Akwa Ibom Government Reaffirms April Timeline for International Flights After Airport Inspection
The Akwa Ibom State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to commencing international flight operations at the Victor Attah International Airport by April, as part of ongoing efforts to upgrade the facility to full international status.
This assurance was given by the state’s Supervisory Commissioner for Special Duties and Ibom Deep Seaport, Emem Almond Bob, after he led a delegation on a comprehensive inspection of the airport’s infrastructure and operational facilities.
Speaking to journalists after the tour, the commissioner expressed optimism that the timeline for launching international operations would be met, citing steady progress across key construction and technical components of the airport. He noted that the inspection covered a wide range of operational areas, including access roads within the terminal complex, parking facilities, apron and taxiway sections, perimeter security fencing, power installations, and ongoing digital infrastructure enhancements such as Smart Internet systems.
According to Bob, the purpose of the visit was to evaluate the level of work completed, identify any gaps in infrastructure, and ensure timely interventions that would enable seamless commencement of international flights. He explained that regular technical meetings are being held with contractors and engineers to monitor project delivery and maintain quality standards.
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“The pace of work has been encouraging, and we are confident that the April timeline will be achieved,” he stated, adding that the state government remains committed to delivering a world-class facility capable of handling international operations within the stipulated timeframe.
The commissioner also disclosed that he had earlier held a strategic meeting with contractors and project engineers to review progress and address technical challenges. He said the ministry overseeing the project would continue to carry out inspections and consultations until the airport is fully ready for international use.
He further emphasised that the state government, under Governor Umo Eno, is determined to ensure that the airport meets global operational standards. According to him, the administration considers the airport’s international certification a key component of its infrastructure development strategy.
During the inspection, representatives of construction firms working on the project also provided updates on ongoing activities. Engr. Oliver Ebong, Chairman of VKS Construction, assured officials that work was progressing across all critical areas and expressed confidence that the terminal building would be ready for use by the end of March, ahead of the planned commencement of international operations.
The drive to achieve international status for the airport follows the inauguration of a state-level implementation committee tasked with overseeing the final phase of the upgrade. The committee is headed by the Secretary to the State Government and works in collaboration with federal aviation authorities.
The project has also received attention from the Federal Government, with the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, previously leading a technical assessment team to the facility to initiate processes required for international certification.
Officials say the move to upgrade the airport aligns with broader plans to strengthen aviation infrastructure and enhance connectivity for business and tourism in Akwa Ibom State. It is also expected to support the growth of Ibom Air and expand the state’s economic potential through improved access to global markets.
State authorities maintain that inspections and technical evaluations will continue until all requirements for international operations are fully satisfied. They have also reiterated their commitment to maintaining safety, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance as the airport prepares to receive its first international flights.