Reported by Simon yusuph, | Journalist at wengglobal
Air Peace has temporarily suspended all flights to and from Benin Airport following the closure of the airport’s runway, a development that has disrupted domestic air travel and affected hundreds of passengers relying on one of Nigeria’s busiest regional aviation hubs.
The airline announced that the suspension would remain in effect until aviation authorities complete the necessary runway rehabilitation and certify the airport safe for flight operations. The decision underscores the aviation industry’s commitment to passenger safety while highlighting the growing need for sustained investment in Nigeria’s airport infrastructure.
According to Air Peace, the temporary suspension is beyond the airline’s control and is directly linked to the closure of the runway by the relevant aviation authorities. The carrier assured passengers that services would resume immediately after the airport is reopened and declared operational.
In a statement issued to customers, Air Peace expressed regret over the inconvenience caused by the disruption and urged affected passengers to monitor official communication channels for updates regarding rescheduled flights, ticket revalidation, and alternative travel arrangements.
The airline emphasized that safety remains its highest priority, noting that it would not compromise operational standards despite the inconvenience the closure may cause to travelers.
Safety Takes Priority
Runway closures are standard aviation safety measures implemented whenever airport infrastructure requires urgent maintenance, repairs, or rehabilitation. Such closures are designed to eliminate operational risks and ensure aircraft can take off and land safely.
Industry experts note that deteriorating runway conditions can pose significant safety challenges, making preventive maintenance essential for protecting passengers, airline crews, and airport personnel.
By suspending operations to Benin Airport during the closure, Air Peace aligns with international aviation safety regulations and Nigeria’s civil aviation standards, which prioritize safety above commercial considerations.
Impact on Travelers
The suspension is expected to affect business travelers, government officials, tourists, and residents who frequently use Benin Airport as a gateway to Edo State and neighboring regions.
Benin City serves as a major commercial and administrative centre in southern Nigeria, making air connectivity vital for economic activities. The temporary suspension could lead to increased demand for road transportation and flights through nearby airports until operations resume.
Passengers with existing bookings have been advised to contact Air Peace’s customer service channels for guidance on flight rescheduling, refunds where applicable, or alternative travel options.
Frequent travelers are also encouraged to verify flight status before proceeding to the airport to avoid unnecessary inconvenience.
Aviation Infrastructure in Focus
The temporary closure has once again drawn attention to the condition of airport infrastructure across Nigeria.
Industry stakeholders have repeatedly called for sustained investment in runway rehabilitation, terminal modernization, navigation equipment upgrades, and airport safety systems to reduce operational disruptions.
Nigeria has made significant investments in airport upgrades over recent years through the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Federal Government. However, experts argue that continued maintenance remains essential to keeping critical aviation infrastructure in optimal condition.
Routine rehabilitation projects, though disruptive in the short term, are considered necessary for ensuring long-term operational efficiency and compliance with global aviation standards.
Air Peace Reassures Customers
Air Peace reaffirmed its commitment to providing safe, reliable, and customer-focused services despite the temporary disruption.
The airline encouraged passengers to obtain travel information exclusively through its official communication platforms to avoid misinformation circulating on social media.
It also thanked customers for their patience and understanding, assuring them that every effort would be made to restore normal flight schedules immediately after the runway reopens.
As Nigeria’s largest domestic carrier by fleet size and route network, Air Peace operates flights to numerous destinations across the country and several international routes, making operational reliability a key priority for the airline.
Broader Economic Implications
Temporary airport closures often have economic consequences beyond the aviation sector. Hotels, transport operators, tourism businesses, and local enterprises that depend on steady passenger traffic may experience reduced patronage during the suspension.
For Edo State, where government activities, conferences, investment meetings, and commercial engagements regularly attract visitors, prolonged disruptions could affect business mobility.
Nevertheless, aviation analysts stress that prioritizing infrastructure safety ultimately protects the industry’s long-term sustainability and public confidence.
Looking Ahead
Neither Air Peace nor aviation authorities have announced a definitive reopening date for Benin Airport. Operations are expected to resume once runway repairs or inspections are completed and the facility receives the necessary safety clearance.
Until then, affected passengers are advised to remain in contact with the airline for updates and plan their journeys accordingly.
The incident serves as another reminder of the importance of continuous infrastructure maintenance within Nigeria’s aviation sector. While temporary disruptions may inconvenience travelers, ensuring safe airport operations remains fundamental to protecting lives and sustaining confidence in the country’s growing air transport industry.
As stakeholders await the reopening of Benin Airport, the focus remains on completing the rehabilitation works efficiently while maintaining the highest safety standards expected within both Nigeria’s aviation industry and the global air transport community.
Sources
- Air Peace Official Statement
- Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN)
- Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA)
- Punch Newspapers
- The Guardian Nigeria
- Vanguard Newspaper
- Channels Television
- BusinessDay Nigeria
