The federal authorities has formally declared the Victor Attah Worldwide Airport in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, as a world airport.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Growth, Festus Keyamo, made the declaration on Thursday in Abuja throughout a gathering with the Governor of Akwa Ibom, Umo Eno.
Mr Keyamo mentioned that with the approval, the method for changing to full worldwide operations would begin, qualifying the airport to obtain and course of worldwide passengers.
In line with the minister, the airport has all the usual amenities that can allow it to compete with different worldwide airports throughout the nation.
He added that the airport had all the trendy amenities, together with an ordinary Upkeep, Restore, and Overhaul (MRO) facility and a runway of over three kilometres, which might accommodate bigger plane.
“With the amenities accessible on the airport, there isn’t any purpose why Uyo airport shouldn’t be designated as a world airport to course of worldwide passengers.
“We’re right here immediately with all related authorities companies, together with the customs, NiMet, FAAN, NCAA and others, to arrange a joint crew that may begin the method of transitioning from native operations to worldwide operations.
“What we need to inform you immediately is that we’re designating Uyo airport as a world airport. What’s left is to tick the bins and set a date for operations to start,” Mr Keyamo mentioned.
He mentioned a crew of related companies would assess the amenities and tick the bins for what was accessible and what can be wanted for the airport to turn into a completely worldwide airport.
Responding, Governor Eno, who appreciated the federal authorities’s and the minister’s approval, acknowledged that the airport was well-equipped for worldwide operations.
He additional acknowledged that the Akwa Ibom State Authorities would assemble a cargo terminal and residential buildings for the airport employees members.
“What we’re constructing is an ecosystem on the airport. We would like all the things inside the airport atmosphere. We are going to construct a cargo terminal, which is already captured within the 2026 price range.
“We will even make sure the 100 items of homes below development are used to make sure the correct settling down of employees on the airport.
“My goal is that by the tip of the primary quarter of 2026, the primary worldwide airplane will take off from Uyo,” he mentioned.
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The Information Company of Nigeria (NAN) studies that Victor Attah Worldwide Airport, previously often called Akwa Ibom Worldwide Airport, is located close to Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom.
It was first opened in 2009, expanded to deal with massive plane, and served as a regional hub to showcase the realm’s tradition and infrastructure. The ability was renamed in 2018 to honour Mr Attah, a former governor of the state.
The airport is dwelling to Ibom Air, a industrial airline owned by the Akwa Ibom State Authorities.
