FIC Report (Oyo State) – The Oyo State Government has announced that the Samuel Ladoke Akinola International Airport, Ibadan, would begin conducts of international flights in the early days of the year 2026. Local flights will resume operations by the end of the year at the Ladoke Akintola International Airport, Ibadan.
In a statement by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, activities are in top gear to complete the upgrade of the airport to International standard.
In a statement released by the state Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, the government has also assured air travellers in the state that local flights would soon resume in the airport.
It would be recalled that the airport upgrade, which was officially flagged off on September 18, 2024, was shut down in March 2025 to intensify work on the project.
The Commissioner said that the ongoing upgrade at the airport includes extension of the runway from 2,400 meters to 3,000 meters, widening of the runway from 45 to 60 meters to accommodate wide-body aircraft for International flights.
He noted that the airfield lighting system has been updated to CAT C standards and the fire-fighting response has been upgraded to ensure a robust safety profile.
Prince Dotun Oyelade hinted that facilities are being put in place for Customs, Immigration and other vital agencies to meet International standards.
The Prince Oyelade said that the runway upgrade, apron, taxiway, blast pads among others which currently stands at 55% will be completed before the end of the year and local flights should resume thereafter subject to approval of the relevant regulatory authorities.”
Oyelade said the International Terminal construction, which currently is at 15% completion, will be ready by June 2026 for such flights.
The Commissioner stated further that these upgrades reflect the government’s vision of transforming the 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 the promise of Governor Seyi Makinde that the next Hajj flight to Saudi Arabia next year will be from the airport.
Signed
Moses Oyelade,
AD(I&PR), FIC, Ibadan.
