The Federal Government has elevated the status of Victor Attah Airport in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, to an International airport, in an announcement made on Thursday in Abuja, by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, during a meeting with the state governor, Pastor Umo Eno.
Keyamo stated that the facility already adheres to international standards and has the potential to match the performance of other international airports in the country. He pointed to its advanced infrastructure, citing features such as a top-tier Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) center and a runway exceeding three kilometers, which can accommodate larger 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,” he said.
“That is why we are here today with all relevant government agencies, including Customs, NiMet, FAAN, NCAA, and others, to set up a joint team that will commence the process of transitioning from local operations to international operations.” He added.
He emphasized that the designation has already been formally approved, and the next line of action is to “tick the boxes and set a date for operations to begin.”
The minister added that teams from all relevant agencies will travel to Uyo to inspect the airport, review its current capacity, and identify any further requirements needed to fully commence international services.
In his response, Eno expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for the approval and assured the state’s readiness for the transition. He also revealed plans to enhance the airport’s facilities by adding a cargo terminal and building residential quarters for staff.
“What we are building is an ecosystem at the airport. We want everything within the airport environment,” the governor said.
“We will build a cargo terminal, which is already captured in the 2026 budget. We will also ensure that the 100 units of houses under construction are used to enable the proper settling down of workers at the airport.
“My target is that by the end of the first quarter of 2026, the first international plane should take off from Uyo.” He added.
Commissioned in 2009 and renamed in 2018 to honor former Governor Obong Victor Attah, the Airport has developed into a regional aviation hub capable of accommodating large aircraft.