Ibom Air’s scheduled international services from Uyo are creating opportunities for regional travel, airport utilisation and investment, as the airline positions Akwa Ibom’s capital as another gateway for cross-border air travel in West Africa.
Scheduled commercial passenger flights between Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, and Accra, Ghana, commenced on June 28, providing the airline with another international operating base outside Lagos while increasing commercial activity at the state’s upgraded international terminal.
The twice-weekly service, operated on Sundays and Thursdays, follows the ceremonial inaugural international flight held on May 2 to mark the opening of the airport’s international terminal, with regular passenger operations beginning nearly two months later.
For Ibom Air, the new route provides additional aircraft deployment opportunities, improves utilisation of airport infrastructure and supports the airline’s strategy of building a stronger presence in the regional aviation market.
George Uriesi, managing director and chief executive officer of Ibom Air, said the commencement of scheduled international operations also demonstrated the airline’s ability to facilitate seamless passenger connections between Abuja and Accra through Uyo using the new terminal.
According to him, the upgraded facility offers passengers a modern airport experience while supporting the airline’s expanding regional operations.
The development is also expected to increase commercial activities at Victor Attah International Airport, following years of investment by the Akwa Ibom State Government in aviation infrastructure, including the international terminal and other airport facilities.
Governor Umo Eno described the commencement of scheduled flights as part of the state’s broader economic development agenda, saying improved air connectivity would support business travel, tourism, investment and leisure activities across the state.
Beyond direct passenger traffic, the route introduces Uyo as an alternative regional transit point for travellers from Abuja and Nigeria’s South-South and South-East regions heading to Accra, reducing dependence on traditional international gateways.
The airline’s regional expansion also improves utilisation of its fleet by allowing aircraft to operate additional cross-border services from Uyo while supporting more efficient scheduling across its domestic and regional network.
The international operations also complement ongoing plans by the Akwa Ibom State Government to expand aviation-related infrastructure around the airport, including cargo handling facilities and maintenance support services aimed at supporting long-term sector growth.
Festus Keyamo, minister of aviation and aerospace development, , had earlier commended the progress made in upgrading the airport for international operations, describing the facility as an important addition to Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure.
