In a significant milestone for Ekiti State, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, announced on Tuesday that the Ekiti State Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport in Ado-Ekiti is ready for full commercial operations.
The Minister made this disclosure while inspecting the airport facilities alongside the state Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, and other top government officials.
Keyamo revealed that the airport is 99.5% complete, with its state-of-the-art runway and apron meeting international standards.
The apron, he noted, is large enough to accommodate multiple 737 small-body aircraft simultaneously, making the facility comparable to leading airports in developed nations.
“Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport is 99.5% ready for full commercial operations,” Keyamo affirmed.
“The basic requirements for the takeoff of an airport are here: a fire station, a control tower, navigational equipment, and security infrastructure. The runway is of international standard, and the apron can park multiple narrow-body aircraft. As it stands, Ekiti is ready for the world.”
The Minister commended Governor Oyebanji for his unwavering commitment to the project and highlighted the Governor’s efforts as a testament to his passion for advancing the state’s development.
Keyamo also noted that necessary regulatory approvals from aviation agencies are being finalized, paving the way for commercial flights to begin operations imminently.
To demonstrate the airport’s readiness, the Minister’s official flight, “Aviation 001,” landed at the facility. Keyamo stated that this was a clear indication of his confidence in the airport’s safety and functionality.
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“Commercial airlines will start coming in anytime from now,” he added.
Governor Oyebanji Praises Stakeholders and Highlights Economic Benefits
Governor Oyebanji expressed profound gratitude to the Minister of Aviation, Aare Afe Babalola, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for their unwavering support in completing the airport project.
He acknowledged the vision and dedication of his predecessor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, whose administration initiated the project, emphasizing the importance of continuity in governance.
“This airport is a testament to the alignment of vision between the past and present administrations,” Governor Oyebanji said. “It symbolizes the gains of continuity, and we are already seeing the economic potential it holds for Ekiti State.”
The Governor highlighted the airport’s dual-purpose nature, catering to both agro-allied products and commercial passengers.
He expressed optimism about the project’s impact on the local economy, citing job creation in agriculture, commerce, and tourism, as well as increased property values in the surrounding areas due to anticipated traffic inflows.
“With the Minister’s landing here, it is a stamp of authority that the airport is ready for non-scheduled flights. Chartered flights can now land here safely, and commercial operations will begin shortly,” Oyebanji confirmed.
The Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport is expected to serve as a major hub for agricultural exports and commercial passenger travel, further enhancing the state’s economic profile and connecting Ekiti to global markets.