The federal government has officially elevated Victor Attah Airport in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, to full international status. The announcement was made in Abuja on Thursday by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, during a meeting with Akwa Ibom’s governor, Umo Eno.
Until now, the airport functioned strictly as a domestic facility. With this new designation, it will gain the capacity to receive and process international passengers, opening the door for cross-border flights and enhanced global connectivity.
Minister Keyamo explained that the airport already boasts the necessary infrastructure to meet global standards. He pointed out that there is a fully functional Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility on site, and a runway exceeding three kilometres, wide and long enough to accommodate large, wide-body aircraft.
He added, “With the facilities available at the airport, there is no reason why Uyo airport should not be designated as an international airport to process international passengers.”
According to officials, the next step is to convene a joint assessment team, comprising agencies such as customs, meteorological, aviation authorities, and more to “tick the boxes,” finalize certification, and set a date for the commencement of international flight operations.
On his part, Governor Eno hailed the decision as a milestone for the state. He revealed that the state government plans further investments, including building a cargo terminal and 100 housing units for airport staff, as part of efforts to create a full-fledged aviation ecosystem. He added: “What we are building is an ecosystem at the airport… We will build a cargo terminal… and ensure the houses under construction are used to settle airport workers properly.” The target is to have the first international plane take off from Uyo by the end of the first quarter of 2026.
The upgrade of Victor Attah International Airport is widely expected to yield significant benefits: boosting commerce, tourism, foreign direct investment, and regional connectivity. It positions Akwa Ibom and the wider South-South region as an emerging hub in Nigeria’s aviation network.
This move could catalyze economic growth in Akwa Ibom by attracting foreign tourists and investors, boosting cargo trade, and creating hundreds of jobs. Better air connectivity often stimulates demand for services, real estate, and commerce, potentially driving increased revenue for local businesses, expanding export opportunities, and improving the state’s investment climate.
