The Oyo State Government has announced that the Ladoke Akintola International Airport, Alakia, Ibadan, will commence international flight operations by June 2026.
This was revealed in a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, on Monday in Ibadan.
According to Oyelade, construction of the new international terminal is currently at 15 per cent completion, and work is progressing steadily to meet the 2026 deadline. The upgrade is part of the government’s plan to position Ibadan as a major air travel hub in Nigeria.
He explained that key features of the airport’s upgrade include extending the runway from 2,400 metres to 3,000 metres and widening it from 45 metres to 60 metres to accommodate large aircraft used in international travel. The airfield lighting has been upgraded to CAT C, and firefighting and emergency response systems have also been improved for safety.
“Facilities for Customs, Immigration, and other essential agencies are being put in place to ensure smooth international operations,” Oyelade said.
The Commissioner also disclosed that local flight operations will resume by the end of 2025, as construction work on the runway, apron, taxiway, and blast pads has reached 55 per cent completion.
The airport upgrade project was officially launched on September 18, 2024, and the facility was temporarily closed in March 2025 to fast-track the construction.
Oyelade said the airport’s transformation is part of the state government’s broader vision to improve infrastructure, boost regional connectivity, and drive economic growth.
“We are committed to making Ibadan Airport a modern gateway for both domestic and international travel,” he added.
