JUST IN: EKITI AIRPORT SET TO COMMENCE NON-SCHEDULE FLIGHT OPERATIONS DEC 15

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The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has authorised the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport (EAICA) in Ado-Ekiti to commence operating non-scheduled flights on December 15, 2024.

The license allows operations under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) for six months, from December 15, 2024, to June 15, 2025. It was explained in a letter sent to Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji on December 11, 2024.

The NCAA’s decision was announced in a statement by Yinka Oyebode, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media. The letter, written by NCAA Acting Director General Capt. Chris Najomo, was in response to the state government’s application for a fly operations permission for the airport.

The NCAA granted the six-month approval to enable validation of pending findings from its last inspection and allow the state government to address outstanding corrective action items.

As part of compliance requirements, the airport must coordinate with relevant agencies to ensure the provision of essential services, including Air Traffic Services, Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting Services, Aviation Security, and Meteorological Services.

It will be recalled that the state government had earlier signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and Service Level Agreements with federal aviation agencies to support the airport’s operations.

The approval allows private jets and chartered flights to operate between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. (sunrise to sunset) as preparations continue for final approval for commercial flight operations.

Governor Biodun Oyebanji hailed the NCAA’s approval as a significant milestone, emphasizing that it justifies the state’s investment in the airport. He described the project as a catalyst for Ekiti’s socioeconomic growth, making the state more accessible.

Earlier this year, Governor Oyebanji assured stakeholders that the Ekiti airport would commence operations before the end of the year.