The Federal Government has approved the designation of the Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, for full international passenger operations.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, announced the approval in Abuja on Thursday while hosting Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno.
TheFact Daily notes that the Victor Attah International Airport, formerly known as Akwa Ibom International Airport, was commissioned in 2009 and renamed in 2018 after former governor, Obong Victor Attah.
It is located near Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, and currently serves as a major regional aviation hub in the South-South.
Minister Keyamo said the airport already meets the basic standards required for international status.
According to Keyamo, Uyo Airport boasts modern facilities, a standard Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility and a runway of over three kilometres, capable of accommodating wide-body aircraft.
“With the facilities available at the airport, there is no reason why Uyo should not be processing international passengers. We have therefore designated it as an international airport,” the minister said.
He added that relevant agencies, including Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Nigeria Customs Service and Nigerian Meteorological Agency, would form a joint team to conclude the final certification processes.
“What remains is to tick the boxes and set a date for operations to begin. We will visit Uyo with all relevant agencies to confirm what is available and what is still needed for full international operations,” Keyamo added.
In his response, Governor Eno thanked the Federal Government for the approval and assured that the state was fully prepared for the transition. He disclosed that the state government would construct a cargo terminal and residential accommodation for airport workers.
“We are building an ecosystem at the airport. A cargo terminal has already been captured in our 2026 budget, and 100 housing units under construction will be used for staff accommodation. Our target is that by the end of the first quarter of 2026, the first international flight will take off from Uyo,” the governor said.
