The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has granted approval for the commencement of scheduled flight operations at the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, Ibadan.
In a letter dated December 16, 2025, and addressed to the Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the NCAA confirmed the issuance of a provisional interim operational permit authorising the start of scheduled commercial flights at the airport.
The approval follows extensive upgrade works carried out by the Oyo State Government as part of efforts to transform the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, Alakia, Ibadan, into an international facility. The projects include the extension and expansion of the runway, enhancement of airfield lighting, construction of a 500,000-litre aviation fuel storage facility, and the development of a new Protocol Lounge, among others.
According to the letter obtained by journalists, the NCAA said the approval was granted after a comprehensive review of the updated status of safety-critical facilities, operational frameworks, and mitigation measures, in line with recent improvements at the aerodrome and additional documentation submitted by FAAN.
The authority also noted that approval for non-scheduled operations had been granted earlier.
The letter states in part: “The Authority refers to its earlier correspondence Ref. No: NCAA/DAAS/TECH/008/VOL 1/173 dated 12th December, 2025, regarding the operational status of Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport (SLAA), Ibadan, and the temporary approval granted for non-scheduled operations.
“Following recent developments at the aerodrome and the additional information provided by FAAN subsequent to the issuance of the above referenced letter, the Authority has reviewed the updated status of safety-critical facilities, operational arrangements, and mitigation measures currently in place.
“In view of the above, and pursuant to the provisions of Nig.CARs Part 12, Volume I (2023), I am directed to convey the Authority’s approval for the issuance of provisional interim operational permit for the commencement of scheduled flight operations at Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, Ibadan.”
The NCAA added that the provisional interim permit is subject to strict adherence to specified work plan conditions, including the full operationalisation of emergency response arrangements.