The Federal Government has officially 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 Thursday in Abuja by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, during a meeting with Governor Umo Eno.
Keyamo said the facility already meets global standards and has the capacity to compete with other international airports in Nigeria.
He highlighted the airport’s modern infrastructure, including a world‑class Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility and a runway of more than three kilometers 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,” Keyamo stated.
Next Steps and State Preparedness
Keyamo explained that all relevant agencies—including Customs, NiMet, FAAN, and NCAA—will form a joint team to oversee the transition from local 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.”
Governor Eno welcomed the approval, saying the state was fully prepared for the upgrade. He announced plans to expand the airport’s ecosystem with a cargo terminal and residential quarters for staff.
“My target is that by the end of the first quarter of 2026, the first international plane should take off from Uyo,” he said.
The Victor Attah Airport, inaugurated in 2009 and renamed in 2018 in honor of former Governor Obong Victor Attah, has grown into a regional hub equipped to handle large aircraft.
With its new international status, the airport is expected to boost commerce, tourism, and connectivity across Akwa Ibom and the wider South‑South region.
Governor Eno said the upgrade will enhance trade, create jobs, and expand opportunities for Ibom Air to partner with international airlines.
“Flights will land directly here. There will be a whole lot of economic activities for the good of our people and our State,” he said.
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