The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has approved non-scheduled flight operations for the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital.
Operations will commence on December 15, 2024.
Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, hailed the development as a significant milestone, emphasizing its potential to boost the state’s socioeconomic growth by enhancing accessibility.
“This approval is a justification for the state’s investment in the airport project designed to advance Ekiti State’s socioeconomic development by making the state more readily accessible,” Oyebanji stated through his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, in Ado Ekiti on Thursday.
According to Oyebode, the NCAA’s approval was communicated in a letter dated December 11, 2024, addressed to Governor Oyebanji. The letter, signed by NCAA Acting Director-General, Capt. Chris Najomo, permits non-scheduled operations under Visual Flight Rules for six months, from December 15, 2024, to June 15, 2025.
The approval enables private jets and chartered flights to operate between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m., paving the way for future commercial flight operations.
Oyebode further explained that the temporary permit allows the NCAA to validate pending findings and grants the Ekiti State Government time to address corrective actions highlighted in the agency’s inspection report.
To ensure compliance, the state government has engaged aviation agencies to provide critical services, including Air Traffic Control, Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting Services, Aviation Security, and Meteorological support.
Governor Oyebanji reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to making the airport operational by the end of the year. The state had previously signed Memoranda of Understanding and Service Level Agreements with federal aviation agencies to facilitate the airport’s development.
“This milestone brings Ekiti State closer to leveraging the airport for economic transformation,” the statement concluded.
The Ekiti Agro-Allied Airport is expected to play a pivotal role in driving economic activities, strengthening trade opportunities, and enhancing connectivity for the state and its residents.
