The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has announced the temporary closure of Ibadan Airport for six months to facilitate maintenance and upgrade works.
NCAA spokesperson Michael Achimugu disclosed this on Friday via his X (formerly Twitter) handle. The closure, expected to begin in early March, comes just eight months after President Bola Tinubu approved the upgrade of the airport to international status.
“Subject to new information, Ibadan Airport may be shut down for six months for maintenance/upgrade, starting from early March,” Achimugu stated.
In June 2024, President Tinubu approved the transformation of Ibadan’s Alakia Domestic Airport into an international airport, a development confirmed by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde.
In a video shared online, Makinde expressed gratitude for the approval, stating, “The President has graciously approved my request for the upgrade of Ibadan Airport to an international airport.”
The upgrade project includes runway expansion, facility enhancements, and other improvements to accommodate international flights. In January 2025, Governor Makinde reaffirmed the state’s commitment to upgrading the facility, highlighting the construction of a new international terminal as a crucial step.
The modernization effort began with a groundbreaking ceremony on September 18, 2024, marking the first phase of the project. This phase includes runway improvements, upgraded airport lighting, and enhanced fire safety services.
Once completed, the Ibadan Airport will be equipped to handle international flights, further boosting economic and travel opportunities for the region.
