Akwa Ibom’s Aviation Drive Transforms Uyo Airport into a Round-the-Clock Tourism Gateway

Akwa Ibom State is fast redefining how aviation can power regional development. With the resumption of night flight operations at the Victor Attah International Airport (VAIA), Uyo, the state has taken a decisive step toward becoming a key tourism and business destination in Nigeria.

For years, operations at VAIA were limited to daylight hours due to inadequate lighting and outdated navigational aids. That changed last week when the airport’s airfield lighting system was fully restored, enabling 24-hour operations. The upgrade, though technical in nature, carries major economic and tourism implications for Akwa Ibom.

Governor Umo Eno, who has made aviation a central pillar of his administration’s Arise Agenda, expressed satisfaction with the development. “Night flight operations have been fully restored at Victor Attah International Airport,” he announced. “I had directed the Ibom Airport Development Company to complete the overhaul of navigational aids and lighting systems by September 30, and I’m proud the team met that target.”

This progress followed a ₦1.194 billion capital injection earlier in 2024, covering replacement of navigational aids, upgrade of lighting systems, settlement of electricity bills, and payment of service charges to the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA). The prompt execution of these upgrades shows that the state’s aviation expansion plan is not just political rhetoric but part of a coordinated economic vision.

The impact of this development goes beyond the runway. Aviation experts note that night operations extend flexibility for airlines, cut down costs associated with limited scheduling, and open new windows for tourists, business travellers, and cargo operators. For Ibom Air, the state-owned airline using Uyo as its hub, this translates into more flight rotations, better passenger connections, and enhanced opportunities to integrate Akwa Ibom into both domestic and regional air routes.

Ibom Air has become one of Nigeria’s most successful state-owned enterprises, with steady growth and transparent operations. The airline reported revenue of ₦95 billion in 2024 and is projecting ₦150 billion by 2025 — figures that underscore its potential to revolutionize the nation’s aviation industry.

According to its CEO, George Uriesi, Ibom Air plans to join the Global Distribution System (GDS) by October 2025, a move that will allow it to interline with other major carriers worldwide. “We must respond to the market like our African peers — Ethiopian Airlines, ASKY, and RwandAir. Discipline and determination will help us build an airline that Nigerians can be proud of,” Uriesi stated.

Aviation analyst Chris Aligbe praised Akwa Ibom’s approach, describing it as “a rare example of subnational discipline and vision.” He added that “Ibom Air has proven that a state can successfully run a viable airline when politics takes a back seat to professionalism.”

But the story doesn’t end with restored lighting. The night-flight milestone aligns with Akwa Ibom’s broader development blueprint under the Arise Agenda, which includes construction of a new international terminal, an MRO (maintenance, repair, and overhaul) facility, an Aviation Village, and the Arise Resorts tourism complex. These projects are designed to turn Akwa Ibom into a full-service destination — where visitors can fly in, stay, attend conferences, and explore the state’s coastal and cultural attractions.

Tourism experts say 24-hour flight operations will make Akwa Ibom more competitive with other regional hubs. With improved access, destinations such as Ibeno Beach, Oron’s cultural heritage sites, and Ikot Abasi’s historical landmarks will now attract more visitors. The ripple effect will reach hotels, restaurants, transportation, and other service sectors, creating new jobs and income opportunities.

Governor Eno has emphasized that execution, not just planning, is the key to sustainable development. His government has worked closely with NAMA to ensure the upgrades meet international safety and operational standards. “World-class infrastructure is the bedrock of economic transformation under the Arise Agenda,” Eno reiterated when releasing funds for the project in July.

While the technical work is done, the focus now shifts to consolidating gains — ensuring reliable power supply at the airport, improving ground transportation, and finishing ongoing infrastructure projects.

If these efforts continue with the same precision, Uyo could soon rival other West African cities as a tourism and business hub. The lit runway at Victor Attah International Airport symbolizes more than an aviation milestone; it signals Akwa Ibom’s readiness to open its doors — and skies — to the world, day and night.

Ekaette Okon Joseph is Special Assistant on Media to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State.