Ekiti State Cargo Airport to Start Passenger Operations in October 2023

Patrick OdeyMay 24, 2023

2 minutes read

Ekiti State is gearing up for the launch of passenger operations at its Agro-Allied Cargo International Airport, which was commissioned by former governor Dr. Kayode Fayemi on October 13, 2022. The airport, which is expected to boost the state’s economy and development, will start receiving commercial flights in October 2023.

This was disclosed by Air Vice Marshal Adeniyi Ojuawo (retd), a House of Representatives member-elect and former Technical Adviser on the airport project, on Tuesday during a chat with journalists at the airport. He said the current governor, Biodun Oyebanji, had given the go-ahead to deliver the project by October 2023 for passenger operation.

The airport project, which began in 2019, faced some challenges and delays due to land disputes, court cases, and budget constraints. However, the state government persevered and completed the project before Fayemi’s tenure ended on October 16, 2022.

The airport, which has a 3.2-kilometre runway and a terminal building, witnessed its first aircraft landing on October 15, 20222. The event was graced by the Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, who commended the state government for delivering the project.

The airport is designed to serve as a cargo hub for agricultural products from Ekiti State and its neighbouring states. It will also facilitate trade, tourism and investment in the region. The airport has the capacity to handle all types of aircraft and comply with international standards.

Ojuawo said the airport would transform the state and create employment opportunities. He added that the state government was already in talks with some airlines to commence passenger operations at the airport soon. He also dismissed insinuations that the airport was unnecessary, a waste of resources, or abandoned by Oyebanji.

He said, “As it is, it can take daylight, good weather flights. We are already talking to airlines in the country and everything will soon be finalised. This project has come to stay and we will soon see the results of the vision of the former governor, Dr Fayemi.”

He added, “The airport will bring about transformation. As a cargo airport, it will help this state and its neighbours being agrarian areas. It will open the state to the international market. It will as well create employment opportunities and as well attract numerous developments.”

He further said, “Contractors are working day and night to deliver the first phase of the project to the admiration of the former governor, Fayemi, who is doing everything possible, even outside the office in seeing to the success of the laudable project. Major equipment and facilities needed in the airport are being put in place in line with international standards.”

He concluded, “Anyone that is not here cannot believe the level of work the airport has reached. As you can see, the passengers’ terminal building is nearing perfection; the control tower will be delivered soon, meteorological garden completed, among other progress made on the airport project.”

The airport project is a testament to the vision and leadership of Fayemi, who initiated it during his first term as governor. He said the airport would have a long-term positive impact on agriculture and investment in the state. He also thanked President Muhammadu Buhari and the Minister of Aviation for their support and cooperation.

The Ekiti State Agro-Allied Cargo International Airport is a landmark achievement for the state and the country. It is expected to enhance the socio-economic development of the region and open it to the international market.