The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has explained why Akure Airport was shut down following a severe rainstorm that caused significant damage. The closure, which took place on March 4, 2025, left many passengers stranded, with airlines forced to cancel flights.
FAAN noted that the storm, which occurred on Monday, March 3, damaged critical infrastructure at the airport, including terminal buildings, staff quarters, and essential equipment. Among the affected systems were network time protocol devices, air conditioners, encoders, and computers, particularly in the control tower and engineering unit.
Passengers who had booked flights to Akure from Lagos and other locations were turned back, with airlines issuing refunds. Some travelers, like Adetutu Muriano, expressed their frustration over the lack of communication from FAAN. Muriano, who had an important examination scheduled for Wednesday, said she had no choice but to travel by night bus after her flight was abruptly canceled.
“I have an examination today, and I booked my flight for yesterday only for me to get their text yesterday evening that they won’t be flying. Can you just imagine that I had booked the same flight for early this morning? What would have happened? Is FAAN no longer functional? Why are they mute about the situation at the airport? May God help us all,” she said.
Another passenger, Babatunde Akinteye, also faced disruptions when Overland Airline canceled his flight due to the technical issues at the airport. The airline informed customers via text message that the airport had been closed to all flights for three months, starting March 4.
FAAN later released a statement on its social media pages, apologizing to affected passengers.
“The Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria wishes to notify the public that following damages caused by a rainstorm which affected the terminal building and control tower at the Ondo International Airport last Monday, March 3rd, 2025, a team of engineers have been deployed to assess the level of damages and provide remedial solutions.
“FAAN regrets inconveniences caused by the natural occurrence and is working assiduously to ensure that normal flight operations are restored. FAAN promises to remain customer-driven while providing quality services.”
The authority assured the public that repair efforts were underway and that normal operations would resume as soon as possible.
