The Akwa Ibom State Government has officially announced the commencement of international flight operations from the Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo. In a landmark move for the state’s aviation sector, the maiden voyage is scheduled to depart for the Kotoka International Airport in Accra, Ghana, marking a new chapter in the region’s connectivity to the rest of the African continent.
The Commissioner for Information, Hon. Aniekan Umanah, confirmed the development in a recent news release, noting that the milestone follows a formal presidential approval upgrading the airport to international status.
This transition is the result of sustained infrastructural investments by the administration of Governor Umo Eno, who has prioritized the completion of technical and facility upgrades required to meet global aviation standards.
The historic flight is slated to take off on Saturday, May 2, 2026, and will be operated by the state’s multi-award-winning flagship carrier, Ibom Air.
This inaugural route to Ghana serves as the launchpad for the airline’s regional expansion, transitioning it from a dominant domestic player to an international contender.
Government officials have described the achievement as a strategic victory in the state’s drive to position Akwa Ibom as a premier destination for tourism and foreign direct investment. By enhancing international connectivity, the state aims to bypass traditional hubs and provide a more seamless travel experience for business leaders and tourists entering the South-South region of Nigeria.
While the May 2 flight signals the official start of international operations, the state government clarified that the grand opening of the ultra-modern new terminal building is still forthcoming.
A full schedule of commercial international flights and the formal commissioning of the new terminal facilities are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
