Akwa Ibom Airport launches international operations

The Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo has launched its maiden International flight to Ghana.

Speaking at the weekend during the ceremony to mark the commencement of international operations at the airport in Uyo, Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, described the Airport as a pace- setter in Nigeria’s aviation sector.

Keyamo said the facility stands out as a uniquely positioned transit hub with capabilities unmatched by any sub-national airport in the country.

He noted that the airport offers seamless connectivity across international and domestic routes, allowing passengers to transfer from international-to-international, domestic-to-international, and vice versa, services he said are not available in any other state-owned airport in Nigeria.

“This airport is not just a terminal building but a world-class transit hub with immense impact,” he stated, adding that its operational model places it ahead of others in the nation’s aviation landscape.

The minister further commended the infrastructural strides of Akwa Ibom State, likening its development trajectory to that of Dubai, citing the transformative impact of ongoing projects on both the state and the wider Nigerian economy.

He lauded Umo Eno, the state Governor for his commitment to completing the airport project and actualising its international status, noting that the development would yield significant economic benefits.

In his remarks, Governor Eno attributed the airport’s success to the collective efforts of past administrations, describing the achievement as a product of sustained visionary leadership.

“It was indeed a relay race of impactful leadership, from Obong Victor Attah, to Chief Godswill Akpabio, to Mr. Udom Emmanuel, and to me,” he said, acknowledging the contributions of his predecessors.

The governor also expressed appreciation to Bola Ahmed Tinubu President Of the Federal Republic Of Nigeria for supporting sub-national infrastructure development, through timely release of funds, which he said facilitated the completion of the airport upgrade.

Earlier, Emem Bob, the Commissioner for Finance and Supervising Commissioner for Special Duties, commended the governor’s determination in upgrading the airport, while key stakeholders in the aviation and construction sectors praised the administration for overcoming challenges to deliver a world-class facility.

The event attracted top government officials, including Akon Eyakenyi, the Deputy Governor; Udeme Otong, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly; and other members of the State Executive Council, alongside political leaders, clergy, and stakeholders.