The Akwa Ibom State Government has announced that the maiden international flight from the Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, to Kotoka International Airport, Accra, Ghana, will take off on Saturday, May 2, 2026, following presidential approval for the upgrade of the airport to international status.
In a Tuesday statement by the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Umo Eno, the government said, “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.”
He added that Ibom Air will operate the inaugural flight, with a return trip scheduled for Sunday, May 3, 2026, describing the development as a major milestone for the state’s aviation ambitions.
“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,” Eno said.
He appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the airport’s upgrade and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, for his support, while also acknowledging past leaders of the state for laying the foundation for the aviation sector.
Also speaking on the milestone, the state Commissioner for Information, Aniekan Umanah, via his X account said, ”This historic milestone represents a significant step in the State’s strategic drive to expand its aviation capacity, enhance international connectivity, and position Akwa Ibom as a preferred destination for tourism and investment’Related News
Umanah also expressed profound appreciation to President Tinubu for granting approval, and Keyamo, SAN, for his efforts in ensuring the realisation of this vision.
He said, ” 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.
”The Government and people of Akwa Ibom State also appreciate the contributions of former governors of the State for their pioneering roles in the development of the aviation sector and reiterate their commitment to the sustained development of the aviation ecosystem for the economic advancement of the State.”
The announcement follows earlier indications in December 2025 that Ibom Air would commence international operations in April 2026, after the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, inspected the facility alongside the governor and expressed satisfaction with its readiness.
During that visit, Keyamo said Akwa Ibom had made significant progress ahead of schedule in preparing the airport for international operations.