UYO – As international operations officially commenced at the Victor Attah International Airport with a landmark maiden flight from Uyo to Ghana, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, has described the facility as a uniquely positioned transit hub and a pace setter in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
Speaking at a brief but symbolic launch on Saturday, May 2, 2026, to flag off the inaugural international flight, Keyamo said the airport represents a new benchmark in sub-national aviation infrastructure across the country.
“This airport is not just another terminal building; it is a world-class transit hub with immense strategic impact,” the Minister declared.
“Passengers here can seamlessly connect international-to-international, domestic-to-international, and international-to-domestic flights—services that are not available in any other sub-national airport in Nigeria.”
He further noted that the scale and sophistication of the facility position Akwa Ibom State as an emerging aviation and economic hub, likening its rapid infrastructural transformation to global models such as Dubai.
Keyamo emphasized that the economic ripple effects of the airport would be “massive and far-reaching,” boosting trade, tourism, and investment opportunities within the state and beyond.
He commended Governor Umo Eno for his determination and commitment in completing the project and securing its international status.
In his remarks, Governor Eno attributed the success of the airport’s transformation to a legacy of visionary leadership spanning successive administrations.
He described the project as “a relay of impactful governance,” acknowledging the foundational and progressive contributions of former governors including Victor Attah, Godswill Akpabio, and Udom Emmanuel.
The Governor also expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as timely financial support to sub-national governments, enabling the execution of critical infrastructure projects such as the upgraded airport terminal.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Finance and Supervising Commissioner for Special Duties, Hon. Emem Bob, praised Governor Eno’s foresight and resilience in ensuring the successful upgrade of the airport to international standards.
In separate goodwill messages, the Managing Director of Ibom Airport Development Company, Engr. Uwem Ekanem; the Chief Executive Officer of Ibom Air, Engr. George Uriese; and the Chairman of VKS Construction, Engr. Oliver Ebong, lauded the Governor’s leadership, noting that his drive and commitment helped overcome challenges and unlock the airport’s full potential.
The historic event drew an array of dignitaries, including the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi; the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Lady Helen Eno Obareki; the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong; the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah; members of the State Executive Council; political stakeholders; religious leaders; and top government officials.
The launch of international flights at the Victor Attah International Airport marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s aviation sector, positioning Akwa Ibom as a key gateway for regional and global connectivity.
