Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has fulfilled another major promise to the people of the state as Ibom Air commenced scheduled commercial international flights between Uyo and Accra on Sunday, barely one month after assuring residents that the route would become operational before the end of June 2026.

Demonstrating confidence in the state-owned airline and the aviation infrastructure developed under his administration, Governor Eno opted against using the state’s official aircraft and instead travelled aboard the inaugural commercial flight alongside other passengers.

Speaking during an in-flight interview, the governor expressed gratitude over the milestone in the state’s aviation and tourism sectors.

“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 on Thursdays and Sundays for a start, allowing the flying public to enjoy the premium services offered by Ibom Air.

“More frequencies will follow as we plan to spread into other markets. This is all part of our robust tourism development plan aimed at opening up Akwa Ibom for business, investment and leisure.”

The commencement of scheduled flights hits a significant achievement in Governor Eno’s vision of transforming Akwa Ibom into a regional aviation hub, providing direct access to Ghana while creating fresh opportunities for trade, tourism, investment and connectivity across the West African sub-region.

At exactly 3:05pm Ghana time, Captain William Uwemedimo Iyoho, assisted by Second Officer Mfoniso Mkpong, welcomed Governor Eno, members of the State Executive Council and other passengers aboard Ibom Air Flight QI641 bound for the Victor Attah International Airport.

Second Officer Mkpong, who piloted the flight, is among the young pilots recently trained by the Akwa Ibom State Government under Governor Eno at the Airbus Pilot Training Academy.

The flight was operated using one of Ibom Air’s CRJ-900 Bombardier aircraft and completed the journey from Accra to Uyo in one hour and 20 minutes. Cabin crew members Ukeme Essien and Inyeneobong Enyina were credited with ensuring a pleasant experience for passengers onboard.

Among those on the flight were the Secretary to the State Government, Enobong Uwah; Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Frank Archibong; Commissioner for Information, Aniekan Umanah; Commissioner for Science and Digital Economy, Frank Ekpeyong; Managing Director of Hensek Integrated Services, Uwem Okoko; Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Ibom Air, George Uriesi; General Manager, Marketing, Annie Essienette, as well as golfers and other passengers.

The successful operation officially establishes the Victor Attah International Airport as an international gateway into and out of Nigeria while offering seamless connectivity for passengers travelling between Abuja and Accra through Uyo.

Commenting on the development, George Uriesi described the inaugural operation as a defining moment for both the airline and Nigeria’s aviation industry.

He disclosed that the airline successfully transited passengers from Abuja to Accra and another eight from Accra to Abuja through Uyo, highlighting the airport’s growing role as a regional aviation hub.

According to him, the world-class terminal offers travellers a dignified airport experience and reflects Governor Eno’s commitment to building a modern aviation ecosystem.

He thanked the governor for his leadership and unwavering support, noting that the achievement had transformed Nigeria’s aviation landscape.

Ibom Air will operate the Uyo-Accra route twice weekly on Sundays and Thursdays, providing travellers from Akwa Ibom, Abuja and neighbouring states with a convenient gateway to Ghana and the wider West African sub-region. (Arise News)

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