The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has announced the temporary closure of the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport (SLAA) in Ibadan, Oyo State, to facilitate extensive upgrade works aimed at enhancing the airport's infrastructure and operational standards.
This decision aligns with the Oyo State Government's initiative to elevate the airport from a domestic to an international status.
In a statement released on Saturday, FAAN confirmed that the Federal Government approved the closure to allow for critical improvements at the facility. The Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has subsequently closed the runway and suspended airport operations in accordance with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) regulations.
The authority emphasized that the closure aligns with aviation safety recommendations and best practices, underscoring the necessity to ensure the safety of passengers and airport personnel during the upgrade period. FAAN has appealed to airport users and stakeholders for their understanding and cooperation throughout the closure.