Akwa-Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno and Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo
Akwa Ibom State has inched its way into the top league of global aviation links as the Federal Government has approved the Victor Attah International Airport for full international flight operations—an announcement that marks one of the most significant boosts to the state’s aviation ambitions in recent years.
The breakthrough came on Thursday, November 27, 2025, after a high-level meeting in Abuja between Governor Umo Eno and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.
The approval effectively places the airport among the select Nigerian terminals cleared to handle international traffic, a move expected to reshape the state’s economic landscape.
In a statement signed by Ekerette Udoh, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, the administration described the approval as a gateway to unprecedented growth.
According to Udoh, “With this approval, the airport can now receive and process international airlines, operate cross-border flights, and serve as a direct international gateway linking Akwa Ibom to destinations across Africa and the wider world.”
The state government anticipates that full international operations will take off in the first quarter of 2026, ushering in expanded tourism, enhanced business opportunities, and a stronger pull for foreign investment.
For Governor Umo Eno, the approval stands as yet another testament to months of strategic lobbying and sustained engagement with federal authorities. Udoh noted that the development, “further cements Akwa Ibom’s rising profile as a regional aviation hub and underscores his administration’s unwavering commitment to opening new doors of opportunity for citizens, investors, and visitors alike.”
With this milestone, Akwa Ibom is poised to step confidently onto the global aviation stage—one international flight at a time.
