May 03, (THEWILL) — Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has described the Victor Attah International Airport as a “pace setter” in the country’s aviation sector, as the facility commenced international operations with a maiden flight from Uyo to Ghana.
Speaking during a ceremony held at the airport on Saturday, Keyamo said the facility stands out as a unique transit hub at the sub-national level in Nigeria, offering integrated connections across domestic and international routes.
He stated that the airport enables passengers to transfer between international and domestic flights seamlessly, a service he said is not currently available in any other state-owned airport in the country.
“This is not just a terminal building but a world-class transit hub with immense impact”, the minister said, adding that the development positions Akwa Ibom as an emerging aviation centre.
Keyamo also pointed to broader infrastructure growth in the state, noting that ongoing developments could transform the region into a major economic destination.
Governor Umo Eno attributed the airport’s international status to sustained efforts by successive administrations in the state, describing it as the outcome of a “relay race” of leadership.
He acknowledged the contributions of former governors, including Victor Attah, Godswill Akpabio, and Udom Emmanuel, in developing the facility.
The governor also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting infrastructure funding to states, which he said contributed to the completion of the airport’s upgrade.
Officials in the aviation sector, including representatives of Ibom Air and the airport development company, noted that the commencement of international flights is expected to boost economic activities and improve connectivity in the region.
The event was attended by senior government officials, lawmakers, and stakeholders in the aviation industry.
