Ibom Air is set to begin international flight operations in April 2026, following significant upgrades at the Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. The announcement was made by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, during an inspection of the airport on Wednesday.
Keyamo said the state had gone ahead of schedule in preparing the airport for international operations, noting the high standard of facilities and readiness observed during the inspection.
“Having heard from all the agencies involved in an International Airport ecosystem, they were all here with us, and we held a closed-door meeting. From Customs to Quarantine, the Nigeria Immigration Service, NDLEA, Police, DSS, to NEMA and all aviation agencies. From all we have heard, Akwa Ibom State is ahead of the plan scheduled. We thought the gaps to be closed would be much, but they are virtually very small gaps. Akwa Ibom State has gone ahead of schedule to a full-blown International Airport,” the minister said.
The planned launch marks a major milestone for Ibom Air and Akwa Ibom State, highlighting the government’s commitment to improving domestic and international air travel infrastructure.
During the inspection, Keyamo and Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, visited several key facilities, including the newly constructed international terminal and a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility.
Keyamo described the MRO facility as a critical component for international airport operations. “This facility we are seeing here is the MRO, which means all international airlines coming here have a facility where they can conduct routine checks before they fly out again. It is one of the standard requirements of any International Airport,” he explained.
The airport’s upgraded terminal and MRO facility are expected to meet international standards, providing world-class services for both passengers and airlines. These upgrades are part of a broader plan to make Victor Attah International Airport a major hub for domestic and international air travel in southern Nigeria.
Governor Umo Eno expressed appreciation for the federal government’s support, particularly President Bola Tinubu, who approved the airport’s upgrade to international status and released statutory funds for its development.
“Today’s progress would not have been possible without the support of past leaders who laid the groundwork for the development of the airport. I thank Minister Festus Keyamo for his passion and commitment to ensuring that our aviation infrastructure is properly utilized for national economic growth,” the governor said.
The launch of Ibom Air’s international flights is expected to boost tourism, trade, and business activities in Akwa Ibom State and beyond. With direct international connections, travelers will have easier access to global destinations, which could encourage investment in the state and enhance its economic profile.
The airport inspection included officials from all relevant agencies, including the Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, NDLEA, police, DSS, and NEMA. Their involvement is crucial to ensuring that international operations meet global regulations and standards, from passenger processing to cargo handling.
Ibom Air, the state-owned airline, has been operating domestic flights for several years, connecting Uyo to key Nigerian cities. Its expansion into international flights represents a strategic move to compete in the growing West African aviation market and provide Nigerians with more travel options.
Victor Attah International Airport, named after the former governor of Akwa Ibom State, has undergone significant upgrades over the past few years. The improvements include runway expansion, modern passenger terminals, cargo facilities, and the new MRO facility. These developments have positioned the airport to meet the operational requirements of international carriers.
The project aligns with Nigeria’s broader aviation strategy, which focuses on improving connectivity, promoting tourism, and creating jobs through enhanced aviation infrastructure. Once operational, the airport is expected to attract more airlines and increase passenger traffic, boosting revenue for both the state and federal governments.
The launch of international flights by Ibom Air is expected to have far-reaching economic and social benefits. The aviation sector in Akwa Ibom State is poised to create employment opportunities, attract foreign investors, and facilitate trade with other countries.
Tourism is another sector likely to benefit. Akwa Ibom State, known for its rich cultural heritage, beaches, and hospitality industry, could see an increase in international visitors. This would also stimulate related sectors such as hotels, transport services, and local businesses.
Additionally, the availability of international flights from Uyo reduces travel time for residents who previously had to connect through other international airports in Lagos, Abuja, or Port Harcourt, enhancing convenience for business and leisure travel.
The successful upgrade of Victor Attah International Airport underscores the importance of collaboration between state and federal authorities. The federal government’s approval and funding, combined with state-led execution, have ensured that the project remains on schedule and meets international standards.
Minister Festus Keyamo highlighted the effective coordination among all agencies, which contributed to the airport being ahead of schedule in readiness for international operations. He noted that only minor gaps remain to be addressed, signaling a smooth transition to international flight status.
Governor Umo Eno also commended the minister’s dedication, describing it as critical for leveraging aviation infrastructure to drive economic growth in Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria at large.
With the planned commencement of international flights in April 2026, Ibom Air and Victor Attah International Airport are set to become significant players in Nigeria’s aviation sector. The development is expected to improve the state’s connectivity, enhance passenger experiences, and contribute to national economic growth.