…AirPeace Returns to Uyo Oct,23
Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, has recorded more than 1.38 million domestic passenger movements between 2023 and September 2026, while Ibom Air is closing in on five million passengers, underscoring Akwa Ibom State’s growing aviation capacity under Governor Umo Bassey Eno’s ARISE Agenda.
The figures were disclosed at the Ministerial Press Briefing of the Ministry of Aviation and Airport Development on October 15, 2026.
The airport recorded 1,386,060 domestic passengers during the period, alongside 1,998 international passengers between May and September 2026.
A major milestone was achieved on May 2, 2026, when the airport commenced international operations with Ibom Air’s inaugural flight from Uyo to Accra, Ghana. Ibom Air subsequently commenced domestic operations from the International Smart Terminal in June.
To enhance more efficiency in passenger services, AirPeace, is also expected to commence domestic operations from Uyo on October 23, this year.
The state government says the development is expected to boost tourism, trade, investment and employment while strengthening Akwa Ibom’s position as an emerging aviation hub.
Ibom Air has operated 65,152 scheduled flights and carried 4,953,512 passengers across its network as of September 2026.
Its fleet comprises 10 aircraft, including five acquired under the present administration.
The airline serves seven domestic destinations and Accra, Ghana, and projects crossing the five-million-passenger mark by the end of October.
Plans are also underway to expand its domestic and international routes in 2027.
To attract more operators, the state government has invited ValueJet to commence scheduled services, with details of routes and flight frequencies expected to be announced after necessary arrangements are concluded.
Beyond passenger growth, the briefing highlighted investments in airport infrastructure, including the International Smart Terminal, access roads, car parks, aircraft apron, taxiways, VIP lounges, perimeter fencing and security systems. High-speed internet connectivity has also been activated to improve airport operations and passenger services.
On employment, Ibom Air had 753 full-time employees as of August 31, 2026, with 478, representing about 64 per cent, being indigenes of Akwa Ibom State.
The government is also investing in aviation skills development. Fourteen Akwa Ibom pilots have been trained at the Airbus Flight Training Academy in France, while 16 aircraft engineers and 10 flight dispatchers have received specialised training. Another 10 indigenes are undergoing cadet pilot training in Ethiopia.
Meanwhile, the first phase of the Ibom Aviation Village, comprising 128 residential apartments on approximately 15 hectares, is nearing completion. A second phase is planned to provide an additional 100 housing units.
The state is also pursuing plans for an aircraft Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul facility, which is expected to reduce reliance on overseas maintenance services and create skilled jobs. However, the project remains under development.
Other proposed initiatives include improvements to the airport’s power infrastructure and the development of an airport hospital to strengthen emergency response and medical services.
The Ministry says it will continue to pursue airline partnerships, private-sector investment and aviation training to expand connectivity and maximise the economic benefits of the sector.
The government’s broader objective is to transform aviation into a major driver of tourism, commerce and job creation under the ARISE Agenda, although some planned projects are still at different stages of development.
