The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has announced a six-month closure of Ibadan Airport, set to begin in early March, to facilitate extensive maintenance and upgrade activities.
In a statement released via his X account on Friday, Michael Achimugu, NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, emphasized that the temporary shutdown is necessary to carry out essential repairs and improvements.
Transformation into an International Airport
This announcement comes just eight months after President Bola Tinubu approved the upgrade of Ibadan Airport to an international facility. Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde confirmed the approval in June 2024, stating that the transformation project would include an Expansion and extension of the runway, significant improvements to existing facilities as well as Infrastructure enhancements to accommodate international flights
The project officially commenced on September 18, 2024, with a groundbreaking ceremony for the first phase. By January 2025, Governor Makinde confirmed that construction of the new international terminal was already in progress.
Official Statement on the Closure
In its Friday announcement, the NCAA stated:
“Subject to new information, Ibadan Airport may be shut down for six months for maintenance/upgrade, starting from early March.”
NCAA’s Legal Battle with Kenya Airways
Meanwhile, the NCAA has also been in the news for its ongoing dispute with Kenya Airways. Barely a month ago, the agency announced plans to take legal action against the airline for violating its operational regulations.
Michael Achimugu, while providing updates on various infractions involving Kenyan Airways, highlighted the case of Nigerian passenger Gloria Omisore, whose complaint was allegedly mismanaged by the airline. He further stated that Kenya Airways’ management claimed it had no copy of the NCAA’s regulations, raising concerns about compliance with Nigerian aviation laws.
Conclusion
The upcoming six-month closure of Ibadan Airport marks a significant step toward its transformation into a fully functional international facility. While the project aims to improve aviation services in Oyo State and beyond, the temporary shutdown may pose challenges for travelers. Additionally, NCAA’s ongoing legal battle with Kenya Airways explains the regulator’s efforts to uphold aviation standards and protect Nigerian passengers.
