The long-awaited Ibadan Airport reopening has officially become a reality, marking a major milestone in Oyo State’s infrastructure renewal drive under Governor Seyi Makinde.
Following the issuance of the mandatory Notice to All Air Missions (NOTAM) by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport has now been cleared to resume full flight operations, effectively restoring Ibadan’s place on Nigeria’s aviation map.
The development was confirmed in a press statement issued on Thursday by the Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, who described the clearance as the culmination of months of upgrades, regulatory inspections and strict adherence to aviation safety standards.
According to the commissioner, although physical upgrades on the airport were completed several weeks earlier, Governor Makinde deliberately delayed the official reopening pending the formal issuance of the NOTAM, insisting that no flight operations should resume without full regulatory approval.
Due Process Central to Ibadan Airport Reopening
Speaking on the development, Oyelade noted that the Ibadan Airport reopening was guided by due process and professional standards, rather than political urgency.
“The governor insisted that no aircraft would operate at the airport without the appropriate clearance from aviation authorities.
This was a deliberate decision to prioritise safety, professionalism and global aviation best practices,” the commissioner stated.
He disclosed that the NCAA, after a comprehensive assessment, was satisfied that the Oyo State Government had met all technical, operational and safety requirements necessary for flight operations, leading to the issuance of the NOTAM certificate.
The chairman of the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport Upgrade Committee, Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi, was quoted as saying that the governor’s insistence on regulatory diligence was central to the success of the project.
“Governor Makinde made it clear that the airport would not be opened for use until the NOTAM was formally issued. This was about doing things right, not cutting corners,” Adekanmbi said.
Infrastructure Upgrades Drive Ibadan Airport Reopening
A major factor behind the successful Ibadan Airport reopening is the extensive upgrade of the airport’s facilities carried out by the Makinde administration.
The project included a significant expansion of the runway apron from 5,400 square metres to 15,000 square metres, enabling the airport to accommodate more aircraft and improve operational efficiency.
In addition, the state government procured a modern firefighting ambulance to strengthen emergency response capabilities, alongside the acquisition of four new operational buses to improve ground handling and passenger movement.
Passenger halls were also refurbished to enhance comfort, safety and aesthetics, bringing the facility closer to international standards.
These upgrades, according to the state government, are part of a broader vision to transform the airport into a viable aviation hub for the South-West region.
Over 50 Flights Already Recorded
Even before the formal announcement of the Ibadan Airport reopening, the facility had quietly begun accommodating limited flight operations under special arrangements.
Oyelade revealed that since September 2025—when President Bola Tinubu’s aircraft landed at the airport—the facility has handled over 50 flights.
This, he said, demonstrated the operational readiness of the airport and underscored the urgency of completing the regulatory process to enable full commercial operations.
“The airport has proven its capacity to handle flights safely and efficiently. What remained was the final regulatory green light, which has now been secured,” the commissioner added.
Economic and Travel Benefits of Ibadan Airport Reopening
Beyond aviation operations, the Ibadan Airport reopening is expected to deliver far-reaching economic and social benefits to residents of Oyo State and neighbouring states.
For decades, travellers from Ibadan and its environs have been forced to endure long road journeys to Lagos to catch domestic and international flights.
With the airport now operational, passengers can fly directly from Ibadan, saving time, reducing travel stress and lowering transportation costs.
The reopening is also projected to stimulate local commerce, tourism and investment, particularly in hospitality, logistics and aviation-related services.
Businesses that rely on air travel are expected to benefit from improved connectivity, while the city’s attractiveness as a destination for conferences and events is likely to increase.
International Flights and Hajj Operations in View
Another major highlight of the Ibadan Airport reopening is the prospect of international flight operations in the near future.
Oyelade disclosed that the state government is positioning the airport to handle international flights, including Hajj operations, once regulatory approvals are granted and the international terminal is completed.
According to him, discussions are ongoing with relevant authorities to secure the necessary clearance, stressing that the Makinde administration is committed to expanding the airport’s capacity beyond domestic travel.
“This development opens the door for direct international flights from Ibadan. Hajj operations are also part of the long-term plan, subject to regulatory approval,” Oyelade said.
Commercial Flights to Begin Fully
With the issuance of the NOTAM, commercial airlines are now cleared to commence full flight operations at the airport.
The state government has indicated that commercial flights will begin “in earnest” at any moment, as airlines conclude their operational arrangements.
Aviation analysts say the Ibadan Airport reopening could ease congestion at Lagos airports while providing airlines with an alternative hub in the South-West.
A Fulfilled Promise
For Governor Seyi Makinde, the reopening represents the fulfilment of a long-standing promise to revive the airport and reposition it as a strategic asset for Oyo State’s development.
The project aligns with the administration’s broader infrastructure agenda, which includes road expansion, healthcare upgrades, education reforms and industrial development.
As Ibadan Airport returns to active service, stakeholders say the move signals a renewed commitment to sustainable development, regulatory compliance and people-focused governance—principles that have defined the Makinde administration’s approach to public infrastructure.
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