Akwa Ibom state governor Pastor Umo Eno has reaffirmed the commencement of International flight operations at Victor Atta International Airport insisting that the April 2026 commencement of international flight is irreversible.

Eno disclosed this during a comprehensive inspection of facilities at Ibom Airport to ascertain infrastructure ahead of planned commencement of international flight operations in April , 2026 .

The inspection covered critical I facilities at the Airport and operational areas such as access road, terminal building, apron, taxiway, security perimeter fencing, IP intelligence security cameras, Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility, vegetation clearing, as well as the transformer area and medium voltage power panels, among others.

Engr. Oliver Ebong of VKS company handling the international terminal while conducting the inspection team round the facility highlighted areas that require urgent attention to ensure full completion of the facility as work on the terminal would be concluded by the end of March.

Speaking after the inspection, Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and Chairman of the Committee, Prince Enobong Uwah, expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work at the airport adding that the current level of progress of work gives confidence that the April timeline for international operations will be achieved.

“Following inauguration of the committee by Governor Umo Eno on January 5, the inspection became imperative to assess readiness across key operational areas, identify infrastructure gaps, and ensure timely interventions to guarantee a seamless take-off of international flights”.

He said the committee would maintain continuous oversight through periodic inspections until all components of the project are fully completed.

Uwah commended contractors handling various aspects of the project, including VKS, Premium Construction Company and others, for the speed and quality of work delivered so far and urged them to intensify efforts to meet set deadlines.

It will be recalled that Governor Umo Eno inaugurated the committee following a technical assessment visit to the airport by a Federal Government team led by the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo to commence the process of giving effect to the international operations at the airport. (The Sun)

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