FG UPGRADES UYO’S VICTOR ATTAH AIRPORT TO INTERNATIONAL STATUS
Read Time:1 Minute, 33 Second
By Aishat Momoh. O.
The Federal Government has officially upgraded the Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, to an international airport, enabling it to begin receiving and processing international flights.
The announcement was made on Thursday in Abuja by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, during a meeting with Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State.
Keyamo said the airport now meets global operational standards and has the capacity to compete with other international airports in the country. He cited its modern infrastructure, including a world-class Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility and a runway stretching over three kilometres, capable of accommodating large aircraft.
“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,” the minister stated.
He added that officials from relevant government agencies, including Customs, NiMet, FAAN, and NCAA, would form a joint team to commence the transition process. He noted that the designation is now official and the next phase is to finalise compliance requirements and set a commencement date.
Governor Eno expressed gratitude for the approval and confirmed the state’s readiness to support the upgrade. He disclosed plans to expand infrastructure with the construction of a cargo terminal and residential quarters for airport staff.
“What we are building is an ecosystem at the airport. We want everything within the airport environment,” he said.
He further stated, “My target is that by the end of the first quarter of 2026, the first international plane should take off from Uyo.”
The airport, inaugurated in 2009 and renamed in 2018 in honour of former Governor Obong Victor Attah, has developed into a regional aviation hub. Its elevation to international status is expected to enhance commerce, tourism, and connectivity across Akwa Ibom State and the South-South region.
Happy
0 %
Sad
0 %
Excited
0 %
Sleepy
0 %
Angry
0 %
Surprise
0 %
0
0