The Akwa Ibom State Government has announced that the first international flight from the Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo will depart for Accra, Ghana, on May 2, 2026, marking the airport’s official entry into international operations.

Governor Umo Eno disclosed the development in a statement on Tuesday, following presidential approval for the upgrade of the airport to international status.

He said the inaugural flight from Victor Attah International Airport to Kotoka International Airport will be operated by Ibom Air, with a return trip scheduled for May 3, 2026.

Eno described the development as a significant milestone in the state’s aviation and economic strategy, aimed at improving global connectivity and boosting tourism, trade, and investment.

He thanked President Bola Tinubu for approving the upgrade and commended the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, for supporting the project.

According to the governor, the achievement also reflects the contributions of past administrations in building the aviation infrastructure that made the upgrade possible.

The state Commissioner for Information, Aniekan Umanah, also described the planned flight as a historic step that underscores Akwa Ibom’s ambition to strengthen its aviation sector and attract international investment.

He added that the government remains committed to sustaining development in the aviation ecosystem as part of broader economic growth plans.

The announcement follows earlier inspections of the airport by aviation officials, who had expressed confidence that the facility was ready for international operations ahead of schedule.