By Ekaette Okon Joseph and Musa Muhammad Kutama, Calabar
Akwa Ibom State has taken a major step toward transforming the economy of Southern Nigeria with the commencement of Ibom Air’s scheduled international commercial flights between Uyo and Accra, Ghana.
According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser to Governor Umo Eno on Media and Publicity, Mrs. Ekaette Okon Joseph, the inaugural scheduled commercial international flight on the Uyo–Accra route took off on June 28, 2026, marking a significant milestone in the state’s aviation development.
She described the new route as more than just another airline service, saying it represents the emergence of a new aviation gateway capable of reshaping passenger movement, regional commerce and investment across Southern Nigeria.
“For decades, travellers from the South-South and South-East have depended largely on Lagos and Abuja to access international destinations, resulting in higher travel costs and the concentration of aviation-related economic activities in a few cities,” she said.
Joseph noted that the direct Uyo–Accra service now provides travellers with a convenient international gateway, eliminating costly domestic connections while positioning Akwa Ibom as an emerging regional aviation hub.
She stressed that international airports are powerful economic assets that stimulate investment, create employment, expand tourism and encourage growth in hospitality, logistics, conference services, retail and real estate.
According to her, the commencement of international operations from Uyo will help retain travel-related spending within the South-South region, generating additional revenue for local businesses and reducing the outflow of capital previously spent in other parts of the country.
Speaking during the inauguration of the international terminal in May, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, described the Victor Attah International Airport as a unique aviation facility among Nigeria’s sub-national governments.
“What you have at Victor Attah International Airport is not just a terminal building; it is a transit hub. Nothing like it exists at any sub-national level anywhere in the country,” the minister said.
Governor Umo Eno further demonstrated confidence in the project by travelling on the inaugural commercial international flight instead of using the state’s official aircraft.
The Uyo–Accra route is also expected to strengthen regional integration under the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) by improving connectivity between Nigeria and Ghana, thereby promoting trade, tourism, investment and cultural exchange.
Beyond infrastructure, the project reflects the state’s investment in human capital.
The inbound flight to Uyo was piloted by Second Officer Mfoniso Mkpong, one of the young pilots trained under the Akwa Ibom State Government’s aviation development programme at the Airbus Pilot Training Academy in France.
Passengers and aviation stakeholders also praised the quality of the new terminal.
Pastor Denise Inyang described the facility as comparable to major international airports, citing its modern check-in facilities, passenger lounges and efficient services.
Similarly, Dr. Kingsley Udoh, Senior Technical Adviser at the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, said that after travelling through more than 70 airports in 67 countries, he ranked the Uyo terminal among the finest he had experienced.
Legal practitioner Barrister Patrick Udomfang likened the arrival hall to Heathrow Airport, while a Chinese investor, Mr. Lu, expressed confidence that the airport and Ibom Air would enhance business and tourism opportunities in Akwa Ibom State.
Ibom Air will operate the Uyo–Accra service twice weekly, creating opportunities for passengers from Abuja and neighbouring states to connect through Uyo and expanding the airport’s regional catchment area.
The commencement of scheduled international flights is widely seen as a landmark achievement for Akwa Ibom State, with analysts describing the airport as an economic gateway that will strengthen regional competitiveness, attract investment, create jobs and position the state as one of West Africa’s emerging aviation centres.