By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Uyo
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, on Sunday fulfilled his promise to commence scheduled commercial international flights between Uyo and Accra before the end of June as Ibom Air officially launched the route.
The governor joined other passengers aboard the inaugural commercial flight, opting against using the state’s official aircraft in what officials described as a demonstration of confidence in the state-owned airline and the aviation infrastructure developed by his administration.
Speaking during the flight, Eno described the commencement of the twice-weekly service as another milestone in the state’s aviation and tourism development, saying the route would boost business, investment, leisure and regional connectivity. He said the airline would initially operate the service on Thursdays and Sundays, with additional frequencies planned as demand grows.
The inaugural flight, operated with one of Ibom Air’s CRJ-900 Bombardier aircraft, departed Accra and landed at the Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, after about one hour and 20 minutes. It was commanded by Captain William Uwemedimo Iyoho and Second Officer Mfoniso Mkpong, one of the pilots recently trained by the Akwa Ibom State Government at the Airbus Pilot Training Academy in France.
Among those on board were the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah; Commissioner for Information, Aniekan Umanah; Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Frank Archibong; Commissioner for Science and Digital Economy, Dr Frank Ekpeyong; Managing Director of Ibom Air, George Uriesi, and other government officials and passengers.
Speaking on the milestone, Uriesi described the inaugural scheduled international service as a defining moment for both the airline and Nigeria’s aviation industry. He disclosed that passengers successfully connected between Abuja and Accra through Uyo, demonstrating the airport’s growing role as a regional aviation hub.
He said the world-class terminal and expanding route network reflect the state’s commitment to building a modern aviation ecosystem, adding that the Uyo-Accra service would provide travellers from Akwa Ibom, Abuja and neighbouring states with a convenient gateway to Ghana and the wider West African sub-region.
The scheduled service follows the May 2 inauguration of the international terminal at the Victor Attah International Airport and the maiden international flight between Uyo and Accra attended by Governor Eno, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and other dignitaries. At the event, the governor had pledged that regular commercial international operations would begin before the end of June.
With the commencement of the scheduled flights, Ibom Air has expanded its regional network while positioning the Victor Attah International Airport as an international gateway and strengthening Akwa Ibom’s drive to become a hub for aviation, tourism and commerce in West Africa.
