The Oyo State Government has approved and issued Notice To All Air Missions, NOTAM, certificate for full operations of the Ibadan Airport, also known as the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, marking the official reopening of the facility for flight operations under the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde.
In a statement released by the Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, it was disclosed that although upgrade works for local flight operations were completed before October, Governor Makinde directed that the airport should not be reopened until the formal issuance of the NOTAM by the aviation authorities.
The Commissioner explained that the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, having confirmed that all professional, safety and regulatory requirements were met by the state government, issued the NOTAM certificate for full operations.
He revealed that since September this year, when President Bola Tinubu’s aircraft landed at the airport, the facility has successfully accommodated more than 50 flights.
According to him, the state government expanded the runway apron from 5,400 square metres to 15,000 square metres as part of the upgrade.
Prince Oyelade stated that the reopening of the airport offers residents the convenience of flying directly from Ibadan, eliminating the stress of travelling to Lagos.
Prince Oyelade also hinted that the Airport positions the state for direct international flights, including Hajj operations, once approval is granted by the relevant regulatory authorities and the international terminal is completed.
He added that commercial flight operations are expected to commence any moment from now.
