Commercial Flights Return to Ibadan as NCAA Issues Provisional Permit

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has given the green light for scheduled flight operations to commence at the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State. This development was announced in a statement issued by Dr Suleimon Olanrewaju, Special Adviser on Media to Governor Seyi Makinde, on Wednesday.

According to Olanrewaju, the approval is contained in a letter dated December 16, addressed to the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). The letter stated that the NCAA has approved the issuance of a provisional interim operational permit for the commencement of scheduled flight operations at the airport.

The NCAA’s approval follows a review of the updated status of safety-critical facilities, operational arrangements, and mitigation measures, which were put in place following recent developments at the aerodrome. The authority also took into consideration additional information provided by FAAN.

The Oyo State Government has been working tirelessly to upgrade the airport to international standards. Several projects have been undertaken, including the extension and widening of the runway, improvement of airfield lighting, construction of a 500,000-litre aviation fuel storage facility, and a new Protocol Lounge.

This development is a major breakthrough for the state, as it will boost economic growth, create jobs, and improve air travel in the region. The upgrade of the airport is a testament to the state government’s commitment to providing world-class infrastructure and promoting economic development.

Recall that the NCAA had in February announced a six-month closure of the airport for maintenance and upgrade works, which led to the commencement of rehabilitation work on the aerodrome. The state government had also officially flagged off a N41bn upgrade of the airport in September, as part of efforts to attain international status.