The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo has said that flagged off of first international flight from Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo to Kotoka International Airport, Accra, Ghana would unlock tourism and investment opportunities in the region.

Keyamo, who attended the inaugural ceremony alongside Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno over the weekend, described the take-off as a historic breakthrough that positioned Uyo as an emerging hub for regional and international air travel.

Keyamo in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood emphasised that the commencement of international operations from the airport represented a strategic leap in Nigeria’s push to expand connectivity, deepen economic diversification, and strengthen regional integration across West Africa.

He insisted that the operation was not just about an inaugural flight, but about opening Akwa Ibom to the world.

He said: “This bold vision and sustained investment in aviation infrastructure is not just a commendable development for the government and people of Akwa Ibom State, but a shining example of subnational commitment to the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda for economic diversification and connectivity.

“The commencement of international operations from Uyo would boost tourism, trade and investment, while also creating jobs and enhancing regional integration within West Africa.”

The minister also lauded the Akwa Ibom State Government for its sustained investment in aviation infrastructure, noting that subnational initiatives such as this aligned with the Federal Government’s larger economic agenda aimed at boosting connectivity and ease of doing business.

The inaugural flight to Accra was greeted with excitement, drawing dignitaries, aviation stakeholders and passengers who witnessed the beginning of a new era for air travel in the South-South region.