The federal government has officially declared the Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, as an international airport.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, made the declaration on Thursday in Abuja during a meeting with the Governor of Akwa Ibom, Umo Eno.
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Mr Keyamo said that with the approval, the process for converting to full international operations would commence, qualifying the airport to receive and process international passengers.
According to the minister, the airport has all the standard facilities that will enable it to compete with other international airports across the country.
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He added that the airport had all the modern facilities, including a standard Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility and a runway of over three kilometres, which could accommodate 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.
“We are here today with all relevant government agencies, including the customs, NiMet, FAAN, NCAA and others, to set up a joint team that would commence the process of transitioning from local operations to international operations.
“What we want to tell you today is that we are designating Uyo airport as an international airport. What is left is to tick the boxes and set a date for operations to begin,” Mr Keyamo said.
He said a team of relevant agencies would assess the facilities and tick the boxes for what was available and what would be needed for the airport to become a fully international airport.
Responding, Governor Eno, who appreciated the federal government’s and the minister’s approval, stated that the airport was well-equipped for international operations.
He further stated that the Akwa Ibom State Government would construct a cargo terminal and residential buildings for the airport staff members.
“What we are building is an ecosystem at the airport. We want everything within the airport environment. We will build a cargo terminal, which is already captured in the 2026 budget.
“We will also ensure the 100 units of houses under construction are used to ensure 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 will take off from Uyo,” he said.
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The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Victor Attah International Airport, formerly known as Akwa Ibom International Airport, is situated near Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom.
It was first opened in 2009, expanded to handle large aircraft, and served as a regional hub to showcase the area’s culture and infrastructure. The facility was renamed in 2018 to honour Mr Attah, a former governor of the state.
The airport is home to Ibom Air, a commercial airline owned by the Akwa Ibom State Government.
