Ibom Air international flights will begin in April 2026, as Festus Keyamo confirms Victor Attah International Airport is nearing full readiness

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, on Wednesday announced that Ibom Air will commence international flight operations in April 2026, following significant progress in upgrading the Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

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Keyamo made the disclosure during an inspection tour of the airport alongside the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, after meeting with agencies responsible for international airport operations.

Speaking after a closed-door session with representatives of the Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Nigerian Police, Department of State Services, Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, and other aviation stakeholders, the minister said the level of preparedness exceeded expectations.

According to Keyamo, Akwa Ibom State has moved ahead of schedule in closing the gaps required for international certification, describing the remaining issues as minimal.

“From all we have heard, Akwa Ibom State is ahead of the plan scheduled,” Keyamo said. “The gaps we expected to see are virtually non-existent. The state has gone ahead of schedule to become a full-blown international airport.”

The minister inspected the newly constructed international terminal and a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul facility, which he described as a critical requirement for international operations.

He said the MRO facility would allow both domestic and foreign airlines to conduct routine technical checks before departure, enhancing safety, efficiency and the airport’s commercial appeal.

Governor Umo Eno thanked the minister for his support and commitment to ensuring that aviation infrastructure contributes meaningfully to national economic growth.

The governor also expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for approving the upgrade of the Victor Attah International Airport to international status and for releasing statutory funds to support the project.

Eno acknowledged the contributions of previous administrations in Akwa Ibom State, noting that earlier investments laid the foundation for the current milestone.

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The commencement of Ibom Air international flights is expected to boost regional connectivity, trade, tourism and investment, positioning Uyo as a strategic aviation hub in the South-South region.