I was fortunate to be amongst the first passengers that flew in the first Commercial flight to Akwa Ibom Airport via Arik Air. This was on the 26th of November, 2009. Here are some pictures.

The aircraft at the tarmac after landing at the airport.

The aircraft still on ground at Akwa Ibom State Airport

Passengers Boarding Arik Aircraft at Abuja International Airport.

Oboma1:

Passengers Boarding Arik Aircraft at Abuja International Airport.

This was actually when the aircraft had landed at Akwa-Ibom state airport. People were so excited, as it provided short cut, instead of going through Portharcourt or Calabar. You can see people snapping pictures. It was a rare privilege!

People still trying to disembark at Akwa Ibom Airport

People still waiting for the aircraft's door to be opened

how long was the flight?

I will rather walk than fly in nigeria with the appalling air safety,records,flying is  like a suicide bid in nigeria.A country that can't understand and maintain common horse transport,how can she handle the highly sensitive air transport?You guys think this whole shit is joke,we are on the road to doom,we are not evolving,we are backsliding.

By now we should be building aircrafts but common bicycles,we don't the concept yet.

pamaram:

how long was the flight?

It was actually 50 minutes, and we paid N18,500 (perhaps inaugural fare). I saw it to be expensive though.

Some onlookers that came to welcome the aircraft.

The FAAN staff that was sent from Lagos to co-ordinate FAAN activites. He headed the team.

A team of other security personnel.

Some other officials at the scene.

Oboma1:

Some other officials at the scene.

In actual fact, the white man was the leader of Arik Air team to that airport. He came with the aircraft. In the picture also, are some media men trying to gather information.

Some pictorial documentation of the epic event

Another shot

This is inside the building.

This is the arrival hall. People are waiting for the baggages.

This is another view

Oboma1:

This is another view

Another view of the arrival hall.

After collecting one's baggage

Oboma1:

After collecting one's baggage

The vehicles outside are the ones of the governor's, who also came to witness the epic event. I know the airport project is another avenue to embezzle money. The $3.1m saga is still lingering in ears.

Arik staff waiting to check baggages leaving the building.

Arik staff tearing off my baggage tag, and giving me the other slip.

Baggages being displayed at the floor. There is no conveyor belt.

Another view.

Outer part of the airport building.

Another view of the building.

Another side view of the arrival hall

A section of the Departure Hall.

Another view of the Departure Hall.