The Akure Airport has been forced to cease all flight operations indefinitely due to a severe rainstorm that ravaged the facility on Monday evening.
This closure has resulted in significant disruption for travelers, leaving many stranded in Akure Airport.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) made the decision to shut down the airport on Wednesday, following a comprehensive assessment of the extensive damage caused by the powerful storm. This assessment revealed the severity of the infrastructure damage, rendering the airport unsafe for operation.
According to an anonymous airport staff member, the rainstorm inflicted substantial damage on crucial equipment, particularly within the engineering department. The control tower bore the brunt of the storm’s fury
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The storm’s impact on the control tower included damage to the network time protocol, encoder, air conditioners, computers, and various other essential engineering tools. The force of the storm shattered windows and caused parts of the ceiling to collapse.
The damage extended beyond the control tower, affecting numerous buildings throughout the airport complex. Several staff quarters were also impacted, with approximately seven residences experiencing roof damage due to the storm’s powerful winds.
Consequently, all commercial flights have been suspended until the necessary repairs are completed and the airport can resume safe operations. The timeline for these repairs remains uncertain.
Attempts to obtain official comments from Mrs. Yemisi Adebiyi, the Head of FAAN in Akure, were unsuccessful. She was unreachable by phone, and a text message sent for comment went unanswered.
The rainstorm’s destructive force was not limited to the airport. Several communities in the Akure North Local Government Area, including Eleyewo, Ilu Abo, and Bolorunduro, suffered extensive property damage.
Residents reported that the downpour, which began around 6:30 pm on Monday and lasted for several hours, caused significant damage to vehicles, shops, churches, and other structures. Despite the widespread destruction, there were no reported casualties.
