“The local communities surrounding the international airport rallied in large numbers, blocking the entrance in protest against the absence of essential services, including power.”
Passengers Stranded as Protests Disrupt Flights at Port Harcourt International Airport
On Wednesday, several passengers found themselves stranded as major flights were disrupted at the Port Harcourt International Airport due to an ongoing protest by residents of Omagwa and Ipo communities in the Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State. These communities are home to the international airport, and residents gathered in large numbers to block the airport entrance, demanding improved services and an end to the prolonged lack of power.
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The protest has severely impacted flight operations, leading to stranded passengers and causing traffic congestion stretching from Airport Road to neighboring towns. Demonstrators, assembling as early as 7 am on Wednesday, voiced their grievances, citing the absence of compensation despite enduring noise pollution from the airport and the lack of quality educational institutions nearby.
One protester, identified as Oki, expressed frustration with airport authorities, accusing them of neglect. Speaking to PUNCH, Oki stated, “We in Omagwa and Ipo have been without electricity for over 10 years. We seek compensation for the daily noise pollution emanating from the airport. We are exhausted. That’s why we are here.”
