The Oyo State Government has assured that local and international flight operations will commence at Ladoke Akintola International Airport, Ibadan, late this year and early next year.
The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, gave the assurance in a statement made available to newsmen in Ibadan on Monday.
Oyelade disclosed that the ongoing upgrades at the airport include the extension of the runway from 2,400 metres to 3,000 metres and the widening of the runway from 45 to 60 metres to accommodate wide-body aircraft for international flights, which will soon be completed.
He noted that the airfield lighting system has been updated to CAT C standards, and the firefighting response has been upgraded to ensure a robust safety profile.
The commissioner added that facilities are being put in place for Customs, Immigration, and other vital agencies to meet international standards.
He stated that the runway upgrade, apron, taxiway, blast pads, and other infrastructure, which currently stands at 55 per cent completion, will be finished before the end of the year, allowing local flights to resume thereafter, subject to approval by the relevant regulatory authorities.
Regarding the construction of the international terminal, which is currently at 15 per cent completion, the commissioner assured that it would be ready by June 2026 for international flight operations.
Prince Oyelade further stated that these upgrades reflect the government’s vision of transforming Ibadan Airport into a modern and internationally competitive facility.
“By enhancing our infrastructure to accommodate larger aircraft, we are not only improving domestic connectivity but also paving the way for global travel,” he said.
He reiterated Governor Seyi Makinde’s promise that the next Hajj flight to Saudi Arabia next year would depart from the airport.
The Nigerian Tribune recalls that the airport upgrade, which was officially flagged off on 18 September 2024, was shut down in March 2025 to allow for intensified work on the project.
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