- NCAA approves scheduled commercial flights at Ibadan airport
- Approval follows major infrastructure upgrades by Oyo State
- Permit subject to strict safety and emergency conditions
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority has approved the commencement of scheduled commercial flight operations at the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, Ibadan.
The approval was conveyed in a letter dated December 16, 2025, and addressed to the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that according to the letter, the aviation regulator granted the airport a provisional interim operational permit to enable it begin scheduled flight operations.
The approval followed extensive upgrade works carried out by the Oyo State Government as part of efforts to transform the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, Alakia, Ibadan, into an international facility.
The upgrade projects include the extension and widening of the runway, improvement of airfield lighting, construction of a 500,000 litre aviation fuel storage facility and the development of a new Protocol Lounge, among other critical infrastructure.
The NCAA said the decision was reached after reviewing the updated status of safety critical facilities, operational arrangements and mitigation measures at the aerodrome.
It noted that the review followed recent developments at the airport and additional information submitted by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria.
The authority also recalled that the airport had earlier received approval to operate non scheduled flights.
“The Authority refers to its earlier correspondence Ref. No: NCAA/DAAS/TECH/008/VOL 1/173 dated 12th December, 2025, regarding the operational status of Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, Ibadan, and the temporary approval granted for non scheduled operations,” the letter stated.
“Following recent developments at the aerodrome and the additional information provided by FAAN subsequent to the issuance of the above referenced letter, the Authority has reviewed the updated status of safety critical facilities, operational arrangements and mitigation measures currently in place.”
The NCAA said the approval was granted in line with the provisions of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations.
“In view of the above, and pursuant to the provisions of Nig CARs Part 12, Volume I 2023, I am directed to convey the Authority’s approval for the issuance of provisional interim operational permit for the commencement of scheduled flight operations at Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, Ibadan,” the letter added.
The authority, however, stressed that the provisional interim permit is subject to strict compliance with specified work plan conditions, including the full operationalisation of emergency response arrangements at the airport.
