Air Peace, Nigeria’s largest airline, has suspended all flights to the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu with immediate effect, citing serious safety concerns over the condition of the airport’s runway.
The airline made this announcement in a statement released on Friday, signed by its Head of Corporate Communications, Dr. Ejike Ndiulo. According to the statement, the decision was taken after repeated disruptions to its operations caused by the deteriorating state of the runway.
“We regret to inform you that all flights scheduled to Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, are temporarily suspended due to safety concerns,” the statement read.
Air Peace stressed that the safety of its passengers and crew is non-negotiable, and the airline will not operate in any environment where there are doubts about operational safety.
“The situation of the Enugu runway has been causing major disruptions to Air Peace flights, hence the decision to temporarily suspend further flights into this airport until further notice,” the airline stated.
In the meantime, the airline said that all its flights originally scheduled to Enugu will now operate to and from Asaba Airport, which is located in neighbouring Delta State. Passengers booked on affected flights are advised to contact the airline’s customer service for further assistance.
“Please be informed that all flights scheduled into and out of Enugu will now be operated into and out of Asaba Airport. We regret any inconvenience this change might have caused,” Air Peace said.
The airline appealed for the patience and understanding of passengers, reiterating that the temporary suspension is in the best interest of public safety.
The concerns raised by Air Peace are not new. There have been frequent complaints from pilots and aviation workers about the poor condition of the Enugu airport runway, including cracks, potholes, and uneven surfaces. These issues pose a danger to aircraft during landing and takeoff, especially under bad weather or low visibility conditions.
Although the airport underwent major renovation works in 2020, including runway rehabilitation and installation of runway lighting, recent reports suggest that the condition of the runway has again deteriorated, raising questions about the quality of the previous repairs.
Aviation analysts say the decision by Air Peace is a serious one and reflects the urgency of the situation. The airline is known for its high passenger volume on the Enugu route, especially serving the South-East region where it has a strong customer base.
Industry watchers and concerned passengers have called on the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to quickly respond to the issue and carry out necessary repair work. Many fear that the airport could face a full shutdown if other airlines follow Air Peace’s lead.
“This is a wake-up call for FAAN,” said a travel consultant in Lagos. “Enugu is a key gateway to the South-East. If the runway is not safe, it puts everyone at risk. They must act quickly before it becomes a bigger crisis.”
Some travelers have also taken to social media to express disappointment, saying the poor state of airport infrastructure is unacceptable and affects the ease of doing business and movement in the region.
Air Peace, in its statement, reaffirmed its commitment to safe and reliable operations, noting that the decision to stop flights into Enugu was not taken lightly.
“At Air Peace, we prioritise Safety first over convenience,” the airline stated. “We believe that if flights are not operated into this aerodrome for the next few days, it will allow FAAN the opportunity to perform the necessary repairs on the runway.”
This move by Air Peace is part of a growing trend among airlines around the world to take proactive steps in ensuring safety, even if it means grounding flights or changing destinations.
The Akanu Ibiam International Airport, located in Enugu State, is a major transport hub in the South-East region. It serves several cities including Enugu, Abakaliki, Nsukka, Onitsha, and parts of Benue and Kogi States. The airport is also one of the few in Nigeria with international flight operations, though those have remained limited.
The airport is widely used by business travelers, students, politicians, and families, especially during festive seasons. Any disruption to its operations causes significant inconvenience for many residents of the region.
Passengers affected by the suspension are advised to check their emails, contact the airline directly, or visit Air Peace’s website or offices for rebooking and further information.
Travelers who planned to use Enugu airport in the coming days are encouraged to explore alternative airports such as Asaba, Owerri, or Port Harcourt, depending on their final destination.
The temporary halt in Air Peace’s operations to Enugu may serve as a turning point in how safety concerns are handled in the aviation sector. While the decision has disrupted travel plans for many, the hope is that it will prompt quick and lasting solutions.
Air Peace has assured passengers that flights to Enugu will resume as soon as it is safe to do so, and it remains committed to delivering safe and efficient service across its network.
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