Air Peace has announced the immediate suspension of all flights to Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu, citing severe safety concerns due to the deteriorating condition of the airport’s runway. The airline made the announcement in a statement on Saturday, stating that operations to and from Enugu will be diverted to Asaba, Delta State, until further notice.
The airline highlighted ongoing disruptions caused by the poor state of the runway, describing the situation as unmanageable and urging the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to urgently address the issue. “At Air Peace, we prioritise safety over convenience. Suspending flights to Enugu will allow FAAN the opportunity to carry out necessary runway repairs,” the statement read.
Air Peace expressed regret for any inconvenience caused by the change, noting that all scheduled Enugu flights will now operate from Asaba. The airline’s decision follows growing concerns among industry stakeholders about the deplorable state of Nigeria’s airport infrastructure, with many attributing frequent runway incursions in 2024 to defective runways.
The Managing Director of FAAN, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, had previously decried the condition of the country’s airport runways, noting that many have exceeded their operational lifespan. Kuku disclosed that N580 billion is required to rehabilitate 17 runways and upgrade related infrastructure, including perimeter roads and fencing, as part of the agency’s budget considerations for the year.
