Victor Attah International Airport will begin international flight operations on May 2, 2026, with its maiden service connecting Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, to Accra, Ghana.Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno disclosed this via his official X account on Tuesday, marking a major milestone for the airport following presidential approval for its upgrade to international status.The launch positions Akwa Ibom among a growing number of Nigerian states expanding their aviation infrastructure to improve connectivity, tourism, trade, and investment.
Governor Umo Eno said the inaugural international service from Victor Attah International Airport to Kotoka International Airport in Accra will be operated by Ibom Air on Saturday, May 2, 2026. The return leg from Accra to Uyo is scheduled for May 3, officially commencing the airport’s international operations.“I am pleased to announce that following Presidential approval for the upgrade of Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, to international status, the maiden international flight from Uyo to Kotoka International Airport, Accra, Ghana, is set to take off on Saturday, May 2, 2026.” Governor Eno said the launch will significantly strengthen Akwa Ibom’s aviation capacity.He added that the move would improve connectivity while boosting tourism, trade, and investment opportunities.The governor also thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo, and previous administrations for contributing to the airport’s transformation.The development represents a significant expansion for Ibom Air and Akwa Ibom State’s broader economic ambitions
The Federal Government in November 2025 approved the upgrade of Victor Attah International Airport from a domestic-only facility to one with full international operational status.Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo confirmed that the airport had been officially designated as an international facility.Relevant agencies, including the Nigeria Customs Service, FAAN, NCAA, and NiMet were directed to immediately begin infrastructure assessments and operational preparations.Keyamo stated that with much of the required infrastructure already in place, there was little standing in the way of international passenger processing.The coordinated efforts of aviation agencies accelerated preparations for the May 2026 launch.With international operations now set to begin, the airport’s transition from local to regional aviation hub has entered its implementation stage.
Several Nigerian state governments have intensified investments in aviation infrastructure in recent years as part of broader economic development strategies.
Oyo State proposed upgrading Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, Ibadan, into an international airport in 2024, though it currently remains a domestic airport.Abia State in 2024 partnered with the Federal Government to develop a new airport, upgrading initial plans from an airstrip to a full airport project, though the project remains in its early stages.Ebonyi, Enugu, and Ogun states have also expanded aviation operations through aircraft acquisitions, airline operations, and airport launches.These developments highlight increasing competition among Nigerian states to leverage aviation as a driver of economic growth, regional integration, and investment attraction.
