Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria has finally addressed the situation four days after the unexpected closure of Akure Airport, citing severe damage caused by a torrential downpour.
The PUNCH reported that the heavy rainfall, which occurred on Monday, wreaked havoc on essential airport infrastructure, including terminal buildings, staff quarters, and critical equipment.
As a result, flights scheduled to land at the airport were canceled, with affected passengers refunded.
Sources at the airport disclosed that crucial systems such as the network time protocol, encoder, air conditioners, and computers in both the control tower and engineering unit sustained significant damage.
Among the affected travelers was Adetutu Muriano, who had booked a flight from Lagos but was forced to seek alternative means of transportation.
Expressing her frustration, she criticized FAAN for its lack of timely communication.
“I have an examination today, and I booked my flight for yesterday only for me to get their text yesterday evening that they won’t be flying. Can you just imagine that I had booked the same flight for early this morning? What would have happened? Is FAAN no longer functional? Why are they mute about the situation at the airport? May God help us all,” Muriano lamented.
Similarly, Babatunde Akinteye, another passenger scheduled to fly with Overland Airways, was informed that his flight was canceled due to technical challenges at the airport.
The airline’s message to Akinteye read, “Dear Sir/Ma, your Overland Airways Akure – Abuja flight of March 5, 2025, will not be operating as the Olumuyiwa Bernard Aliu, Akure Airport has been closed to all flight operations for three months effective today, March 4, 2025, by the FAAN due to a Technical Issue. We apologize for any inconvenience, and please be assured of our best attention at all times.”
Attempts to reach FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Obiageli Orah, for comments were initially unsuccessful. Though she had promised a response through a subordinate, none was provided at the time of reporting.
On Thursday, FAAN finally issued a statement via its social media platforms, apologizing for the inconvenience caused by the incident.
“The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria wishes to notify the public that following damages caused by a rainstorm which affected the terminal building and control tower at the Ondo International Airport last Monday, March 3rd 2025, a team of engineers have been deployed to assess the level of damages and provide remedial solutions.
“FAAN regrets inconveniences caused by the natural occurrence and is working assiduously to ensure that normal flight operations are restored. FAAN promises to remain customer-driven while providing quality services,” the statement read.
The closure, which is expected to last three months, has left passengers and airlines grappling with unexpected disruptions, sparking calls for improved communication and contingency planning from the aviation authority.
