Oyo State Government is planning to commence hajj flight operations from the Samuel Ladoke Akintola International Airport (SLAIIA), Ibadan, this year.

The operations are expected to boost passenger traffic, commercial activity and aviation fuel demand at the facility. The Airport Manager of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mr Gbenga Afuwape, disclosed this at the weekend while speaking with journalists in Ibadan during a visit to the management of BOVAS Oil and Gas Limited.

Afuwape said the planned commencement of Hajj operations is part of the State Government’s ongoing efforts to reposition the airport as a major aviation hub in the South-West region.

According to him, the development was being supported by recent infrastructural upgrades at the airport, including the commencement of a multi-million-naira Jet A1 aviation fuel facility operated by BOVAS Oil and Gas Limited.

Afuwape explained that the availability of on-site Jet A1 fuel has eliminated reliance on off-airport fuel logistics, reduced aircraft turnaround time and positioned the airport for increased traffic ahead of specialised operations such as hajj flights.

“The commencement of Hajj operations will significantly increase aircraft movements and fuel demand, and the airport is now better prepared to support such operations,” Afuwape said.

He noted that since the resumption of flight operations at the airport, BOVAS has been supplying Jet A1 fuel to Air Peace and other airline operators, thereby reinforcing the airport’s operational readiness.

The airport manager further revealed that plans were also underway to strengthen commercial airline presence at the airport, adding that the expected resumption of Green Africa Airways’ operations would further boost passenger traffic and improve the airport’s viability.

Afuwape described the Jet A1 depot as a critical infrastructure upgrade that has enhanced the airport’s attractiveness to both domestic and regional airlines.

He said: “With these developments, Ibadan Airport is increasingly becoming a viable option for scheduled commercial flights and special operations such as Hajj.”

In her response, the Managing Director of BOVAS Oil and Gas Limited, Dr Victoria Samson, expressed appreciation for the visit and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting aviation growth in Ibadan and across Nigeria.

She restated BOVAS’ readiness to deepen partnerships with relevant stakeholders in line with the airport’s expansion and operational growth objectives.