The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority has given approval for the commencement of scheduled flight operations at the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, Ibadan.

This was disclosed in a letter dated December 16, 2025, to the Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria,

The NCAA said it had granted a provisional interim operational permit to enable the start of scheduled commercial flights at the airport.

The approval follows extensive efforts by the Oyo State Government to upgrade the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, Alakia, into an international facility.

These efforts include the extension and widening of the runway, enhancement of airfield lighting, construction of a 500,000-litre aviation fuel storage facility, and the development of a new Protocol Lounge, among other infrastructure upgrades.

The letter reads in part: “The Authority refers to its earlier correspondence Ref. No: NCAA/DAAS/TECH/008/VOL 1/173 dated 12th December, 2025, regarding the operational status of Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport (SLAA), Ibadan, and the temporary approval granted for non-scheduled operations.

“Following recent developments at the aerodrome and the additional information provided by FAAN subsequent to the issuance of the above referenced letter, the Authority has reviewed the updated status of safety-critical facilities, operational arrangements, and mitigation measures currently in place.

“In view of the above, and pursuant to the provisions of Nig.CARs Part 12, Volume I (2023), I am directed to convey the Authority’s approval for the issuance of provisional interim operational permit for the commencement of scheduled flight operations at Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, Ibadan.”

The NCAA said the provisional interim permit is conditional on strict compliance with key work plan requirements, including the full operationalisation of emergency response arrangements.