By The Akure Airport in Ondo State has been shut down following severe damage caused by a heavy downpour and thunderstorm that struck on Monday night. The storm destroyed critical navigational equipment, making flight operations impossible.
Reports indicate that the thunderstorms damaged several devices inside the airport’s control tower, including network time protocol systems, encoders, air conditioners, and computers. With these systems down, flights can neither take off nor land.
Passengers scheduled to fly out of Akure were left stranded for hours before many gave up and left the airport in frustration. Some described the situation as disappointing, especially for travelers with urgent engagements outside the state.
The storm didn’t just affect the airport — it also tore through nearby communities like Eleyewo, Ilu Abo, and Bolorunduro, leaving several residents homeless after destroying their homes.
A source within the airport confirmed the extent of the destruction, saying parts of the control tower were smashed, ceilings collapsed, and at least seven staff quarters had their roofs blown off. The airport authority has grounded all commercial flights until repairs are completed.
Efforts to get an official response from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) were unsuccessful, as officials declined to provide details on the timeline for repairs or when flight operations might resume.
