Prosper Okoye
Nigeria’s Victor Attah International Airport (VAIA) in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, is set to begin full international flight operations in April 2026, government officials have confirmed.
The airport, officially designated as an international facility by the Federal Government, recently underwent a comprehensive inspection to prepare for cross‑border services.
The upgrade follows approval granted in November 2025 by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelSpeaking after a technical assessment, Mr Keyamo said the airport was ahead of schedule in meeting international standards. “With the facilities available at the airport, there is no reason why Uyo airport should not be designated as an international airport to process international passengers,” he told reporters, highlighting the runway, modern terminal, and maintenance facilities.
Ibom Air, the region’s national carrier, has also confirmed plans to begin international flight services from VAIA in April. “Preparations at Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, are nearing completion,” Mr Keyamo said in December, underscoring the progress towards regulatory compliance for international operations.
Officials from both the federal and state governments have been inspecting key infrastructure, including passenger terminals, security systems, and runway facilities, to ensure the airport meets global standards.
A high-level federal technical committee has been overseeing readiness and supporting accelerated implementation of the final requirements.
Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State welcomed the development, saying international flight operations would unlock new economic opportunities for the region.
Industry analysts add that the airport’s upgrade could boost tourism, trade, and investment by providing direct air links between Uyo and destinations beyond Nigeria.
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The launch of international flights at VAIA will mark a significant milestone for Nigeria’s aviation sector and position Uyo among the country’s key gateways for global travel.
Prosper Okoye is a Correspondent and Research Writer at Prime Business Africa, a Nigerian journalist with experience in development reporting, public affairs, and policy-focused storytelling across Africa
