Ibadan Airport upgrade: Oyo gives assurance on flight resumption

By Adejayan Gbenga

The Oyo State government has assured that local flight operations will resume at the Ladoke Akintola International Airport, Ibadan, before the end of the year.

The airport, which officially commenced its upgrade on September 18, 2024, was temporarily shut down in March 2025 to fast-track construction work.

In a statement, the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, said the upgrade includes extending the runway from 2,400 meters to 3,000 meters and widening it from 45 to 60 meters to accommodate wide-body aircraft and prepare the airport for international operations.

He added that the airfield lighting system has been updated to CAT C standards, while the fire-fighting response capacity has been enhanced to ensure improved safety.

Oyelade also disclosed that facilities are being installed for key agencies such as Customs and Immigration to align with international standards.

He noted that work on the runway, apron, taxiway, and blast pads currently stands at 55% completion and is expected to be concluded before the end of 2025, subject to approval by the relevant regulatory authorities.

On the international terminal, the Commissioner stated that construction is currently at 15% completion and is projected to be ready by June 2026.

The government also reaffirmed its commitment that the next Hajj flight to Saudi Arabia will depart from the Ibadan airport.