The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, NAMA, has commenced flight validation checks at the Gateway International Airport in Ogun State, marking a significant step toward the launch of commercial flight operations at the facility.
On Monday, a team led by the Manager of Flight Calibration Services, Mr Miri Selzing, conducted a series of flight checks to assess the airport’s compliance with predefined operational procedures.
Mr Selzing noted that the exercise aimed to verify the accuracy and alignment of flight paths and procedures established for the airport.
He lauded the state government for developing the airport within a remarkably short timeframe and emphasised the need for installing an Instrument Landing System, ILS, and other essential navigational aids to support safe flight operations.
Given the progress already achieved, he expressed optimism that the airport would soon begin accommodating commercial aircraft.
Speaking during the visit, the Ogun State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr Ade Akinsanya, confirmed that the NAMA team had completed runway checks on Runways 23 and 05 and identified key waypoints for navigation.
He added that once the validation process is finalised, the flight procedures will be published online to enhance accessibility for operators.
Providing an update on construction progress, the commissioner stated that the airport is approximately 97 per cent complete, with critical infrastructure including the control tower, air traffic control personnel, fire and rescue services, and other operational facilities already in place.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has temporarily closed Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport (SLAA) in Ibadan to carry out extensive upgrade works aimed at improving the airport’s infrastructure and operational standards.FAAN announced the closure in a statement on Saturday, confirming that the Federal Government of Nigeria approved the move to allow for critical improvements at the facility.“The Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has closed the runway and suspended airport operations in line with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) regulations”.
In its statement, FAAN noted that the closure aligns with aviation safety recommendations and best practices, emphasizing the need to ensure the safety of passengers and airport personnel during the upgrade period.
The authority appealed to airport users and stakeholders for their understanding and cooperation throughout the closure.
As part of Oyo State Government’s ongoing effort to upgrade the Samuel Akintola Airport, Alakia, Ibadan, to international standard, Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has turned the sod for a new Terminal Building that would accommodate at least one million passengers annually.
Chairman of the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport Upgrade Committee and former Commissioner for Finance in the state, Mr Bimbo Adekanmbi who performed the foundation-laying ceremony said the effort is another giant leap forward and a crucial component of the airport upgrade plan.
He maintained that the new terminal represented a major transformation and a testament to the unwavering vision and exceptional leadership of Governor Makinde.
According to Mr Adekanmbi,the project expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2026 would ease the flow of passengers, boost the airports cargo handling capacity and position the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport as a top-tier facility in Nigeria.
He said: “Today, we embark on a remarkable journey that will redefine the aviation landscape of this region, opening up new horizons of opportunity, growth, connectivity- the commencement of the construction of a new terminal building at the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport.
“This event represents not only the start of a major transformation but also a testament to the unwavering vision and exceptional leadership of our Governor, His Excellency Engineer Seyi Makinde. “It is crucial to recognise the pivotal role airports play in the advancement of any region. They are not mere transportation hubs but essential catalysts for economic development, trade, tourism, and cultural exchange.
“In Oyo State, we are incredibly fortunate to have a leader who understands the far-reaching impact of such investments. Under the dynamic leadership of Governor Makinde, Oyo State is poised to take a bold leap forward.
“His Excellency has championed the development of the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, not just as an infrastructural upgrade, but as a gateway to unlocking the immense economic potential of Oyo State and the entire Southwest region.
Mr Adekanmbi, who stated that the government had made tremendous progress in the first phase of the upgrade project, explained that the state-of-the-art Terminal Building when completed would accommodate up to one million passengers annually, which is a massive increase from the current capacity of 100,000.
In a remark, the chairman of the Airport Communities, Dr Duro Ogunsesan, hailed Governor Makinde for giving the airport a massive facelift, noting that the governor has been transforming the state.
Also speaking, the Senior Manager of the Construction company handling the project, Edmond Maalouf, said the project would be delivered on time.
Earlier, the Director of Engineering of the Federal Airport Authority (FAAN), Adejare Abiola, who represented the chairman of the organisation, lauded Governor Makinde for his efforts towards turning around the fortune of the Ibadan Airport.
Representatives of various airlines operating from the airport, including Air Peace, Green Africa, Overland as well as the representative of BOVAS, which operates the 500,000-litre Aviation Fuel Facility earlier constructed by the state government, also lauded the state government on the project.
It would be recalled that Governor Seyi Makinde launched the first phase of the airport upgrade project in September 2024 with the extension of the runway to 3,000 metres to meet international standards and regulatory requirements to accommodate larger aircraft.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo San, has visited Ekiti State to assess the Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport in Ado Ekiti, as part of steps toward ensuring its smooth and full operations.
Mr Keyamo was welcomed at the airport by a delegation of state government officials led by Mr Oyeniyi Adebayo, the Chief of Staff to Governor Biodun Oyebanji.
The Minister, while speaking with newsmen, described the airport’s runway as meeting international standards, emphasizing its readiness for air traffic services.
He, however, stressed that aviation protocols must be strictly observed, including six months of non-scheduled flights, to evaluate the facility’s readiness for full commercial operations.
The Ekiti State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Kehinde Ajobiewe, affirmed that the airport is fully equipped with all necessary facilities, adding that several airlines have expressed interest in utilizing the airport for air services, highlighting its potential to boost economic activities in the region.
