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The Nigerian government has approved the elevation of Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo to international status, clearing the way for it to begin handling international flights and passengers.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, announced the decision on Thursday during a meeting with Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, in Abuja, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
Keyamo said the approval formally makes the airport an international facility, adding that a joint task force comprising key aviation and security agencies would immediately commence an assessment of existing infrastructure, identify areas requiring improvement, and work towards setting a date for the commencement of full international operations.
He explained that the airport already boasts modern infrastructure, including a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) centre and a runway measuring over three kilometres, making it suitable for wide-body aircraft.
The minister said the facilities in place were comparable to those at other international airports across the country, positioning Uyo well for foreign operations.
Relevant agencies, including the Nigeria Customs Service, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, have been directed to collaborate to fast-track the transition from domestic to international operations.
According to Keyamo, the level of infrastructure already available at the airport means there is no major barrier to its receiving and processing international passengers.
Governor Eno welcomed the approval and thanked the Federal Government, saying the state was already working on building a complete airport ecosystem to ensure smooth international travel.
He disclosed plans to develop a cargo terminal and complete 100 housing units for airport staff, both of which have been included in the state’s 2026 budget proposal.
The governor added that he expects the first international flight to depart from Uyo by the end of the first quarter of 2026, once all necessary facilities and systems are in place.
The airport, which commenced operations in 2009 and was renamed in 2018 in honour of former governor Victor Attah, is located near Uyo and was originally conceived as a regional aviation hub serving the South-South region.
