Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, has disclosed that Ladoke Akintola International Airport will commence international flights early next year.
The commissioner noted that activities were in top gear to upgrade the airport to International standards and added that local flights would resume operations by the end of the year.
It should be remembered 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 airport’s ongoing upgrade includes extending the runway from 2,400 meters to 3,000 meters and widening it from 45 to 60 meters to accommodate wide-body aircraft for International flights.
He noted that the airfield lighting system had been updated to CAT C standards, and the fire-fighting response has been upgraded to ensure a robust safety profile.
Oyelade hinted that facilities are being established for Customs, Immigration and other vital agencies to meet International standards.
The commissioner said that the runway upgrade, apron, taxiway, blast pads, among others, which currently stands at 55 per cent, 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 is currently at 15 per cent completion, would be ready for such flights by June 2026.
He stated further that the 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.
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