GOV ENO FULFILS PROMISE AS IBOM AIR BEGINS SCHEDULED UYO – ACCRA INT’L FLIGHTS

GOV ENO FULFILS PROMISE AS IBOM AIR BEGINS SCHEDULED UYO – ACCRA INT’L FLIGHTS

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno on Sunday, June 28, fulfilled yet another major promise to the people of Akwa Ibom as Ibom Air commenced its scheduled commercial international flights between Uyo and Accra, barely one month after assuring that the route would become operational before the end of June 2026.

Choosing to lead by example, the Governor left the State’s official aircraft behind and travelled aboard the inaugural commercial flight alongside other passengers, demonstrating his confidence in the State-owned airline and the world-class aviation infrastructure developed by his administration.

An elated Governor Umo Eno, in an in-flight interview, appreciated God for yet another milestone recorded in the aviation and tourism development of Akwa Ibom State.

“We give God all the glory for yet another milestone in the aviation and tourism development of our State. Today, we have commenced scheduled commercial flights between Uyo and Accra on Thursdays and Sundays for a start, allowing the flying public to enjoy the premium services offered by Ibom Air.

“More frequencies will follow as we plan to spread into other markets. This is all part of our robust tourism development plan aimed at opening up Akwa Ibom for business, investment and leisure.”

The commencement of the service marks a major milestone in Governor Eno’s vision of transforming Akwa Ibom into a regional aviation hub, providing direct access to Ghana while opening new opportunities for trade, tourism, investment and connectivity across the West African sub-region.

At exactly 3.05 pm. Ghana time, Captain William Uwemedimo Iyoho, assisted by Second Officer Mfoniso Mkpong, welcomed Governor Eno, some members of the State Executive Council and other passengers aboard Ibom Air Flight QI641 bound for the Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo.

Second Officer Mkpong who piloted the flight is one of the young pilots recently trained by the Akwa Ibom State Government under Governor Umo Eno at the Airbus Pilot Training Academy in Angoulême, France.

The flight was operated with one of Ibom Air’s CRJ-900 Bombardier aircraft and completed the journey from Accra to Uyo in one hour and 20 minutes. The cabin crew comprised Ukeme Essien and Inyeneobong Enyina, whose professionalism contributed to a pleasant experience for passengers.

On board were the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah; Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Frank Archibong; Commissioner for Information, Hon. Aniekan Umanah; Commissioner for Science and Digital Economy, Dr. Frank Ekpeyong; Managing Director of Hensek Integrated Services, Engr. Uwem Okoko; Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Ibom Air, Mr. George Uriesi; General Manager, Marketing, Mrs. Annie Essienette; golfers and other passengers.

Ibom Air’s successful operation officially established the Victor Attah International Airport as a bona fide international gateway into and out of Nigeria while providing seamless connectivity for passengers travelling between Abuja and Accra through Uyo.

Speaking on the milestone, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Ibom Air, Mr. George Uriesi, described the inaugural operation as a defining moment for the airline and the country’s aviation industry.

He disclosed that the airline successfully transited passengers from Abuja to Accra and another eight from Accra to Abuja through Uyo, demonstrating the airport’s growing role as a regional aviation hub.

According to him, the world-class terminal offers travellers a dignified airport experience and reflects Governor Eno’s commitment to building a modern aviation ecosystem.
He thanked the Governor for his leadership and unwavering support, noting that the achievement had changed the aviation landscape in Nigeria.

Ibom Air will operate the Uyo-Accra route twice weekly, on Sundays and Thursdays, offering travellers from Akwa Ibom, Abuja and neighbouring states a convenient and stress-free gateway to Ghana and the West African sub-region.

It will be recalled that on May 2, 2026, Governor Eno, accompanied by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, and other key stakeholders, flew on the maiden international flight from Uyo to Accra following the inauguration of the international terminal at the Victor Attah International Airport.

At that historic event, the Governor assured the people of Akwa Ibom and the travelling public that scheduled commercial international flights would commence in June 2026.

With Sunday’s successful commencement of schedules flights , Governor Eno has fulfilled that promise, translating vision into reality and strengthening Akwa Ibom’s emergence as a strategic tourism and aviation gateway to the Gulf of Guinea .

Beyond opening the international route, the milestone underscores
aviation capacity development exemplified by the emergence of Second Officer Mfoniso Mkpong among the new generation of pilots trained under Governor Eno’s aviation development programme.