Akwa Ibom State has taken a major step towards economic diversification as international flight operations officially commence at the Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo.
Governor Umo Eno described the move as a strategic shift to position aviation as a key revenue source beyond crude oil.
The development follows the successful test-run of the maiden international flight from Uyo to Ghana over the weekend.
According to the governor, the new status of the airport will benefit not just Akwa Ibom State, but Nigeria and the wider Gulf of Guinea region by improving regional connectivity and eliminating the need for indirect travel routes.
Read Also:
- Ibom Air to launch first international flight from Uyo to Accra on May 2
- New terminal nears completion as Akwa Ibom Airport begins international flight operations soon
- Ibom Air gets two new bombardier Aircrafts to boost fleet operations
To support this ambition, the state government has established a new Aviation Ministry. In the interim, Uwem Ekanem will oversee its operations until a substantive commissioner is appointed.
Gov. Eno emphasized that a functional airport is essential for tourism and economic growth, noting that Akwa Ibom is positioning itself as a regional hub, similar to Kigali.
He highlighted the state’s international conference centre as a major asset that could attract global events to Uyo.
The governor added that plans are also underway to expand infrastructure within the aviation ecosystem, including a cargo terminal and enhanced trading routes to boost commerce.
The governor expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for approving the airport’s international designation, and to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, for his role in ensuring regulatory compliance and coordination.
Reflecting on the airport’s journey, Gov. Eno credited former leaders, including Victor Attah, Godswill Akpabio, and Udom Emmanuel, for their contributions.
The state-owned airline, Ibom Air, is also set for expansion, with plans to grow its fleet to 10 aircraft, including a new Airbus expected in June.
Alongside this, the government is investing heavily in human capital, having trained 20 pilots in Paris, deployed engineers, and sponsored additional cadet pilots in Ethiopia and Zaria.
Beyond technical roles, the state plans to build capacity in airport handling, facility management, and maintenance services.
Gov. Eno revealed that at least 10 major projects are underway to support the aviation sector, including a second runway, apron expansion, an aviation village, improved security systems, and supporting infrastructure like a hospital.
He clarified that the recent international flight was not symbolic but a formal activation of the airport’s global certification.
Scheduled international operations are expected to begin once all regulatory processes are completed.
Looking ahead, the governor disclosed plans to privatize Ibom Air through listing on the stock exchange, ensuring long-term sustainability.
Keyamo, who joined the inaugural international flight, praised the initiative, describing the airport as a pace-setter that has placed Akwa Ibom firmly on the global aviation map.
