By Charles Chijioke
Nigeria’s aviation sector recorded a milestone as Ibom Air operated its first international flight from Uyo to Accra, marking a major step in expanding regional connectivity from Akwa Ibom State.
The inaugural Uyo–Accra–Uyo service, which departed on May 2, 2026, carried 86 passengers and crew on an 84-minute journey, signaling the airline’s transition into broader international operations beyond its existing Lagos–Accra route.
Passengers described the moment as symbolic, especially upon arrival at Kotoka International Airport where Uyo appeared on international flight display screens alongside global destinations. The flight originated from Victor Attah International Airport, which simultaneously unveiled its newly completed terminal.
Governor Umo Eno said the facility is “the first and only airport terminal in the country where passengers would transfer seamlessly from international to domestic flights and vice versa without having to go outside this building,” describing it as a key aviation hub for the region.
Minister of aviation Festus Keyamo echoed the sentiment, highlighting the economic “multiplier effects” of such infrastructure, while Ibom Air CEO George Uriesi noted that the terminal could serve as a unique selling point for the airline.
The development builds on long-term investments dating back to the administration of former governor Victor Attah, who initiated the airport project, with subsequent contributions from Godswill Akpabio and Udom Emmanuel, under whom Ibom Air was established in 2019.
The airline plans to expand further into African destinations such as Yaoundé, Douala, Libreville, and Nairobi, aligning with a model similar to Ethiopian Airlines — a state-owned but commercially run carrier credited with contributing billions of dollars annually to Ethiopia’s economy.
Officials say the new route is expected to ease travel for passengers from Nigeria’s south-south and south-east regions, who previously relied on Lagos for international connections. It also taps into strong economic and social ties between Nigeria and Ghana, where several Nigerian banks and businesses operate.
Beyond passenger travel, the Akwa Ibom government announced plans to establish a ministry of aviation and airport development, as well as commence construction of a cargo terminal to boost trade and logistics.
The launch could have significant economic implications, including increased tourism, job creation, and improved regional trade flows. However, analysts note that sustaining profitability, route expansion, and competition with established carriers will be critical to the airline’s long-term success.
The flight underscores a broader push by subnational governments in Nigeria to invest in aviation infrastructure as a driver of economic growth and regional integration.
