Treating extensive surface cracks and filling dangerous potholes.

Runway Extension: Expanding the runway to boost the airport's capacity to accommodate larger aircraft safely, subject to regulatory approvals.

Why Now? Timing and Strategy

Aviation stakeholders and travelers might question the timing of a 25-day closure right before the festive rush. However, Minister Keyamo emphasized that executing these repairs now is a strategic necessity.

Beating the Christmas Rush: Passenger traffic and flight movements into Owerri spike dramatically during December. Completing structural work beforehand ensures safety and prevents unexpected emergency closures mid-holiday.

Safety First: The ministry stressed that aviation safety remains non-negotiable, and proactive infrastructure upgrades are vital to handling increased regional traffic reliably.

Collaborative Effort: The project follows direct alignment between Minister Keyamo and Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, framed as a joint push to stimulate South-East regional economic growth and modernize local aviation.

What This Means for Travelers

If you have flights booked through Owerri starting October 20, 2026, here is what you need to do:

Contact Your Airline: Reach out immediately to your carrier to handle flight rescheduling, cancellations, or alternative travel routings.

Consider Alternative Airports: Look into nearby alternative airports in neighboring states for your travel needs during the 25-day window.

Watch for Official Notices: Formal operational dates and reopening schedules will be continuously updated through standard aviation channels.

While the temporary shutdown will cause short-term disruptions, the joint federal-state initiative promises a safer, more robust gateway for travelers and larger aircraft heading into Imo State just in time for the holidays.

Owerri Airport