Air Peace has suspended all flight operations to Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu due to what it described as deteriorating infrastructure and escalating safety risks.
In a statement released on Saturday morning, the airline emphasized that the current condition of the runway has disrupted operations and could no longer be tolerated.
“The situation at the Enugu airport runway can no longer be managed,” the airline stated, adding, “We believe that if flights are not operated into this aerodrome for the next few days, it will allow the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria the opportunity to perform the necessary repairs.”
Reaffirming its commitment to safety, the airline said, “At Air Peace, we prioritise safety first over convenience.”
All affected flights will now be routed through Asaba, Delta State. “Please be informed that all flights scheduled into and out of Enugu will now be operated into and out of Asaba. We regret any inconvenience this change may have caused,” the statement added.
This development adds to the growing concerns over Nigeria’s aging airport infrastructure. Industry stakeholders have long decried the poor state of facilities, especially the runways.
The Managing Director of FAAN, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, acknowledged earlier in the year that “the runways have outlived their lifespan,” noting that plans are in place to rehabilitate 17 runways.
FAAN has estimated that N580 billion will be required to address runway and other airport-related repairs across the country.
