Operations at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport (AIIA) in Enugu came to a standstill on Friday, February 6, as officials from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) reportedly locked the facility’s gates. The sudden move has left hundreds of passengers stranded and grounded several scheduled domestic flights.
The Situation
Early morning travelers arrived to find the terminal inaccessible, with security personnel and airport authority staff enforcing a total lockdown. Sources suggest the closure is linked to an internal industrial action.
Key impacts include:
Flight Cancellations: Major domestic carriers have been unable to process check-ins or facilitate departures.
Terminal Congestion: A heavy crowd of passengers has formed outside the perimeter, with many expressing frustration over the lack of prior communication.
Security Presence: Additional security units have been spotted around the entrance to maintain order.
Stakeholder Reactions
While FAAN has yet to release an official statement regarding the duration of the lockout, airline representatives have advised passengers to remain calm while they negotiate a resolution.
”We were caught completely off guard,” said one affected traveler. “There was no email, no text. We just showed up to locked gates and a ‘no entry’ sign.”
Looking Ahead
Travelers are advised to contact their respective airlines for rebooking options or refund policies. It remains unclear if operations will resume within the next 24 hours, as labor negotiations are reportedly ongoing.
