Akwa Ibom State is set to enter the international aviation space as the state government announced the launch of its first cross-border flight from Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, to Kotoka International Airport in Accra, Ghana, scheduled for Saturday, May 2, 2026.
The milestone follows the recent elevation of the Uyo airport to international status, approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, clearing the way for overseas flight operations from the state.
Governor Umo Eno, in a statement issued on Tuesday, confirmed that the inaugural flight will be handled by Ibom Air, with a return service planned for Sunday, May 3.
He described the development as a breakthrough in the state’s aviation ambitions and a catalyst for broader economic growth.
“This is a significant step forward in our effort to expand aviation capacity, strengthen global linkages, and position Akwa Ibom as a hub for tourism, trade, and investment,” Eno said.
The governor noted that the new route would enhance mobility for business and leisure travellers while opening up fresh opportunities for economic engagement between Nigeria and Ghana.
He also commended President Tinubu for granting approval for the airport’s upgrade and acknowledged the contributions of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, in facilitating the process.
According to Eno, the achievement builds on years of investment in aviation infrastructure by successive administrations in the state.
Also reacting, the Commissioner for Information, Aniekan Umanah, described the launch as a “historic milestone,” noting that it reflects a deliberate strategy to integrate Akwa Ibom into the global aviation network.
Umanah reiterated the government’s commitment to sustaining growth in the sector and leveraging air connectivity to attract tourism and foreign investment into the state.
He further expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for its support, emphasising that collaboration between state and federal authorities was key to the realisation of the project.
The announcement comes months after an inspection tour of the airport in December 2025 by Minister Keyamo, who expressed satisfaction with the facility’s readiness and indicated that it was on track for international operations.
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