Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport Gets NCAA Approval for Commercial Flights

Kindly Share This

By Alofe Ayomoses

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has granted approval for the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport to commence scheduled (commercial) flight operations effective October 4, 2025.

In a statement signed by Mr. Olayinka Oyebode, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, on Tuesday in Ado-Ekiti, the new permit marks a significant upgrade from the airport’s previous non-scheduled flight approval, which expired in December 2024, following compliance with all required regulatory standards.

The approval was conveyed in a letter dated October 3, 2025, addressed to the Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, and signed by the NCAA Director of Aerodrome and Airspace Standards, Engr. Godwin Balang.

According to the letter, the validation inspection was conducted between June 16 and 19, 2025, with the outcome confirming that the airport had met the basic operational requirements for scheduled flights.

“The instrument flight check validation report conducted by the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) indicates satisfactory compliance with regulatory requirements,” the NCAA stated.

“In view of the above and in line with the provisions of Nig. CARs Part 12 Vol. 1, 2023, the Authority hereby issues an Interim Operational Permit, subject to daylight (sunrise to sunset) operations,” the letter added.

The interim permit, valid for six months, is expected to enable the airport to address outstanding gaps and begin the certification process for a full three-year Aerodrome Operational Permit, once all requirements are met.

Meanwhile, the Ekiti State Government disclosed that it is at an advanced stage of installing an Instrument Landing System (ILS) to enable night and all-weather flight operations at the airport.

Governor Oyebanji described the approval as a major milestone in the state’s economic transformation agenda, saying that the commencement of commercial flight operations would enhance agribusiness, tourism, trade, and medical tourism, while positioning Ekiti as an attractive destination for investment and living.

He expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for creating an enabling environment for economic growth, and to his predecessor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, who initiated the airport project in 2019.

The Governor also acknowledged the founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola (SAN), for his contributions to the development of the airport, as well as the members of the Ekiti Airport Committee for their commitment to the project.