With the take off of International flight at the Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State Capital, Governor Eno has provided a road map for the aviation future of Akwa ibom State.
With Ibom Air’s first international flight to Accra, the golden future of Akwa Ibom Aviation market has begun. The International Airport has the New Digital Wing, Maintenance, Repairs and Overhaul, the operations of Ibom Air.
In November 2024, Governor Eno flagged off the construction of the multibillion Naira Aviation village near the VAIA, Uyo, sitting on a 15,072 hectares of land. The features of the Aviation village include; 62 two bedroom flats, 55 three bedroom flats, which will house 12 agencies in the Aviation sector, which are; Ibom Airport Development Company Limited, Ibom Air, MRO, Nigerian Aviation Handling Company, Nigerian Meteorological Agency, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, National Emergency Management Agency, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Nigerian Immigration Service and Aviation Staff.
“We cannot run an international terminal without making adequate provision for the homes of Airport staff. We are here to reaffirm and demonstrate in practical terms our determination to make Akwa lbom State the Aviation hub in the gulf of Guinea.” The Governor was quoted.
In August 2025, Governor Eno received 35 Indigenous Ibom Air Cadet Pilots and Engineers, who graduated from the Airbus Flight Academy, in Tolouse France and Ethiopian Airline Aviation Academy, through a programme initiated by his predecessor, Mr Udom Emmanuel, consisting 15 aircraft pilots and 20 maintenance Engineers.
“I am very proud of you, and to know that you are all Akwa Ibomites, gives me greater joy. I welcome you back on behalf of the Government and people of the state from your training as Pilots and Engineers,” Governor Eno stated.
Governor Eno received four additional aircraft into Ibom Air fleet, including two A220-300 Airbus series, two brand new CRJ900 Bombadia aircraft, bringing the total aircrafts to nine in Ibom Air fleet, with a promise from the Governor to add more.
With the completion of the new terminal, the Aviation hospital, taxiway, and as operations continue in the Airport, Akwa Ibom people are poised to witness an astronomical growth in Akwa Ibom’s Aviation sector under the astute leadership of Governor Umo Eno.
Giving his verdict on the Governor, Obong Victor Attah said, “Governor Umo Eno represents the restoration of a dream that was beginning to fade, thank you for bringing back the Akwa Ibom dream.”
Written by Dr Eneh John
