Ibadan Airport Set to Launch Direct International Flights by End of 2026

Ibadan Airport is poised to commence direct international flights before the end of 2026, a top official has confirmed.

Imbo Adekanmbi, chairman of the 11-member committee overseeing the airport’s upgrade, told journalists in Ibadan on Saturday that while some airlines currently offer Ibadan–London flights, these services involve stopovers in Abuja and do not qualify as direct international operations.

“Those are not the direct flights we promised. They take off from Ibadan, transit through Abuja, and then continue to the UK. It is a good start, but our plan is to have direct international flights once the new terminal is completed,” he said.

Adekanmbi disclosed that the international terminal, designed to handle direct overseas flights, is currently 40 to 50 per cent complete, with construction ongoing. He expressed confidence that it would be operational before the end of the year.

The official highlighted major upgrades to the airport, including the runway extension from 2,400 metres to 3,000 metres and expansion from 45 metres to 60 metres, making it capable of accommodating large, wide-bodied aircraft. Additional improvements include restored runway lights for night operations and the installation of an Instrument Landing System (ILS) to facilitate safe landings in poor weather conditions.

Local flight operations have also fully resumed, with daily flights connecting Ibadan to Abuja and other parts of the country. The airport apron has been expanded to accommodate larger aircraft and improve turnaround times, while new operational vehicles have been provided to agencies including the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), airport fire service, and airport police command.

Looking ahead, Adekanmbi revealed that Oyo State would be among the first to airlift pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj, with flights departing from Ibadan in May. Pilgrims will be processed at the existing Hajj Camp in Olodo before being transported to the airport.

The upgraded airport is expected to drive trade, investment, and job creation in Oyo State. Plans are underway to develop a cargo terminal and bonded warehouses to support agricultural exports and imports. “With a cargo terminal, farmers and manufacturers can export their goods directly. Importers can also use bonded terminals to bring in equipment and other products. This will generate revenue, create jobs, and stimulate economic activities along the airport corridor and adjoining roads,” he said.

Adekanmbi added that improved connectivity through the airport, combined with ongoing road projects under Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration, would help transform the state from a largely consumer-driven economy to a production-oriented one. He also noted that measures such as expanded apron space, enhanced passenger processing, and improved aircraft turnaround times would ensure the airport’s long-term sustainability.

Once fully operational, the upgraded Ibadan Airport is expected to position the city as a major aviation hub and significantly boost economic growth in Oyo State.