FG Moves To Make Uyo Airport International, Eyes First Global Flight By Q1 2026

According to Ireporter Online, the federal government has begun the process to upgrade Victor Attah Airport in Uyo to international status, allowing it to handle and process international passengers.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, made the announcement while hosting the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, in Abuja on Thursday. Keyamo highlighted that the airport is equipped with modern facilities, including a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) unit and a runway exceeding three kilometres, capable of accommodating larger aircraft.

“With the facilities available, there is no reason Uyo airport should not be designated as an international airport,” Keyamo said. “We are assembling a joint team from relevant government agencies—including Customs, NiMet, FAAN, and NCAA—to oversee the transition from local to international operations.”

The minister added that the next step involves a comprehensive assessment of the airport’s facilities to determine what is needed for full international operations, after which a formal launch date will be set.

Governor Eno expressed gratitude to the federal government and the minister for approving the upgrade. He revealed plans by the state government to construct a cargo terminal and residential units for airport staff, describing the project as creating a full ecosystem within the airport. “Our goal is to see the first international flight depart from Uyo by the end of the first quarter of 2026,” the governor stated.