Nigeria’s aviation sector recorded another major milestone as the Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, officially commenced international flight operations with its inaugural service to Accra, Ghana. The landmark development marks the first international commercial flight from the airport and positions Akwa Ibom as an emerging regional aviation hub in West Africa.
The historic flight, operated as part of the airport’s newly approved international operations, was witnessed by top government officials, aviation stakeholders and industry leaders. Among those present were the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Umo Eno.
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony, Keyamo described the airport as a “world-class transit hub” capable of transforming regional connectivity and boosting economic opportunities for Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria at large. According to him, the airport’s operational structure allows seamless connections between domestic and international routes, a feature he said is rare among state-owned airports in the country.
The commencement of international operations is expected to significantly improve tourism, trade, investment and business travel between Nigeria and Ghana, while strengthening regional integration across West Africa. Analysts believe the development could also reduce travel bottlenecks for passengers in the South-South region who previously relied heavily on Lagos and Abuja for international connections.
Governor Eno praised successive administrations in Akwa Ibom State for sustaining the vision behind the airport project, describing the achievement as the result of years of strategic investment and continuity in governance. He acknowledged the contributions of former governors, including Victor Attah, Godswill Akpabio and Udom Emmanuel.
Industry observers say the airport’s international status could accelerate economic growth within Akwa Ibom by attracting investors, increasing hospitality activities and supporting export opportunities. The development also aligns with broader continental efforts to improve African air connectivity and intra-African trade under regional economic frameworks.
The Victor Attah International Airport, originally opened in 2009, received full federal approval for international operations in late 2025 after major infrastructure upgrades, including improvements to its international terminal and maintenance facilities
