The Akwa Ibom State Government has announced that the maiden international flight from the Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo to Kotoka International Airport in Accra, Ghana, will take off on Saturday, May 2, 2026. This follows presidential approval for the airport's upgrade to international status.
The announcement was made in a statement signed by the state Commissioner for Information, Dr. Aniekan Umanah, and made available to the press in Uyo. The statement read: "It is pleased to announce that following Presidential approval for the upgrade of Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, to international status, the maiden international flight from Uyo to Kotoka International Airport, Accra, Ghana, is set to take off on Saturday, May 2, 2026."
Ibom Air will operate the inaugural flight, with a return trip scheduled for Sunday, May 3, 2026. Dr. Umanah described the development as a major milestone for the state's aviation ambitions. "This milestone marks another major step in our commitment to expanding aviation capacity, improving global connectivity, and positioning Akwa Ibom as a preferred destination for tourism, trade, and investment," he said.
The state government commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the airport's upgrade, as well as the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, for his support. The government also acknowledged past leaders of the state for laying the foundation for the aviation sector.
"This historic milestone represents a significant step in the state's strategic drive to expand its aviation capacity, enhance international connectivity, and position Akwa Ibom as a preferred destination for tourism and investment," Umanah added. He further noted that the government and people of Akwa Ibom State appreciate the contributions of former governors for their pioneering roles in the development of the aviation sector and reiterated their commitment to the sustained development of the aviation ecosystem for the economic advancement of the state.
