FG Confirms Uyo’s Victor Attah Airport Now Approved for International Operations

The Federal Government has officially designated the Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo as an international airport, paving the way for it to begin handling global passenger traffic.

The announcement was made in Abuja on Thursday by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, during a meeting with Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno.

Although the airport has functioned as a domestic facility since its commissioning, the new designation initiates the formal transition to full international status.

Keyamo stated that the airport already meets international standards and is equipped to compete with other global-entry airports across Nigeria. He pointed to its modern infrastructure, including its world-class Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility and a runway spanning more than three kilometres, capable of accommodating wide-body 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.

He further noted: “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 transmitting from local operations to international operations.”

Keyamo stressed that the designation is now official, and the focus will shift to completing regulatory steps and setting a launch date.

A delegation from the relevant agencies is expected to inspect the airport soon to determine any additional requirements for full-scale international flights.

In response, Governor Umo Eno expressed gratitude to the Federal Government, affirming that the state is ready for the upgrade. He announced ongoing and upcoming projects aimed at expanding the airport’s ecosystem, including a cargo terminal and housing for airport staff.

“What we are building is an ecosystem at the airport. We want everything within the airport environment,” he said.

He added: “We will build a cargo terminal, which is already captured in the 2026 budget. We will also ensure the 100 units of houses under construction are used to ensure the proper settling down of workers at the airport. My target is by the end of the first quarter of 2026, let the first international plane take off from Uyo.”

Commissioned in 2009 and renamed in 2018 in honour of former governor Obong Victor Attah, the airport has steadily evolved into a regional hub capable of handling large aircraft.

Its transition to full international status is anticipated to boost trade, tourism, and regional connectivity across Akwa Ibom and the wider South-South region.

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