By Peter Omopo
The Akwa Ibom State Government has launched its first international flight service, with a maiden trip departing Uyo for Accra, Ghana, on Saturday.
The inaugural flight, operated by Ibom Air, took off from Victor Attah International Airport en route to Kotoka International Airport, marking a major milestone in the state’s aviation and economic development drive. A return flight from Accra to Uyo is scheduled for Sunday, May 3.
The development follows the recent upgrade of the airport to international status, approved by Bola Ahmed Tinubu, alongside infrastructure investments by Governor Umo Eno to meet global aviation standards.
In a statement issued earlier by the Commissioner for Information, Aniekan Umanah, the government described the launch as a significant breakthrough that signals the beginning of international flight operations from Uyo.
According to the statement, the new route is part of a broader strategy to enhance connectivity, promote tourism, and attract investment into the state. It noted that the milestone positions Akwa Ibom as an emerging hub for regional and international travel.
The government also expressed appreciation to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, for his role in facilitating the airport’s upgrade, as well as acknowledging contributions from previous administrations toward developing the state’s aviation sector.
While the maiden flight marks the commencement of international operations, authorities said the formal inauguration of the airport’s international terminal and a full commercial flight schedule will be announced at a later date.
