The Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, Ibadan, has received its first aircraft since being closed down in March 2025 for an upgrade to international standards.
The aircraft, which is an advanced member of the presidential flight scheduled for Friday, September 26, 2025, arrived at the airport at exactly 9:14 AM to the joy of everyone in the vicinity.
This was disclosed in a statement signed by the Special Adviser on Media to Oyo State Governor, Sulaimon Olanrewaju.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected in Ibadan on Friday for the coronation of the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja.
The successful landing underscores the readiness and capabilities of the airport’s infrastructure to handle high-profile flights safely and efficiently.
The state earlier grounded all flight activities since March 2025, with the presidential flight scheduled to follow soon. This inaugural flight will set a positive precedent for future arrivals and departures.
Governor, Seyi Makinde, had in September 2024, performed the ground-breaking ceremony for the airport upgrade.
Makinde had said at the event that the project, when completed, would connect the state to the global market.
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The governor had also noted that, “The upgrade of the airport is expected to enhance air travel operations and provide a reliable transportation network for both business and leisure travellers, positioning the state for economic growth and development.”
The Makinde administration had also upgraded the airport’s VIP lounge and provided a fire truck.
It also installed a 500,000-litre aviation fuel storage and dispensing facility.
TVC previously reported that the federal Government of Nigeria has approved the temporary closure of Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, Ibadan, due to ongoing upgrade works.
Consequently, the Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has closed the Runway and the Airport in line with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) regulations.
As part of the Oyo state Government’s initiative to upgrade Ibadan Airport from a domestic to an international airport, various improvements and remodelling,remodelingFederal,,. Works are currently underway.
