Priscilla Christopher-Akpanettot
Air Peace is set to commence flight operations at Victor Attah International Airport on Friday, October 23, 2026, as part of efforts to expand air travel options and strengthen aviation activities in Akwa Ibom State.
The development was disclosed by the Special Adviser to Governor Umo Eno on Aviation and Airport Development, Engr. Uwem Ekanem, during the 11th day of the ongoing ministerial media briefing on the achievements of the state government on Monday, October 19, 2026.
Ekanem said the airline’s entry into the airport would complement the state government’s investments in aviation infrastructure and efforts to enhance air connectivity.
Presenting the aviation sector’s scorecard, Ekanem disclosed that the state government had invested ₦2.32 billion in the sector between 2023 and September 2026.
He highlighted key infrastructure at Victor Attah International Airport, including the international terminal access road and drainage, aircraft apron, airfield lighting and a 14.1-kilometre operational security fence.
The Special Adviser also identified the proposed Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility, aviation training opportunities and commercial activities as critical components of the state’s long-term aviation development strategy.
Meanwhile, as the airport prepares to accommodate the new flight operations, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Nsibiet John, has called on the State government to prioritise the welfare of airport personnel to ensure efficient service delivery.
John stressed that improved working conditions and staff welfare would boost morale, enhance productivity and strengthen the airport’s capacity to meet the demands of expanding aviation activities.
The NUJ Chairman also called for adequate support for government information officers and publicity personnel to enable them to effectively communicate government policies, projects and achievements to the public.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Information, Dr Aniekan Umanah, described the aviation and special duties sectors as important drivers of the state’s infrastructure development, tourism and investment agenda.
He said the ministerial briefings were designed to promote transparency, improve public understanding of government activities and strengthen engagement between the government and the media.
On tourism and commercial development, the Commissioner overseeing the Ministry of Special Duties and Ibom Deep Seaport, Mr Emem Bob, highlighted projects including the Ibom International Convention Centre, the 18-storey Ibom International Hotel, Arise Shopping City, road and drainage infrastructure around the Ibom Tropicana complex, and the proposed Court of Appeal facility.
Bob explained that the convention centre was designed to host conferences, exhibitions and major business events, while the adjoining 220-room hotel would provide accommodation for delegates, investors and other visitors.
On the proposed Ibom Deep Seaport and Industrial City, he disclosed that the port master plan, site-specific studies and feasibility studies had been completed. He added that the project’s full business case had received approval from the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission and the Federal Executive Council, while the process of identifying preferred bidders was ongoing.
The Finance Commissioner, who also serves as a board member of Ibom Air, explained that the state-owned airline operates as a limited liability company with external auditing arrangements and a governance framework intended to promote accountability and commercial performance.
With Air Peace scheduled to begin operations at Victor Attah International Airport on October 23, the NUJ Chairman’s appeal highlights the importance of complementing infrastructure investment and expanding flight services with adequate attention to the welfare of the workforce responsible for sustaining airport operations.
The development is expected to broaden flight options for travellers while reinforcing the need for efficient airport services as Akwa Ibom continues to position its aviation sector as a catalyst for tourism, investment and economic growth.
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