…as Oyo Govt secures NCAA, NAMA approvals
The Samuel Ladoke Akintola International Airport (SLAA), Ibadan, has officially reopened for scheduled commercial flight operations following the successful completion of major airside upgrades by the Oyo State Government.
The reopening comes after the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) granted a provisional approval on December 16, 2025, permitting operations at the airport until June 2026, while the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) also issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) authorising full use of the airspace for scheduled flights.
The Oyo State government disclosed that the domestic upgrade of the airport was completed by late October 2025, well ahead of the deadline earlier promised by Governor Seyi Makinde.
Key aspects of the upgrade include the expansion of the runway from 2,400 metres to 3,000 metres, widening of the runway from 45 metres to 60 metres, and enlargement of the aircraft apron from 5,400 square metres to 15,000 square metres.
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The development was contained in a statement signed by the Chairman of the Ladoke Akintola International Airport Upgrade Committee, Abombola Adekanmbi, who also thanked the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the leadership of FAAN, NCAA, NAMA, and other aviation stakeholders for their cooperation in achieving the milestone.
The airport had earlier been opened temporarily from September 25, 2025, to receive flights for the Olubadan of Ibadanland’s coronation, during which more than 50 aircraft reportedly landed successfully, further demonstrating the facility’s operational readiness.
According to the Upgrade Committee, Governor Makinde personally engaged critical aviation stakeholders to fast-track the reopening of scheduled services, while the state ensured strict compliance with all regulatory requirements.
As part of the process, the government provided four brand-new operational vehicles to aviation agencies at the airport, alongside a dedicated ambulance for emergency response.
In a show of commitment to public accountability, the governor had pledged not to use the airport for personal flights until it was officially reopened for commercial operations, a vow he upheld.
The state government has since commenced engagement with airlines and air service providers to ensure rapid dissemination of the NOTAM and kick-start regular flight schedules.
Meanwhile, work on the airport’s international terminal is ongoing and does not affect airside operations. Authorities also confirmed that all future airside construction and maintenance will be carried out between 6:00pm and 5:00am to avoid disruption of flight activities.
Further improvements are nearing completion, including full runway lighting, installation of an Instrument Landing System (ILS), and a Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Range (VOR) system, which is currently undergoing final calibration. These upgrades are expected to enable night operations and flights in adverse weather conditions.
The Oyo State Government also expressed confidence that the Samuel Ladoke Akintola International Airport will serve as the hub for the 2026 Oyo State Hajj operations.
