Enugu airport resumes flight after temporary closure over concession

Flight operations have resumed at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu after an earlier shutdown on Friday caused by a protest by aviation workers.

The airport was temporarily closed after a coalition of aviation staff blocked operations to protest the Federal Government’s plan to concession the facility.

The workers opposed the move, alleging that the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, did not properly engage aviation unions before taking the decision.

The protest led to restricted access to the airport, leaving many passengers stranded and disrupting scheduled flights.

Normal activities later returned to the airport after the protest eased, allowing flight operations to resume.

Very Nigerian reports that in mid-January, Keyamo signed an agreement document for the concession of the Enugu airport, a move that sparked resistance from aviation unions, including the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, the National Union of Air Transport Employees and the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals.

The unions, in a joint letter to the minister signed by their general secretaries—Frances Akinjole, Sikiru Waheed and Abdul Rasaq Saidu—described the concession process as insensitive, opaque and exclusionary, warning that industrial action could follow if the decision was not reversed.

Barely nine days after the letter, airport operations were disrupted as workers reportedly shut down activities, preventing passengers and vehicles from accessing the terminal, while flights were also affected.

However, in an update issued to passengers on Friday by Enugu Air, on its official X account, the airline announced that normal operations had been restored at the airport, although some flights were impacted by the protest.

“Dear Valued Passengers, we would like to inform you that normalcy has been restored at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu. However, please be aware that our morning flights were affected by the protest, and you may experience rescheduling as a result.

“We kindly advise you to check your flight schedule or any notifications from us before heading to the airport to avoid delays and ensure a smooth travel experience.

“We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, and we appreciate your understanding and patience during this time. Thank you for choosing to travel with us,” the advisory read.

However, as of press time, multiple calls and text messages sent to the spokesperson for the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Henry Agbebire, were not returned.

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