Ken Okeke
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has temporarily shut operations at the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport (SLAA), Ibadan, to enable upgrade works targeted at improving the infrastructure to an international status.
In a statement signed by Mrs. Obiageli Orah, FAAN’s spokesperson, the Authority confirmed that the Federal Government had approved the closure, adding that the Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has consequently closed the runway and suspended airport operations in accordance with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) regulations.
Orah added that the upgrade is coming on the heels of the Oyo State Government’s strategic initiative to upgrade Ibadan Airport from a domestic to an international airport.
“Various improvements and remodelling works are currently underway. In compliance with aviation safety recommended standards and process, the closure became imperative to ensure the safety of passengers as well as airport personnel “, the statement reads.
The Authority however appealed to all airport users and stakeholders for their understanding and cooperation during the period of the closure.