Commercial Flights Return To Ibadan As NCAA Grants Interim Operational Permit
Scheduled commercial flight operations have officially resumed at the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport (SLAA), Alakia, Ibadan, following the issuance of a provisional interim operational permit by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
The approval, conveyed in a letter dated December 16, 2025, was addressed to the Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). It authorises the commencement of scheduled flights at the airport after a comprehensive review of recent infrastructure upgrades and safety arrangements.
The development follows extensive rehabilitation and expansion works carried out by the Oyo State Government in its drive to upgrade the airport to international standards. Key projects executed include the extension and widening of the runway, enhancement of airfield lighting systems, construction of a 500,000-litre aviation fuel storage facility, and the completion of a new Protocol Lounge, among other critical improvements.
According to the NCAA, the decision was reached after evaluating the updated status of safety-critical facilities, operational arrangements and mitigation measures, based on recent developments at the aerodrome and additional information submitted by FAAN.
The authority recalled that it had earlier granted temporary approval for non-scheduled operations at the airport, pending further compliance and upgrades.
A portion of the NCAA letter reads:
“Following recent developments at the aerodrome and the additional information provided by FAAN… the Authority has reviewed the updated status of safety-critical facilities, operational arrangements, and mitigation measures currently in place.”
It added that, in line with the provisions of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CARs) Part 12, Volume I (2023), approval had now been granted for the issuance of a provisional interim operational permit for scheduled flight operations.
The NCAA, however, stressed that the permit is subject to strict compliance with outlined work-plan conditions, including the full operationalisation of emergency response and safety arrangements at the airport.
Abiodun Ogunrinde is a Linguist and Journalist with considerable years of experience in Print Journalism. He blends creativity with a sense of reporting that addresses public concern and human interests.
