NCAA grants commercial licence to Gateway International Agro-Cargo Airport, Ogun, paving way for cargo and passenger operations to London, Abuja, Port Harcourt

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has granted a commercial operational licence to the Gateway International Agro-Cargo Airport in Iperu, Ogun State, officially paving the way for the commencement of both cargo and passenger flights at the newly constructed facility.

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Confirming the development on Monday, the NCAA’s Director of Aerodrome and Airspace Standards, Balang Godwin, said the licence authorizes the airport to begin full operations.

“Yes, the licence has been granted, and once that’s done, you can commence operation,” Godwin stated during a phone interview.

“Once we issue the certificate—whether for an airline or an aerodrome—operations can begin, just as we have done in Ogun.”

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, described the development as a historic milestone, noting it is the first time a newly built airport in Nigeria has secured certification under the current regulatory framework.

“With world-class infrastructure, international connectivity, and a strategic location, the Gateway International Airport will raise the bar for air travel in Nigeria,” he said in a video shared online.

The airport has been issued an Aerodrome Reference Code 3C and an Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Services (ARFFS) Category 6 rating.

It is certified to operate daytime flights only, from sunrise to sunset, with a non-precision approach system for Runway 05/23 and support for Area Navigation (RNAV) procedures.

Governor Abiodun revealed that a major global logistics firm has committed to operating two weekly cargo flights between London and Ogun.

Additionally, passenger routes to Abuja and Port Harcourt will launch soon as part of the airport’s initial operations.

“I had a meeting on Sunday with a company that wants to fly two cargo flights from London to this airport weekly,” he stated. “Passenger operations to Abuja and Port Harcourt will begin shortly.”

The Gateway Agro-Cargo Airport has also been designated as an alternate landing site for the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos, significantly boosting its strategic and operational relevance in the southwest aviation corridor.

Key Highlights:

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• Commercial licence granted by NCAA
• Daytime operations only with 3C and ARFF Category 6
• Two weekly cargo flights to London expected
• Initial passenger routes to Abuja and Port Harcourt
• Certified as an alternate landing site for Lagos MMIA
• Positioned to become a hub for trade, logistics, and tourism