The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) yesterday, Sunday, said that it has temporary closed the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport (SLAA), Ibadan, for upgrade works targeted at improving the infrastructure to an international status.

This was made known in a statement signed by FAAN’s spokesperson, Mrs. Obiageli Orah,l.

FAAN in the statement confirmed that the Federal Government had approved the closure and that the Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has consequently closed the runway and suspended airport operations in accordance with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) regulations.

FAAN explained that the upgrade is coming on the heels of the Oyo State Government’s strategic initiative to upgrade Ibadan Airport from a domestic to an international airport.

“Various improvements and remodelling works are currently underway. In compliance with aviation safety recommended standards and process, the closure became imperative to ensure the safety of passengers as well as airport personnel,” the statement reads in part

FAAN appealed to airport users and stakeholders for their understanding and cooperation during the period of the closure.