Bimbo Adekanmbi, the chairman of the 11-man committee on the upgrade of the Ibadan airport, has said that direct international flights would commence before the end of 2026.

Ms Adekanmbi told journalists in Ibadan on Saturday that although some airlines had begun offering Ibadan–London flight options, such services were not direct international operations from the airport.

According to him, the current arrangements involve stopovers in Abuja before proceeding to the United Kingdom.

“Those are not the direct flights we promised. They take off from Ibadan, transit through Abuja and then continue to the UK.

“It is a good start, but our plan is to have direct international flights once the new terminal is completed,” he said.

Ms Adekanmbi disclosed that the international terminal to handle direct overseas flights was just between 40 per cent and 50 per cent completion.

The project chairman added that construction work was still ongoing on the terminal, but expressed optimism that the it would be ready for operation before the end of the year.

He said that the airport had undergone major upgrades, including expansion and extension of the runway.

“We have lengthened the runway from 2,400 metres to 3,000 metres and expanded it from 45 metres to 60 metres.

“The runway is now ready to receive big, wide-bodied aircraft.

“We have also restored the runway lights, which means aircraft can land at night. In addition, the Instrument Landing System (ILS) has been installed to enable aircraft land safely even in poor weather conditions,” he said.

Ms Adekanmbi said local flight operations had fully resumed, with aircraft flying daily to Abuja and other parts of the country.

According to him,  the apron has also been expanded to accommodate larger aircraft and improve turnaround time.

“Also, new operational vehicles have been provided for aviation agencies, including the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), the airport fire service and the airport police command,” he said.

On the 2026 Hajj operations, he said the state would be among the first to airlift pilgrims, with flights scheduled to depart from Ibadan in May.

Ms Adekanmbi explained that pilgrims would be processed at the existing Hajj Camp in Olodo before being transported to the airport for departure.

Speaking on the economic impact of the upgraded airport, the project chairman said the facility would boost trade, investment and job creation in Oyo State.

He said that plans were underway to develop a cargo terminal and bonded warehouses to support agricultural exports and imports.

“With a cargo terminal, farmers and manufacturers can export their goods directly. Importers can also use bonded terminals to bring in equipment and other products.

“This will generate revenue, create jobs and stimulate economic activities along the airport corridor and adjoining roads,” he said.

Mr Adekanmbi added that improved connectivity through the airport and ongoing road projects by the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde would transform the state from a largely consumer-driven economy to a production-oriented one.

On sustainability, he said the project was backed by an outline business case to ensure long-term viability.

According to him, measures such as improved turnaround time for aircraft, expanded apron space and enhanced passenger processing systems are being introduced to make the airport attractive to airlines and travellers.

He expressed confidence that once fully operational, the upgraded airport would position Ibadan as a major aviation hub and further stimulate economic growth in the state. 

(NAN)