Ogun State-owned airline, Gateway Air, has announced plans to commence flight operations to major cities across Nigeria as part of efforts to enhance regional connectivity and strengthen economic activities. The airline will begin scheduled flights on Monday, April 13, covering routes including Iperu-Abuja, Abuja-Port Harcourt, Abuja-Calabar, Abuja-Jos, and Iperu-Kano. Flights are scheduled to operate on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, with one-way economy fares starting from N100,000.
The announcement was made in a statement by Governor Dapo Abiodun’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, who described the development as a significant step towards improving regional accessibility. He noted that the initiative underscores the state government’s commitment to delivering reliable and customer-focused aviation services. Prospective passengers have been urged to book early and stay updated through the airline’s official communication channels.
From an economic perspective, the launch of a state-owned airline raises questions about sustainability and market positioning. Nigeria’s aviation sector has witnessed several state-backed carriers struggle with profitability, given the high costs of fuel, maintenance, and insurance. However, Gateway Air’s focus on connecting Ogun State—which lacks a major commercial airport—to Abuja and other cities could stimulate economic activity in the state, particularly for business travellers and government officials who currently rely on Lagos airports.
The timing of the launch coincides with broader efforts to decentralise air travel from Lagos. With the Murtala Muhammed International Airport often congested, alternative gateways like Ogun’s Iperu airstrip could offer faster processing and reduced travel times for passengers originating from the state’s industrial corridors. The airline’s success will depend on load factors, operational efficiency, and the ability to maintain competitive pricing against established carriers on the same routes.
