Local flights will resume operations before 2026 at the Ladoke Akintola International Airport, Ibadan, Oyo State. This confirmation was given by the Oyo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, who said in a statement that the Ibadan Airport is set to begin local flight operations before the end of 2025, while preparations for international flights will be completed by 2026.
Runway and Safety Upgrades Underway
Dotun Oyelade explained that the airport is undergoing a major transformation. According to him, “the runway is being extended from 2,400 metres to 3,000 metres and widened from 45 to 60 metres to accommodate bigger aircraft for international flights.” He also confirmed that the airport now has a new Category C airfield lighting system and upgraded fire-fighting capabilities, which means safety measures are now aligned with international aviation standards.
Facilities for Customs, Immigration and other essential agencies are also being put in place. Oyelade added that “the runway upgrade, apron, taxiway, and blast pads are currently at 55% and will be completed before the end of this year.” He stressed that once approval from the relevant regulatory bodies is granted, local flights will resume immediately.
International Terminal Will Be Ready by 2026
Oyelade revealed that the construction of the international terminal is currently at 15% and is expected to be completed by June 2026. “These upgrades reflect the government’s vision of transforming the Ibadan Airport into a modern and internationally competitive facility,” he said. The new upgrades will make it possible for wide-body aircraft to land in Ibadan, boosting both domestic and international travel from the city.
In his words, “by enhancing our infrastructure to accommodate larger aircraft, we are not only improving domestic connectivity but also paving the way for global travel.” He also said that the next Hajj flight from Oyo State will take off directly from the Ibadan Airport next year, as promised by Governor Seyi Makinde.
Ibadan Airport Set to Resume Local Flights Before 2026
The Ibadan Airport upgrade project was officially flagged off on September 18, 2024. However, the airport was shut down in March 2025 to speed up construction. The state government now insists that with the current pace of work, local flights will resume before the end of 2025, while the international terminal will be completed by 2026. The government says this move is not just about fixing an airport, but about “turning Ibadan into a hub for air travel” in Nigeria.
