Nigeria's main international airport reopens next week after runway repairs

Nigeria’s main airport, the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, in Abuja will be reopened next week after a six-week closure to allow for repair works on the runway.

The head of the government’s digital communications team, Tolu Ogunlesi, confirmed that major works on the runway had been completed as at April 12, 2017.

The decision to close the airport was largely due to the dangerous condition of its sole runway. An $18 million contract was awarded for the repairs to an Abuja construction firm, Julius Berger.

The airport will officially be reopened next Wednesday (April 19, 2017) to air traffic. He also disclosed that authorities had taken advantage of the closure to upgrade some facilities, especially in the main domestic departure terminals.

3. Main runway reconstruction work now done. Ongoing is laying of runway lights & the markings. Airport reopens next Wednesday. #ABVClosure

— tolu ogunlesi (@toluogunlesi) April 13, 2017

When Abuja Airport reopens next week, there'll be a 2nd Departure Terminal for domestic passengers (in the Arik/Air Peace wing) #ABVClosure

— tolu ogunlesi (@toluogunlesi) April 13, 2017

Kaduna airport served as the main international airport for Africa’s most populous nation after the closure of the Abuja by the then Acting President, Yemi Osinbajo on March 8, 2017.

Kaduna airport is located about 160 km (100 miles) north of the capital. The government made arrangement for free bus and train services for passengers whose flights took them to Kaduna and had to commute to Abuja. Passengers and some airlines complained about the negative effects of using Kaduna, aside its effect on their business schedules, the state is also known for its notoriety with regards to kidnapping.

Abuja airport handled an estimated 5,000 domestic flights in December 2016 alone, making it the second busiest airport in the country.