The Port Harcourt International Airport has received full certification and an operational licence after nearly 40 years of service, following its compliance with international aviation safety standards set by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
The certification comes after extensive upgrades, modernization, expansion of airport infrastructure, and the provision of critical safety equipment at the facility.
Regional General Manager, South-South Airports and Manager of the Port Harcourt International Airport, Mrs. Lynda Ezike, announced the development on Friday during a courtesy visit to the Rivers State Government House, where she led a delegation from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to present the certification to Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Ezike said the airport’s certification was made possible through the Rivers State Government’s support for infrastructure upgrades and the provision of equipment required to meet both national and international aviation safety standards.
“This certification is a major milestone for Port Harcourt International Airport. It reflects years of investment in safety and infrastructure and positions the airport to compete more effectively on the global aviation stage while boosting confidence among international airlines and passengers,” Ezike said.
She described the certification as a landmark achievement, noting that it positions the airport to attract more international flights and strengthens its status as the gateway to Rivers State and the South-South region.
According to her, airlines and passengers can now operate with greater confidence, knowing the airport meets globally accepted safety requirements.
She added that the achievement places Rivers State among key contributors to Nigeria’s aviation safety programme and is expected to enhance the state’s profile in international air transport.
