The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria announced that the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport in Ibadan, Oyo State, will be temporarily closed to allow for significant upgrade work aimed at improving infrastructure and operational standards.

The shutdown was authorised by the Federal Government to allow for necessary improvements at the airport, according to a statement issued on Sunday by FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mrs. Obiageli Orah.

The Nigeria Airspace Management Agency has consequently closed the runway and suspended airport operations by the International Civil Aviation Organisation regulations.

The upgrade was part of the state government’s move to transform the aerodrome into an international status.

The airport operators noted that the closure was in line with aviation safety recommendations, appealing for both stakeholders’ and passengers’ cooperation throughout the closure.

The statement read partly, “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 remodelling 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.”