Victor Attah International Airport Begins International Flights On May 2

Uyo, Nigeria – Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, will begin international flight operations on May 2, 2026, with an inaugural service to Kotoka International Airport, Accra, Ghana.

Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno announced the development on Tuesday via his official X account, describing it as a major milestone following presidential approval for the airport’s upgrade to international status.

According to the governor, the maiden flight will be operated by Ibom Air on Saturday, May 2, 2026. The return leg from Accra to Uyo is scheduled for May 3, marking the official start of the airport’s international operations.

“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,” Eno stated.

The governor said the launch will significantly strengthen Akwa Ibom’s aviation capacity and improve connectivity, while boosting tourism, trade, and investment opportunities in the state. He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo, and previous administrations for their roles in the airport’s transformation.

Background
The Federal Government approved the upgrade of Victor Attah International Airport from a domestic-only facility to full international operational status in November 2025. Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo had confirmed the designation and directed relevant agencies — including the Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, and Nigerian Meteorological Agency — to commence infrastructure assessments and operational preparations.

Keyamo noted that much of the required infrastructure was already in place, accelerating preparations for the May 2026 launch.

Broader Context
The move aligns with a growing trend of Nigerian states investing in aviation infrastructure to drive economic growth and regional integration. Oyo State proposed upgrading Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, Ibadan, to international status in 2024, while Abia State partnered with the Federal Government in 2024 to develop a new airport. Ebonyi, Enugu, and Ogun states have also expanded aviation operations through aircraft acquisitions and new airport projects.

With international operations set to begin, Victor Attah International Airport’s transition from a local to a regional aviation hub now enters its implementation phase.