Oyo State Government has announced that local flight operations will resume at Ladoke Akintola International Airport, Ibadan, before the end of 2025. This development follows the ongoing upgrade of the airport to international standards.
According to a statement released in Ibadan on Monday by the state’s Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, construction and refurbishment works are progressing steadily, with completion of key infrastructure projected for later this year.
“The runway upgrade, apron, taxiway, and blast pads currently stand at 55% completion and should be ready before the end of the year, subject to regulatory approvals,” Oyelade said.
The commissioner revealed that the airport’s transformation includes extending the runway from 2,400 meters to 3,000 meters and widening it from 45 to 60 meters. These enhancements aim to accommodate wide-body aircraft capable of handling international flights by June 2026.
Other significant upgrades include:
- Airfield lighting updated to CAT C standards for improved night and poor weather visibility.
- Firefighting services elevated to international standards.
- Installation of immigration and customs facilities in line with global aviation protocols.
Oyelade emphasized that the goal is to turn Ibadan Airport into a modern and internationally competitive hub.
“By enhancing our infrastructure to accommodate larger aircraft, we are not only improving domestic connectivity but also paving the way for global travel,” he noted.
Reaffirming Governor Seyi Makinde’s earlier pledge, Oyelade stated that the next Hajj pilgrimage flight to Saudi Arabia will depart directly from Ibadan Airport in 2026. This move aligns with the state’s broader strategy of enhancing accessibility and boosting regional economic development.
The airport upgrade was officially flagged off on September 18, 2024, and the facility was temporarily shut down in March 2025 to allow accelerated work.
With the International Terminal currently at 15% completion, the state government remains optimistic about meeting its June 2026 target. Resumption of local flights by the end of 2025 is expected to boost passenger traffic and reinforce Ibadan’s strategic role in Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem.
For residents of Oyo State and the South-West, the upgraded airport will offer easier travel, stimulate business, and enhance tourism potential in the region.
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