The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority has approved the commencement of daytime commercial flight operations at the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport, effective October 4, 2025.

The approval was announced on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, in a statement shared via the official X handle of the Office of the Chief Press Secretary to the Ekiti State Government.

According to the statement, the authorization follows a successful validation inspection conducted in June 2025, during which the airport was confirmed to have met all required regulatory standards.

The approval, valid for an initial period of six months, authorizes Visual Flight Rules operations, restricting flights to daylight hours only.

According to a letter dated October 3, 2025, and signed by the NCAA’s Director of Aerodrome and Airspace Standards, Engr. Godwin Balang, the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport satisfied the basic operational requirements for scheduled flight operations, warranting the issuance of an interim operational permit.

“The Federal Government has given Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport approval to commence scheduled flight operations, (otherwise known as commercial flights), effective October 4th.

“The development follows the expiration of the initial approval for a non-scheduled flight approval for the airport by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), in December 2024 and compliance with regulatory requirements. The NCAA in the letter dated October 3, 2025 addressed to the Governor of the State, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, confirmed the new approval for scheduled flight. The approval will be for an initial period of six months,” the statement read in part.

The statement added that Governor Biodun Oyebanji described the approval as a significant boost to Ekiti State’s economy, noting that the start of commercial flights would stimulate agribusiness, tourism, trade, and medical tourism in the state.

It further disclosed that the state government is currently installing an Instrument Landing System to facilitate night and all-weather operations, a move aimed at securing a full Aerodrome Operational Permit with a three-year validity under Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations.

In April, the Ekiti State Government announced a plan to install an ILS at the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport in Ado-Ekiti, with an investment of nearly ₦4.6 billion, to support 24-hour flight operations.

Governor Oyebanji also revealed plans to partner with a vendor to establish a maintenance hangar at the facility, part of a broader strategy to modernize the airport’s infrastructure.

He further highlighted the ongoing construction of a cargo shed designed to provide essential storage for farm produce and cash crops.