Oyo State government said Ladoke Akintola International Airport, Alakia, Ibadan, will begin international flight operations by June 2026.
The Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade confirmed this in a statement issued yesterday in Ibadan.
Oyelade said the international terminal, currently at 15 percent completion, is expected to be ready for international flights by June 2026.
He added that efforts are in top gear to upgrade the airport to meet international standards.
The upgrade includes extending the runway from 2,400 metres to 3,000 metres, the commissioner explained.
He said the runway will also be widened from 45 metres to 60 metres to handle wide-body aircrafts.
The airfield lighting has been upgraded to CAT C and firefighting response enhanced to boost safety.
“Facilities for customs, immigration and other essential agencies are also being put in place,” Oyelade noted.
However, he said local flight operations will resume by the end of this year.
He stated that the runway, apron, taxiway and blast pads are now 55 percent complete.
According to him, these upgrades will allow local flights to resume once approved by the appropriate regulatory authorities.
Oyelade noted that the development aligns with government’s vision to modernise the airport.
“By improving our infrastructure, we will enhance domestic travel and prepare for international operations,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, recalls that the upgrade project was flagged off on September 18, 2024.
The airport was temporarily shut in March to accelerate construction work. (NAN)
