the Nigerian Senate, opposed the planned closure. It was believed that the closure of the airport would cause hardship for international and local air travellers alike. Starting March 8, 2017, Nigeria declared the airport closed for at least six weeks to bring needed repairs to the runway. On 18 April 2017, the airport was reopened following completion of this project. On 20 December 2018, President Muhammadu Buhari commissioned a new terminal building. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria says the newly completed terminal building can process up to 15 million passengers annually. Other facilities The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has its Abuja office on the airport grounds; previously the airport had the authority's head office. The airport operates a private jet wing that serves businesses, diplomats and politicians in the city. In 2016, the Ministry of Transportation announced plans for a new terminal for private Jet operations. The General Aviation Terminal project will cost N258 million naira and will include a new protocol Lounge and rehabilitation of the fire station at the Airport. It will serve non-scheduled flights. 2017 runway reconstruction In 2017, the Nigerian Government awarded a contract to Julius Berger for the emergency rehabilitation of the airport's only runway. It had been built to last for 20 years but had been in use for nearly 40 years at that time. The airport's runway was starting to show signs of fatigue and disrepair. The Airport was closed for 6 weeks, and flights were diverted to neighboring Kaduna airport. The Airport reopened with the completion of the Runway on the 17 of April 2017, 2 days ahead of schedule. Airlines and destinations Statistics These data show number of passengers movements into the airport, according to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria's (FAAN) Aviation Sector Summary Reports. Accidents and incidents On February 21, 2021 a Nigerian Air Force Beechcraft B300 King Air 350i crashed shortly after takeoff while attempting to return to the airport. All seven on board died. Gallery See also Transport in Nigeria List of airports in Nigeria List of the busiest airports in Africa References External links Abuja Airport at OurAirports Airports in Nigeria Buildings and structures in Abuja