Ekiti State Airport to Begin Flights December 15

The Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport (EAICA) in Ado-Ekiti is set to begin non-scheduled flight operations on December 15, 2024, following approval from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

In a letter dated December 11, 2024, addressed to Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji, the NCAA granted a six-month operational permit for non-scheduled flights under Visual Flight Rules (VFR). The permit, effective from December 15, 2024, to June 15, 2025, allows private and chartered aircraft to use the airport between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.

The NCAA’s approval comes in response to the state government’s application for flight operations at the airport. According to a statement by Yinka Oyebode, Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, the permit was signed by NCAA Acting Director General, Capt. Chris Najomo. The approval provides the state time to address outstanding corrective actions identified during the agency’s previous inspections and allows the NCAA to validate pending operational requirements.

To ensure compliance, the NCAA emphasized that essential services—including Air Traffic Services, Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting, Aviation Security, and Meteorological Services—must be in place before operations commence. The Ekiti State Government has already signed Memoranda of Understanding and Service Level Agreements with relevant federal aviation agencies to meet these requirements.

Governor Oyebanji hailed the NCAA’s approval as a major milestone, describing it as a testament to the state’s commitment to developing infrastructure that drives socioeconomic growth. He reiterated that the airport project aims to improve access to Ekiti State and attract investment opportunities.

“Today’s development is a clear justification for our investment in this project, which is set to become a catalyst for economic transformation in Ekiti State,” Oyebanji said.

The Governor had earlier assured stakeholders that the airport would be operational by the end of 2024. The current permit sets the stage for the eventual approval of commercial flight operations, as most new airports initially receive non-scheduled flight authorizations to address compliance and operational gaps.