Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo is set to open a new chapter in Akwa Ibom State’s aviation story as it prepares to begin international flight operations on May 2, 2026. The milestone will be marked by the airport’s first international connection linking Uyo with Kotoka International Airport in Accra, Ghana, with the service to be operated by Ibom Air. The return flight from Accra to Uyo is scheduled for May 3, formally initiating the airport’s entry into international travel.
The launch follows the Federal Government’s decision in November 2025 to upgrade the facility from a domestic airport to one with full international operational status. Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo confirmed the designation at the time and directed key aviation agencies to begin the processes required for international passenger operations.
Agencies including the Nigeria Customs Service, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) were tasked with carrying out infrastructure checks and operational preparations. With much of the required infrastructure already in place, officials indicated that the airport was well positioned to begin handling international traffic once final preparations were completed.
For Akwa Ibom State, the introduction of international flights is expected to strengthen its aviation capacity and improve direct connectivity to other parts of West Africa. The new route is also seen as an opportunity to stimulate tourism, expand commercial activity, and attract investment into the state while supporting the growth of Ibom Air.
The development reflects a wider trend across Nigeria as several state governments increasingly view aviation infrastructure as a strategic tool for economic expansion. In 2024, Oyo State announced plans to upgrade Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport in Ibadan into an international airport, although the facility continues to operate as a domestic terminal. That same year, Abia State partnered with the Federal Government to pursue a new airport project, expanding earlier plans for a simple airstrip into a full airport development that is still in its early stages.
Other states such as Ebonyi, Enugu, and Ogun have also taken steps to strengthen their aviation ecosystems through airport projects, airline operations, and aircraft acquisitions. These initiatives point to growing competition among Nigerian states seeking to position aviation as a driver of regional connectivity, investment attraction, and long-term economic growth.
With the Uyo–Accra route set to begin operations in early May, Victor Attah International Airport is moving beyond its role as a domestic gateway and stepping into a broader regional aviation network.
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