The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has announced a planned 25-day closure of the runway at Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport in Owerri, Imo State. Starting tentatively on October 20, 2026, the shutdown is intended to facilitate critical repairs, resurfacing, and expansion works. According to FAAN, the intervention is necessary to address runway deterioration exacerbated by recent heavy rainfall and to upgrade the facility to accommodate larger, wide-body aircraft ahead of the peak Christmas travel season. Passengers are advised to contact their airlines for flight schedule updates.