The Akwa Ibom State Government has announced that the maiden international flight from Victor Attah International Airport will take off on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
According to a press release issued by the Commissioner for Information, Aniekan Umanah, on Tuesday, the flight will depart Uyo for Kotoka International Airport and will be operated by Ibom Air, the state-owned flagship airline. A return flight is scheduled for Sunday, May 3, 2026.
The development follows presidential approval for the upgrade of the Uyo airport to international status, alongside significant investments by the administration of Governor Umo Eno to provide the required infrastructure and technical facilities. The state government described the launch as a strategic step toward boosting international connectivity, enhancing tourism, and attracting investment to Akwa Ibom State.
It noted that while the maiden flight signals the start of international operations, full commercial flight schedules and the official commissioning of the new terminal building will be announced later. The government also expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for approving the upgrade, and to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, for his role in facilitating the project.
Additionally, the contributions of past administrations in developing the state’s aviation sector were acknowledged, as the government recommits to sustaining growth in the aviation ecosystem for economic advancement.