The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), announced the temporary closure of Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport (SLAA) in Ibadan, Oyo State, to facilitate significant upgrade works aimed at enhancing infrastructure and operational standards.
In a statement issued on Sunday, FAAN, through its Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mrs. Obiageli Orah, confirmed that the closure had been authorized by the Federal Government.
The move is essential for carrying out vital improvements at the airport.
As a result, the Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has closed the runway, halting all airport operations in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) regulations.
This upgrade is part of the Oyo State Government’s broader initiative to elevate the Ibadan airport to an international status.
FAAN emphasized that the closure aligns with aviation safety recommendations and urged stakeholders and passengers to cooperate during the period of closure.
The statement further explained, “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 remodeling works are currently underway.
In compliance with aviation safety recommended standards and processes, the closure became imperative to ensure the safety of passengers as well as airport personnel.”
