Ekiti Airport begins maiden commercial flights operation with Ex-governors, Senate Leader, FAAN MD, others on board
Ekiti Airport begins maiden commercial flights operation yesterday with former Ekiti State governors Ayodele Fayose, Niyi Adebayo and Dr. Kayode Fayemi Managing Director of Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Olubunmi Kuku, among other personalities on board the flight operated by United Nigerians Airlines to Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport.
The inaugural flight operated by United Nigerians Airlines, took off from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja at 10:30am and touched down at Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport sat 11am.
Those also on board the aircraft with registration number 5B-BWY include ex-governors, Managing Director of Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Olubunmi Kuku, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation, Dr. Yakubu Adam Kofarmata, serving National Assembly members from Ekiti State and the Chairman of United Nigerian Airlines, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo.
The aircraft was honoured with a traditional water cannon salute upon arrival by the airport fire service vehicles.
Speaking at the inauguration, Governor Biodun Oyebanji described the beginning of commercial flights at the airport as a major breakthrough in the state’s economic development drive.
Oyebanji said the first commercial flight marked the beginning of a new chapter in Ekiti’s transportation infrastructure and a significant step toward the state’s long-term vision of a prosperous economy.
He disclosed that the state government had invested N49.7billion directly into the project since inception, while Chief Afe Babalola donated navigation equipment worth $1.6million and built a 100-car parking facility.
He added that his administration spent more than N34billion for the completion of critical civil works, airfield lighting, control tower, fire station, meteorological station, perimeter fencing, check-in and baggage systems, as well as ongoing workers’ quarters.
The governor acknowledged the pioneering efforts of his predecessors, Oni, Fayose and Fayemi, for conceiving, acquiring and initiating the construction of the airport, and also thanked President Tinubu for providing the support that enabled the state to complete the multi-billion-naira facility.
The Executive Director of CCECC Nigeria Ltd, the company that built the airport, John Zhao, described the launch of the airport as a milestone for the firm and Nigeria, adding “the facility, transformed from bare land into a fully functional aviation hub, stood as a proof of what leadership and Renewed Hope Agenda could deliver through collaboration and vision.”
Zhao affirmed that the airport would serve as Ekiti’s “sky gateway,” stimulating employment, logistics, tourism, global exports and fresh investments in the service sector.
According to him, its multiplier effect would boost connectivity, reduce travel time and elevate the state’s standing as an emerging regional gateway.
On his part, Prof. Okonkwo described the commencement of full scale service as a significant step in expanding domestic air connectivity, adding that the new route would boost Ekiti’s economic prospects by supporting tourism, commerce, agriculture and the creative sector.