The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has granted approval for the Gateway International Agro-Cargo Airport in Ilisan-Iperu, Ogun State, to commence commercial flight operations.
The approval, issued on Friday under Part 12.15.17 of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CARs), includes an Interim Aerodrome Operational Permit for scheduled commercial air transport flights.
The decision follows a December 2024 inspection by aviation regulatory agencies, including the NCAA, Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), and Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), which praised the airport’s world-class facilities, including its 4km runway—the longest in Nigeria—control tower, fire service stations, and apron.
The airport, previously approved for non-scheduled charter flights, is now set to launch passenger flights to Abuja and Port Harcourt, alongside two weekly cargo flights from London.
It will also serve as an alternate to Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun hailed the approval as a milestone, noting its potential to boost trade, tourism, and investment.
“This airport will position Ogun State as a major hub for cargo and passenger traffic,” he said.
The facility, 97% complete, includes plans for an aerotropolis with a hotel and other commercial developments.
A major international aviation company is expected to operate the cargo flights, with domestic airline ValueJet already positioned for scheduled services.
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