The Akure Airport has been shut down after Monday’s downpour destroyed its control tower and terminal building, Peoples Gazette can report. 

The rainstorm also damaged some equipment at the airport, thereby halting flight operations to Lagos and Abuja. 

The downpour also affected some communities such as Ilu Abo, Bolorunduro, and Eleyewo in the Akure North LGA of Ondo State. 

A worker at the airport who spoke to The Gazette on condition of anonymity said that the development disrupted flight operations. 

She added that the incident caused discomfort to aviation officials including passengers. 

The worker stated, “As I speak with you, many of the buildings are now badly affected. The engineering building that houses equipment in the airport has been damaged. The staff quarters were also affected and about seven buildings housing airport staff had their roofs damaged by the downpour. With the development, commercial flights have been grounded till further notice by the airport authorities pending the repairs of damaged equipment.’’ 

A manager at the airport could not immediately be reached for comments as of the time this report was filed.  

Also, efforts to get the reaction of the management of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria were futile.

But it was gathered that the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority and the Nigeria Airspace Management Agency had been notified of the development.