Governor Umo Eno announced that the newly designated international status of Victor Attah International Airport will enhance regional connectivity, enabling Nigerians to travel within West Africa without the need for lengthy layovers in other countries. He made these remarks on Sunday while celebrating the airport’s inaugural international flight to Ghana, emphasizing the significance of this milestone for Akwa Ibom State and the broader Gulf of Guinea region.
Eno stated that a viable tourism sector relies heavily on efficient air travel infrastructure. “Now that we are moving towards international operations, Akwa Ibom will serve as a gateway for travel to other countries in the sub-region without requiring Nigerians to leave the nation,” he noted.
A Milestone in National Aviation
The airport’s transformation into an international hub follows federal approval for international operations, a process marked by extensive renovations and compliance with regulatory standards over the years.
Originally developed under former Governor Victor Attah, the Uyo airport has benefited from ongoing enhancements, notably the launch of Ibom Air in 2019. Eno indicated that the airport’s certification heralds a transformative era for the state’s aviation goals, establishing Akwa Ibom as a prospective hub for travel, corporate events, and tourism.
The state government is committed to bolstering aviation infrastructure, which includes plans for cargo terminals and new trade routes designed to stimulate economic activity. To facilitate this, Eno announced the establishment of a new Department of Aviation and Airport Development aimed at overseeing the advancement of the sector.
Strategic Expansion Initiatives
The governor appointed Uwem Ekanem to lead the new department until a full-time commissioner is designated. Furthermore, he revealed that Ibom Air is set to expand its fleet, with the arrival of an additional Airbus aircraft on the horizon, bringing it closer to its long-term growth objectives.
He highlighted the state’s commitment to developing a skilled workforce in the aviation sector, which includes training pilots, engineers, and other aviation professionals both domestically and internationally. With multiple aviation projects underway—including the construction of a second runway, expanding the apron, and enhancing airport facilities—Eno expressed optimism about the economic impacts of the airport’s international operations, extending benefits beyond Akwa Ibom to other Gulf of Guinea nations.
Praising the support from the Federal Government, led by Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the Minister of Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, Eno acknowledged their roles in achieving the airport’s certification. He clarified that while the recent flight symbolizes the airport’s new international status, full operational capabilities will commence once all remaining regulatory requirements are satisfied.
This achievement aligns with broader efforts to position Akwa Ibom as a pivotal nexus for tourism and investment opportunities within the region, illustrating the state’s strategic focus on leveraging its geographical advantages for economic growth.
