Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport Gets NCAA Nod for Commercial Flight Operations

The Federal Government has approved the commencement of scheduled commercial flight operations at the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport, effective October 4, 2025.

This approval, granted by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), follows the expiration of the airport’s initial non-scheduled flight permit in December 2024 and its full compliance with aviation regulatory requirements.

In a letter dated October 3, 2025, and addressed to Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji, the NCAA confirmed the new approval for scheduled flights, valid for an initial six-month period.

According to the letter, reference number NCAA/DAAS/TECH//043/Vol.1/158, signed by the Director of Aerodrome and Airspace Standards, Engr. Godwin Balang, the authority conducted a validation inspection between June 16 and 19, 2025. The inspection confirmed that the airport had substantially met operational and safety standards for scheduled flight operations.

“The outcome revealed significant compliance with basic operational requirements, while the instrument flight check validation report by NAMA also confirmed satisfactory regulatory compliance,” the letter stated.

The NCAA noted that the interim operational permit allows the airport to conduct Visual Flight Rules (VFR) operations—daylight flights only—while it completes outstanding processes for full certification. Once the certification is concluded, the airport will be issued a three-year Aerodrome Operational Permit in accordance with Nig. CARs Part 12 Vol. 1 (2023).

Meanwhile, the Ekiti State Government has advanced plans to install an Instrument Landing System (ILS) to enable night and all-weather operations.

Governor Oyebanji described the approval as a milestone for the state’s economic transformation, saying the commencement of commercial flights would stimulate agribusiness, tourism, trade, and medical tourism—enhancing Ekiti’s appeal as a place to live, work, invest, and relax.

He expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for fostering an enabling environment for economic growth, to former Governor Dr. Kayode Fayemi for initiating the airport project in 2019, and to Aare Afe Babalola (SAN), founder of Afe Babalola University, for his outstanding contributions. Oyebanji also commended members of the Airport Committee for their dedication to the project.