The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has granted approval for non-scheduled flight operations to commence at the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, from December 15, 2024.
Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, hailed the development as a landmark achievement and a vindication of the state’s substantial investment in the airport project.
“This approval marks a significant step forward and reinforces our commitment to fostering socioeconomic growth by improving access to our state,” Oyebanji stated in a press release issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, on Thursday.
Oyebode revealed that the NCAA conveyed its decision in a letter dated December 11, 2024, addressed to the governor.
“The Ekiti State Government warmly welcomes the NCAA’s approval for non-scheduled flight operations, allowing private jets and chartered flights to use the airport between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. (sunrise to sunset), as we work towards securing full approval for commercial flight operations,” the statement read.
The NCAA Acting Director-General, Capt. Chris Najomo, confirmed in the letter that the approval permits non-scheduled operations under Visual Flight Rules for a six-month period, from December 15, 2024, to June 15, 2025.
According to Oyebode, the temporary permit allows the NCAA to validate outstanding findings and provides Ekiti State time to address a few corrective measures identified in the agency’s most recent inspection report.
To ensure compliance, the state government has engaged key aviation agencies to provide critical services, including Air Traffic Services, Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting Services, Aviation Security, and Meteorological Services.
It is common for new airports to receive non-scheduled flight approvals initially, enabling them to resolve compliance matters before obtaining full operational permits.
Ekiti State had earlier entered into Memoranda of Understanding and Service Level Agreements with federal aviation agencies to facilitate the development of the airport.
Governor Oyebanji had previously assured stakeholders that the airport would be operational by the end of 2024. With this approval, Ekiti State moves closer to leveraging the airport as a catalyst for economic transformation, the statement concluded.
