L-R: Festus Keyamo, minister of aviation and aerospace development, and Umo Eno, governor of Akwa Ibom
The federal government has designated the Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo for international operations.
Festus Keyamo, minister of aviation and aerospace development, announced the approval during a meeting with Umo Eno, governor of Akwa Ibom.
This is according to a video posted on X by Gbenga Saka, special adviser on digital media to the minister, on Thursday.
Keyamo said the airport had long met key infrastructure requirements, describing it as a “hidden gem” with facilities that rival some international airports.
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He said the maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility under construction is 95 percent completed, while the 3.6km runway meets global standards for international aircraft operations.
“The terminal building is built purposely to process international passengers. There is no reason why we should not designate the Uyo Airport as an international airport to process international passengers,” the minister said.
He said a joint technical team comprising officials of the aviation ministry, Akwa Ibom state government, customs, immigration, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and other relevant agencies will be set up to complete all outstanding requirements.
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The minister said the designation takes effect immediately, but full international operations will commence once the technical checks are concluded and a take-off date is agreed.
“As ministry of aviation and aerospace development, we are designating Uyo airport as an international airport. What is left is to tick the boxes, set up a small committee, meet up all the requirements and look for a particular date for operations to begin,” Keyamo said.
“But it is designated, as from today, as an international airport.”
’INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS TO BEGIN IN Q1 2026’
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Speaking on the development in a post on X, Eno described the approval as a “major milestone,” saying it opens new opportunities for tourism, business growth and foreign investment in the state.
“This upgrade places our airport among the select facilities in Nigeria authorised for international traffic, opening new opportunities for tourism, global connectivity, business growth, and foreign investment,” the governor said.
“Full international operations are expected to begin in the first quarter of 2026.”
The governor said the approval is a significant step forward for the state, adding that his administration will continue to create pathways that expand opportunities and strengthen Akwa Ibom’s position as an emerging aviation hub.
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