Ibom Air is set to commence international flight operations in April 2026, with preparations at Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, nearing completion, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has announced.
Keyamo made the revelation on Wednesday during an inspection of airport facilities alongside Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, and in a meeting with agencies responsible for international airport operations.
The minister expressed satisfaction with the progress, noting that the state is ahead of schedule in preparing the airport for international flights. “From what we have seen and heard from all the agencies involved—from Customs and Quarantine to Nigeria Immigration Service, NDLEA, Police, DSS, NEMA, and aviation authorities—Akwa Ibom State has virtually closed all gaps. It is ahead of schedule to becoming a full-blown international airport,” Keyamo said.
During the visit, the minister inspected key facilities, including the newly constructed international terminal and a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility, a crucial requirement for international airport operations. “This MRO facility ensures that all international airlines operating here can conduct routine checks before flying out. It meets the standard requirements of any international airport,” he added.
Governor Eno commended the minister for his dedication, describing his commitment to leveraging aviation infrastructure as a driver of national economic growth.
