In a significant development for Nigeria's aviation industry, Ibom Air, the state-owned carrier of Akwa Ibom State, has announced plans to begin international flight operations in April 2026. The services will originate from the Victor Attah International Airport (VAI) in Uyo, following the completion of critical infrastructure upgrades at the facility.
Minister and Governor Confirm Readiness After Inspection
The timeline was confirmed by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, after a facility inspection at the Uyo airport on Wednesday. He was accompanied by the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno. The inspection involved meetings with all agencies crucial for international operations, including the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and the Department of State Services (DSS).
Keyamo expressed satisfaction with the state's preparedness, noting that Akwa Ibom was "ahead of schedule." He stated that only minor gaps remained before the airport could function as a full international gateway. "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 remarked.
Key Infrastructure Driving the Expansion
The readiness assessment was based on newly developed facilities at the airport, which are essential for handling international traffic. Two critical components highlighted during the visit were:
- A New International Terminal: Constructed to meet the standards for processing international arrivals and departures.
- A Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) Facility: Keyamo described this as a vital requirement, allowing international airlines to conduct necessary safety and routine checks on their aircraft while on the ground in Uyo before subsequent flights.
Governor Umo Eno thanked President Bola Tinubu for approving the airport's upgrade to international status and for the release of statutory funds. He also commended Minister Keyamo for his commitment to leveraging aviation infrastructure for national economic growth.
Implications for Trade, Tourism, and Regional Connectivity
The launch of Ibom Air's international services is poised to be a transformative event for southern Nigeria. It will position Uyo as a new international aviation hub in the region, with expected benefits including:
- Boosted tourism and business travel into Akwa Ibom State.
- Enhanced trade and investment flows.
- Greater regional and global air connectivity for the South-South and South-East regions.
- Increased competition in the Nigerian international air travel market, joining carriers like Air Peace and foreign operators.
The state government has pledged to continue collaborating with federal agencies and aviation stakeholders to ensure the April 2026 launch date is met. This expansion marks a major milestone for Ibom Air, which has built a strong reputation for reliability on domestic routes since its inception, and now aims to replicate that success on the international stage.
