The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has approved the resumption of scheduled commercial flight operations at the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, Ibadan.
The approval was conveyed in a letter dated December 16, 2025, addressed to the Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), granting the issuance of a provisional interim operational permit for the commencement of scheduled flights at the airport.
According to the NCAA, the decision followed a comprehensive review of the updated status of safety-critical facilities, operational arrangements and mitigation measures at the aerodrome, based on recent developments and additional information provided by FAAN.
The approval is coming on the heels of extensive efforts by the Oyo State Government to upgrade the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, Alakia, to international standards. Key projects executed by the state government include the extension and widening of the runway, improvement of airfield lighting systems, construction of a 500,000-litre aviation fuel storage facility, and the building of a new Protocol Lounge, among others.
In the letter sighted by newsmen, the NCAA noted that it had earlier granted approval for non-scheduled flight operations at the airport before the latest review.
The letter read in part:
“The Authority refers to its earlier correspondence Ref. No: NCAA/DAAS/TECH/008/VOL 1/173 dated 12th December, 2025, regarding the operational status of Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport (SLAA), Ibadan, and the temporary approval granted for non-scheduled operations.
Following recent developments at the aerodrome and the additional information provided by FAAN subsequent to the issuance of the above-referenced letter, the Authority has reviewed the updated status of safety-critical facilities, operational arrangements, and mitigation measures currently in place.
In view of the above, and pursuant to the provisions of Nig.CARs Part 12, Volume I (2023), I am directed to convey the Authority’s approval for the issuance of provisional interim operational permit for the commencement of scheduled flight operations at Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, Ibadan.”
The NCAA, however, stressed that the provisional interim permit is subject to strict compliance with outlined conditions, including the full operationalisation of emergency response arrangements and other safety requirements.
The approval marks a significant milestone in the revitalisation of the Ibadan airport and is expected to boost air connectivity, economic activities and tourism in Oyo State and the South-West region.
