RismadarVoice Reporters, June 29, 2026
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has fulfilled his pledge to commence scheduled commercial international flights between Uyo and Accra before the end of June, as Ibom Air on Sunday inaugurated the twice-weekly service linking Nigeria and Ghana.
The Governor travelled aboard the inaugural commercial flight alongside other passengers, opting not to use the State’s official aircraft, in a move seen as demonstrating confidence in the State-owned airline and the aviation infrastructure developed by his administration.
Speaking during an in-flight interview, Governor Eno described the commencement of the route as another milestone in the State’s aviation and tourism development strategy.
“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,” he said.
The new service is expected to strengthen Akwa Ibom’s position as a regional aviation hub by providing direct connectivity between Uyo and Accra, while facilitating trade, tourism, investment and business across the West African sub-region.
The inaugural flight was operated with one of Ibom Air’s CRJ-900 Bombardier aircraft. The aircraft completed the Accra-Uyo journey in one hour and 20 minutes.
Captain William Uwemedimo Iyoho commanded the flight, assisted by Second Officer Mfoniso Mkpong, one of the young pilots recently trained by the Akwa Ibom State Government at the Airbus Pilot Training Academy in Angoulême, France.
Also on board were the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah; Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Frank Archibong; Commissioner for Information, Hon. Aniekan Umanah; Commissioner for Science and Digital Economy, Dr Frank Ekpeyong; Managing Director of Hensek Integrated Services, Engr. Uwem Okoko; Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Ibom Air, Mr George Uriesi; General Manager, Marketing, Mrs Annie Essienette, as well as golfers and other passengers.
Commenting on the development, Ibom Air Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr George Uriesi, described the commencement of the scheduled international operation as a defining moment for both the airline and Nigeria’s aviation industry.
He disclosed that the airline successfully connected passengers travelling from Abuja to Accra and from Accra to Abuja through Uyo, underscoring the Victor Attah International Airport’s growing role as a regional transit hub.
According to him, the airport’s international terminal provides passengers with a world-class travel experience and reflects the Akwa Ibom State Government’s commitment to developing a modern aviation ecosystem.
Ibom Air will operate the Uyo-Accra route twice weekly on Sundays and Thursdays, offering travellers from Akwa Ibom, Abuja and neighbouring states direct access to Ghana and improved connectivity within West Africa.
The commencement of scheduled commercial operations follows the maiden international flight from Uyo to Accra on May 2, 2026, which coincided with the inauguration of the international terminal at the Victor Attah International Airport by Governor Eno, alongside the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), and other stakeholders.
At the inauguration, the Governor had assured residents and the travelling public that scheduled international commercial services would begin before the end of June 2026.
Sunday’s launch fulfils that commitment and further positions the Victor Attah International Airport as an international gateway, while advancing the State Government’s vision of making Akwa Ibom a key aviation, tourism and investment destination in the Gulf of Guinea region.
