Amanze Chinonye
Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, on Saturday joined Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, aboard Ibom Air for the maiden international flight from Victor Attah International Airport to Kotoka International Airport, formally marking the commencement of international operations from the airport.
The inaugural service, which departed Uyo for Accra, is scheduled to be followed by a return flight on Sunday, May 3, 2026, establishing the new Uyo–Accra route as a regular regional connection between Nigeria and Ghana.
Keyamo, who issued a statement after the flight, described the operation as a landmark development in Nigeria’s aviation sector, noting that it signals the activation of the airport’s international wing following regulatory approval by the Federal Government.
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The launch follows the Federal Government’s approval in November 2025 granting Victor Attah International Airport full international status, a certification that cleared the facility for cross-border commercial flight operations.
Aviation authorities and state officials say the development is part of broader efforts to expand Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure and strengthen regional air connectivity across West Africa. The new route is expected to enhance passenger movement, trade links, and tourism flows between both countries.
Ibom Air, which is owned by the Akwa Ibom State Government, has steadily expanded its operations since its launch in 2019, including a Lagos–Accra service introduced in 2023. The Uyo–Accra flight now becomes its first direct international departure from its home base.
Officials in Akwa Ibom have described the development as a significant step in positioning the state as an emerging aviation hub, supported by continued investment in airport infrastructure and regional connectivity strategy.
With the commencement of the Uyo–Accra service, Akwa Ibom joins a growing list of subnational actors in Nigeria leveraging aviation development to deepen economic integration within the West African sub-region.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
