The newly constructed Gateway International Airport in Ogun State received its first commercial flight on Tuesday morning, despite heavy rainfall.
The milestone event, broadcast live by TVC News, signified the start of regular passenger operations at the Ogun State-owned airport.
Passengers were seen lining up for check-in at the terminal, undeterred by the rain, as they prepared to board the inaugural ValueJet flight to Abuja.
Last month, the Special Adviser to the Ogun State Governor on Media and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, had announced the commencement of ticket sales for flights to Abuja, scheduled to operate on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
“For the Return flight, Value Jet will depart the Nnamdi Azikiwe International, Abuja at 4pm every Tuesday and Thursday and arrive at GWI at 5:15 p.m.,” he said.
Yesterday, Governor Dapo Abiodun said he received the Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Captain Chris Najomo, in Abeokuta to discuss ongoing reforms in the aviation sector and the role GWI will play in Ogun development.
“We reiterated our administration’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and regulatory compliance as we prepare for full-scale commercial flight operations at the airport,” Abiodun said.
According to report, Abiodun, in August, announced that the NCAA granted GWI Aerodrome Operational Permits, marking the commencement of commercial operations in the airport.
Abiodun described the development as a historic milestone not only for the state but for Nigeria at large.
He stated that this was the first time a newly constructed airport in the country had received such certification under current regulatory standards.
The NCAA’s approval reportedly followed a thorough technical inspection, on-site verification, and audit of the facility.
Abiodun added that the agency praised the airport as a model for future aviation infrastructure in Nigeria, citing its modern facilities and operational readiness.
The permit gives the airport an Aerodrome Reference Code of 3C and an Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Services (ARFFS) Category 6 rating.
The aerodrome will operate daytime flights from sunrise to sunset, with a non-precision approach for Runway 05/23 and support for Area Navigation procedures.
