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๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฌ Nigeria /Economy & Trade

Ibom Air to Commence International Flights from Uyo to Accra

From The Punch · (4m ago) English Positive tone

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Ibom Air is set to launch its first international flight from Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, to Accra, Ghana, on May 2, 2026.
  • The flight follows presidential approval for the upgrade of Victor Attah International Airport to international status.
  • This expansion marks a significant step in Akwa Ibom's aviation ambitions, aiming to boost tourism, trade, and investment.

This is a momentous occasion for Akwa Ibom State as we proudly announce the commencement of our first international flight service. The maiden journey from Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo to Kotoka International Airport in Accra, Ghana, is scheduled for Saturday, May 2, 2026, a date that will be etched in our state's history.

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.

โ€” Umo Eno (Governor of Akwa Ibom State)Announcing the launch of the state's first international flight.

This significant milestone is a direct result of the presidential approval for the upgrade of our airport to international standards. This achievement underscores our unwavering commitment to expanding our aviation capacity, enhancing global connectivity, and positioning Akwa Ibom as a premier destination for tourism, trade, and investment. We extend our profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for granting this crucial approval and to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, for his instrumental support.

This milestone marks another major step in our commitment to expanding aviation capacity, improving global connectivity, and positioning Akwa Ibom as a preferred destination for tourism, trade, and investment.

โ€” Umo Eno (Governor of Akwa Ibom State)Highlighting the significance of the new international flight route.

Ibom Air will proudly operate this inaugural flight, with the return journey scheduled for Sunday, May 3, 2026. This new route is more than just a flight path; it represents a gateway to new opportunities, fostering stronger economic ties and cultural exchanges between Akwa Ibom State and Ghana, and indeed, the wider West African region.

This historic milestone represents a significant step in the Stateโ€™s strategic drive to expand its aviation capacity, enhance international connectivity, and position Akwa Ibom as a preferred destination for tourism and investment.

โ€” Aniekan Umanah (Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Information)Commenting on the importance of the airport's international upgrade and the new flight service.

We also acknowledge the foundational work laid by previous leaders of our state, whose foresight and dedication paved the way for this aviation sector development. Their contributions have been invaluable in reaching this point. As we embark on this new chapter, we reiterate our commitment to the sustained development of our aviation ecosystem, recognizing its pivotal role in driving economic advancement for Akwa Ibom State. This is a testament to our vision for a more connected and prosperous future.

The Government expresses its profound appreciation to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for granting approval, and to the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, for his efforts in ensuring the realisation of this vision.

โ€” Akwa Ibom State GovernmentExpressing gratitude for the support received for the airport upgrade and international flight launch.
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Originally published by The Punch in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.