Akure Airport Shut down Indefinitely After Rainstorm Damage

Flight operations at the Akure Airport have been suspended indefinitely following the destruction of critical equipment by a rainstorm that swept through the facility on Monday evening.

According to sources, the storm damaged several pieces of equipment in the control tower, including the network time protocol, encoder, air conditioners, computers, and other engineering tools. The windows were shattered, and part of the ceiling caved in.

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) reportedly shut down the airport on Wednesday after assessing the damage caused by the storm, leaving several travellers stranded.

A staff member of the airport, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the storm wreaked havoc on essential equipment, particularly in the engineering department.

“Monday’s rainstorm damaged several pieces of equipment in the control tower, including the network time protocol, encoder, air conditioners, computers, and other engineering tools. The windows were shattered, and part of the ceiling caved in,” the source disclosed.

The storm also affected several communities in Akure North Local Government Area, including Eleyewo, Ilu Abo, and Bolorunduro, where properties worth millions of naira were destroyed.

Residents said the downpour, which lasted for several hours, began around 6:30 pm on Monday, damaging vehicles, shops, churches, and other structures. However, no casualties were reported.

Efforts to reach the Head of FAAN in Akure, Mrs. Yemisi Adebiyi, for comments were unsuccessful, as her phone line was unreachable and a text message sent to her remained unanswered as of press time.

The suspension of flight operations at the airport has left many travellers stranded, with some expressing frustration over the situation.

“I was supposed to travel to Lagos today, but now I’m stranded here. I don’t know when the airport will be reopened,” said a traveller, who identified himself as John.

The FAAN has promised to repair the damaged equipment and restore flight operations as soon as possible. However, no specific date has been given for the reopening of the airport.

In the meantime, travellers are advised to check with their airlines for alternative arrangements or to contact the airport authorities for updates on the situation.