Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport in Ado-Ekiti has been granted approval by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority to begin non-scheduled flight operations starting December 15, 2024.
This development was announced in a press statement on Thursday by the Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, Yinka Oyebode.
According to the statement, the NCAA conveyed its approval in a letter dated December 11, 2024, addressed to Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji.
The letter indicated that non-scheduled operations under Visual Flight Rules at the airport would be authorized for an initial period of six months, from December 15, 2024, to June 15, 2025.
Signed by the NCAA Acting Director General of Civil Aviation, Capt. Chris Najomo, the letter responded to the Ekiti State Government’s request for a flight operational permit.
The NCAA noted that the six-month approval is to facilitate the validation of outstanding findings and allow the state government sufficient time to address the remaining Corrective Action Items highlighted in the agency’s recent inspection report.
“To ensure compliance ahead of the commencement of non-scheduled flight operations, the airport’s operations are to align with relevant agencies responsible for providing essential services such as Air Traffic Services, Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting Services, Aviation Security, and Meteorological Services,” the statement outlined.
The Ekiti State Government had previously entered into Memorandums of Understanding and Service Level Agreements with federal aviation agencies to fulfill these requirements.
The NCAA’s approval permits private jets and chartered flights to use the airport between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. (or sunrise to sunset) as preparations continue for the airport’s certification for full commercial operations.
Governor Oyebanji expressed his satisfaction with this milestone, describing the NCAA’s decision as a validation of the state’s commitment to the airport project, which is strategically aimed at enhancing Ekiti State’s socioeconomic growth and improving its accessibility.
“Most new airports are usually given non-scheduled flight approval to allow them clear audit gaps in their compliance before final approval for flight operational permit,” the statement added.
Earlier in 2024, Oyebanji had assured stakeholders that the airport would become operational by the end of 2024—a promise now realized with this approval.
