The Akwa Ibom State Government has announced that the maiden international flight from Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, will take off on Saturday, May 2, 2026, bound for Kotoka International Airport, Accra, Ghana.
The development follows presidential approval for the upgrade of Victor Attah International Airport to international status, alongside investments by the administration of Governor Umo Eno to provide the technical and infrastructural facilities required for international operations.
According to the government, the inaugural flight will be operated by Ibom Air, the state-owned carrier. The aircraft is scheduled to depart Uyo for Accra on Saturday, May 2, 2026, with a return service planned for Sunday, May 3, 2026.
The state described the launch as a major milestone in its strategy to expand aviation capacity, improve international connectivity, and strengthen Akwa Ibom’s position as a preferred destination for tourism and investment.
It added that while the maiden flight marks the commencement of international operations from Uyo, the official commissioning of the new terminal building and commencement of full commercial international flight schedules will be announced later.
The government expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for granting approval for the airport’s international status, and to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, for efforts that supported the realization of the project.
It also acknowledged the contributions of former governors of Akwa Ibom State for their pioneering roles in developing the aviation sector, while reaffirming commitment to the continued growth of the state’s aviation ecosystem for economic advancement.