12th December, 2024
The Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport (EAICA), Ado-Ekiti, has secured approval from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to commence non-scheduled flight operations starting December 15, 2024.
In a letter dated December 11, 2024, addressed to Governor Biodun Oyebanji, the NCAA confirmed that the airport is authorised to operate under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) for a six-month period, from December 15, 2024, to June 15, 2025.
The letter, signed by Acting Director General of Civil Aviation, Capt. Chris Najomo, was issued in response to the Ekiti State Government’s application for a flight operations permit.
The NCAA noted that the provisional approval would enable the state to address pending corrective actions highlighted during its recent inspection.
This period will also allow the agency to validate compliance with regulatory requirements.
To ensure smooth operations, the airport must work with relevant agencies to provide essential services, including Air Traffic Services, Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting Services, Aviation Security, and Meteorological Services.
The Ekiti State Government has already signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and Service Level Agreements with federal aviation agencies to facilitate these services.
The approval permits private jets and chartered flights to operate at the airport from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily, paving the way for eventual commercial flight operations.
This phased approach is standard for new airports, enabling them to address compliance gaps before receiving full operational permits.
Governor Oyebanji hailed the NCAA’s decision as a significant milestone, describing it as a validation of the state’s investment in the airport. He emphasised the project’s importance in boosting Ekiti State’s socioeconomic development by improving accessibility.
Earlier this year, the governor assured stakeholders that the airport would commence operations before year-end. The latest approval aligns with that commitment, marking a major step toward fulfilling the state’s aviation and economic goals.
