Ibom Air has expanded its regional footprint with the launch of scheduled international flights between Uyo and Accra, marking the airline’s first international service from its home base and officially positioning the Victor Attah International Airport as an international gateway.
The inaugural service departed Uyo for Accra on Sunday before completing its return journey, signalling the commencement of regular international operations from Akwa Ibom State. The airline also successfully connected passengers travelling between Abuja and Accra through Uyo, demonstrating the airport’s growing role as a transit hub for regional travel.
The new route will operate twice weekly on Thursdays and Sundays, providing travellers from Akwa Ibom, Abuja and neighbouring states with direct access to Ghana while improving connectivity across West Africa.
Governor Umo Eno joined other passengers aboard the inaugural commercial flight, opting to travel on the state-owned airline rather than using the government’s official aircraft. He described the launch as another milestone in Akwa Ibom’s aviation and tourism development agenda.
“We give God all the glory for yet another milestone in the aviation and tourism development of our state. Today, we have commenced scheduled commercial flights between Uyo and Accra, allowing the flying public to enjoy the premium services offered by Ibom Air. More frequencies will follow as we expand into other markets as part of our broader plan to open Akwa Ibom for business, investment and leisure,” the governor said.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Ibom Air, George Uriesi, described the launch as a defining moment for both the airline and the state’s aviation sector, noting that the successful transit of passengers between Abuja and Accra through Uyo demonstrated the growing strategic importance of the airport.
“We are delighted to have commenced international operations out of Uyo. More importantly, we successfully facilitated seamless transit for passengers between Abuja and Accra through Uyo,” Uriesi said.
He added that the newly upgraded terminal at the Victor Attah International Airport offers passengers a modern, efficient and comfortable travel experience, while commending Governor Eno for his commitment to developing Akwa Ibom’s aviation infrastructure.
According to him, the commencement of scheduled international operations represents a significant step in strengthening regional connectivity and enhancing Nigeria’s aviation landscape.
The inaugural flight was operated with one of the airline’s CRJ-900 aircraft and completed the journey between Accra and Uyo in about one hour and 20 minutes.
Ibom Air said the new international service forms part of its long-term strategy to expand beyond the domestic market, strengthen connectivity within West Africa and improve travel options for passengers.
The airline believes the Uyo-Accra service will stimulate tourism, trade and investment between Nigeria and Ghana while supporting Akwa Ibom State’s ambition to emerge as a major aviation and commercial hub in the region.
Since commencing commercial operations in 2019, Ibom Air has built a reputation for operational reliability, schedule integrity and customer service. The launch of its scheduled international operations marks another milestone in the carrier’s growth strategy as it continues to expand its network across Africa.
