₦airaland Forum

The Federal Government has upgraded the Victor Attah Airport in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, to an international airport, clearing the way for it to begin receiving and processing international passengers.

The announcement was made on Thursday in Abuja by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, during a meeting with the state governor, Pastor Umo Eno.

Keyamo said the facility already meets global standards and has the capacity to compete with other international airports in Nigeria.

He highlighted its modern infrastructure, including a world-class Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility and a runway of over three kilometres capable of handling larger aircraft.

“With the facilities available at the airport, there is no reason why Uyo airport should not be designated as an international airport to process international passengers,” he said.

He added, “That is why we are here today with all relevant government agencies, including Customs, NiMet, FAAN, NCAA and others, to set up a joint team that will commence the process of transitioning from local operations to international operations.”

He stressed that the designation is official, and the next step is to “tick the boxes and set a date for operations to begin.”

The minister said officials from all relevant agencies will visit Uyo to assess the airport’s facilities and determine what additional requirements are needed for full international operations.

He stressed that the designation is official, and the next step is to “tick the boxes and set a date for operations to begin.”

The minister said officials from all relevant agencies will visit Uyo to assess the airport’s facilities and determine what additional requirements are needed for full international operations.

Responding, Eno thanked the Federal Government for the approval and said the state was fully prepared for the upgrade.

He announced plans to further expand the airport’s infrastructure, including the construction of a cargo terminal and residential quarters for airport staff.

“What we are building is an ecosystem at the airport. We want everything within the airport environment,” the governor said.

He added, “We will build a cargo terminal, which is already captured in the 2026 budget. We will also ensure that the 100 units of houses under construction are used to enable the proper settling down of workers at the airport.

“My target is that by the end of the first quarter of 2026, the first international plane should take off from Uyo.”

The Victor Attah Airport, inaugurated in 2009 and renamed in 2018 in honour of former Governor Obong Victor Attah, has grown into a regional hub equipped to handle large aircraft.

The upgrade to full international status is expected to boost commerce, tourism, and connectivity in Akwa Ibom State and the wider South-South region.

AishaDant:
My mother's state ❤️.

Akwa Ibom ayaya

Michaelmercy:
I so much love the amazing work and developmental strides going on Akwa Ibom
I so much love that state, I’m planning to choose that state for my service and explore it so much in my service year.
Akwa Ibom governors are progressives and high bent in developing their state to a global standard. The culture, art, tourism and tech sectors are also growing

UkoAnnang:


Of what benefits to the common man?

ubebekojoh:
What about Benue , Makurdi

Originalsly:
The FG has upgraded the airport to an International Airport. It has reached international standards and has all the facilities for it to begin receiving international passengers. OK. So why others have to come to see what needs to be done? ...wh n he already said it meets international standards and ready to compete with other local international airport? These guys speak with forked tongues and people ready to shout good development. He should be saying which International carrier has signed up to stop there. If none....then we should know this is another White Elephant

Saladdin:
Makurdi Airport is best left alone as "domestic". Even at its current level, it doesn't get enough domestic traffic. Granting "International" upgrades to airport is not a reward or a status thing. There needs to be enough traffic before it can and commercial activities going on in the state before it can be upgraded.

The State should rather develop itself to be one of the top cargo (agric and agro-allied) destination in Nigeria.

Streetinvestor2:
Make una dey whin una self.How many plane comes thr beside ibom air.On normal days the domestic air to and fro that airport is hardly full.If you have air line for international routes. You go send the thing go that airport. To go and carry which passengers to which country. It is good to be international on government paper. The government didn't see the most important which is the sea port and build it and transform the state to economic giant.
It will affect lagos ports I forgot as most igbos will move to that sea port .Therefore the sea port most never work because of lagos monopoly in sea ports

Schlumeinstein:
BENUE AIRPORT DOESN'T HAVE FACILITIES..IBOM AIRPORT HAS........


MRO.
RUNAWAY CAPACITY TO ACCOMMODATE THE BIG AIRCRAFT

ubebekojoh:
What about Benue , Makurdi

UkoAnnang:


Of what benefits to the common man?