The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has approved the resumption of scheduled commercial flight operations at Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport in Ibadan. The decision follows significant upgrades to meet safety and operational standards.
Okay News reports that the approval came in a letter dated December 16, 2025. It grants a provisional interim operational permit to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
NCAA reviewed updated safety-critical facilities and mitigation measures. Recent developments and additional FAAN information supported the decision.
Oyo State Government efforts drove the upgrades. Projects included runway extension and widening plus improved airfield lighting.
Other enhancements feature a 500,000-litre aviation fuel storage facility. A new Protocol Lounge also formed part of the improvements.
“In the letter, the NCAA approved the issuance of a provisional interim operational permit for the commencement of scheduled flight operations at the airport,” Special Adviser Suleiman Olanrewaju stated.
“The approval followed efforts by the Oyo State Government to upgrade the airport to an international standard, with the state government having undertaken several projects, including the extension and widening of the runway and improvement of airfield lighting,” he added.
The airport underwent a six-month closure starting March 2025. Maintenance and upgrades occurred during this period.
President Bola Tinubu earlier approved elevating the facility to international status. Rehabilitation works aligned with these ambitions.
This approval enables scheduled passenger services to return. It enhances connectivity for Oyo State and surrounding regions.
The development strengthens Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure through targeted investments and regulatory oversight.
