Good News: Another International Airport Gets Approval To Begin Operation in Nigeria
- The Gateway International Agro-Cargo Airport has been certified by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA)
- The approval means that passenger flights will begin soon, starting with direct routes to Abuja and Port Harcourt
- NCAA, NAMA, and NiMet officials recently inspected the airport and were satisfied with its facilities
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has approved the commencement of commercial flight operations at the Gateway International Agro-Cargo Airport, Ilisan-Iperu, Ogun state.
The NCAA explained that the approval was granted in line with Part 12.15.17 of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CARs), which allows the airport to operate scheduled commercial air transport services under an Interim Aerodrome Operational Permit.
Source: Getty Images
Following the approval, a major international aviation company is expected to begin two weekly cargo flights from London to the airport.
The facility has also been designated as an alternate airport to Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
Passenger flights are also scheduled to commence soon, starting with direct connections to Abuja and Port Harcourt, ThisDay reports.
Ogun excited over Gateway International Agro-Cargo Airport
The Ogun state government said the move would boost trade, investment, and tourism in the state while positioning the airport as a strategic aviation hub in the region.
"We are happy, and look forward to exciting days ahead."
Recall that in December 2024, officials of the NCAA, Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) inspected the airport facilities.
The regulators commended the quality and standard of infrastructure at the airport, including the control tower, weather monitoring areas, runway, fire service stations, and apron, describing them as world-class and among the best in West Africa.
During the visit, the NCAA’s Director of Aerodrome and Airspace Standards, represented by Ango Mohammed, praised the significant improvements recorded at the facility. He noted that the control tower and other installations were “at the level of any other tower in every standard airport around the globe.”
With the new operational permit, Ogun state is set to join the growing list of states with functional international-standard airports, aimed at boosting economic competitiveness and regional connectivity.
Source: Getty Images
Five major international airports in Nigeria
Nigeria has 21 airports operated by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), with five functional international airports.
Here is a full list of the five International airports in Nigeria:
- Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos
- Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja
- Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano
- Port Harcourt International Airport, Port Harcourt
- Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu
Construction of a new ‘smart’ international airport
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the Zamfara state government commenced the construction of a new international airport with support from the federal government.
Dauda Lawal, the governor of Zamfara state, said the new airport was designed to accommodate domestic and international flights. Speaking at the flag-off ceremony held at the airport site on Kaura Namoda Road, Gusau, the governor said the airport would be smart and equipped with modern facilities.
He also revealed that the airport project would include the construction of a 3.4km primary runway for large commercial aircraft and the installation of runway lighting and navigational aids.
Proofreading by James Ojo, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
