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๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฌ Nigeria /Economy & Trade

Ibom Air Launches Regional, International Flights from Uyo Hub

From ThisDay · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Ibom Air, a state-owned airline in Nigeria, has expanded its operations to include regional and international flights from its hub in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state.
  • The airline's growth is attributed to the sustained commitment to aviation development by successive Akwa Ibom state governors since 1999.
  • The airline recently operated its first international flight to Accra, Ghana, and plans further international expansion, supported by a new terminal and maintenance facility.

Ibom Air has transformed from a nascent state-owned airline into a regional connectivity provider, operating its first international flight from Uyo to Accra on June 28, 2026. This expansion marks a significant milestone for the Nigerian carrier, which began operations in June 2019.

The airline's success is rooted in the unwavering commitment to aviation development by successive governors of Akwa Ibom state. The vision began with Obong Victor Attah, who initiated the development of an airport and trained aviation personnel. His successor, Godswill Akpabio, completed the airport project, and Udom Gabriel Emmanuel established Ibom Air and commenced building a new terminal and an aircraft Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility. The current governor, Umo Bassey Eno, has seen the completion and operation of the new international terminal and the MRO facility.

George Uriesi, the Managing Director/CEO of Ibom Air, expressed delight at the commencement of international operations. "We are delighted to have commenced international operations out of Uyo. More importantly, we successfully facilitated seamless transit for passengers between Abuja and Accra through Uyo," he stated. Uriesi highlighted that the new terminal offers a world-class airport experience, giving passengers dignity and respect. He believes this development has changed the game for air travel in Nigeria and expressed gratitude to Governor Umo Eno for his leadership and support.

With its operational hub in Uyo, Ibom Air is poised for further international expansion. The presence of an airport, a new international terminal, and a completed MRO facility positions the airline for sustained growth and enhanced service delivery within Nigeria and beyond.

We are delighted to have commenced international operations out of Uyo. More importantly, we successfully facilitated seamless transit for passengers between Abuja and Accra through Uyo. This is exactly what the new terminal represents: a world-class airport experience in a modern facility that gives passengers a sense of dignity and respect.With this development, we believe the game has changed for air travel in Nigeria. We are deeply grateful to His Excellency, Governor Umo Eno, for his visionary leadership and unwavering support for the aviation ecosystem in Akwa Ibom State, which has made this level of service possible.

โ€” Mr. George UriesiThe Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Ibom Air, commenting on the inaugural flight from Uyo to Accra.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ThisDay in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.