BY SOLOMON OKPO
The Akwa Ibom State Government has announced that the maiden international flight from Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, will take off on Saturday, May 2, 2026, marking a major milestone in the state’s aviation and economic development drive.
According to a press release issued on April 28 by the Commissioner for Information, Hon. Aniekan Umanah, the inaugural flight will connect Uyo directly to Kotoka International Airport in Accra, Ghana. The service will be operated by the state-owned carrier, Ibom Air, with departure scheduled for May 2 and a return flight on May 3.
The development follows the recent upgrade of the Uyo airport to international status, approved by Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and supported by significant investments from the administration of Governor Umo Eno to meet required technical and infrastructural standards.
Government officials described the launch as a historic breakthrough that will boost Akwa Ibom’s global connectivity, strengthen its appeal to investors, and stimulate tourism. The move is also seen as part of a broader strategy to position the state as a key gateway in regional and international air travel.
While the inaugural flight signals the commencement of international operations, authorities noted that the formal commissioning of the new terminal building and the rollout of full commercial international flight schedules will be announced at a later date.
The state government expressed appreciation to the Federal Government, particularly President Tinubu and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, for their roles in facilitating the airport’s upgrade and the realization of the international flight project.
It also acknowledged the contributions of past administrations in laying the foundation for the state’s aviation sector, reaffirming its commitment to sustained investment aimed at driving economic growth and development
