Five months after the commencement of the upgrade of 

Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, Ibadan, to international standard, received its first aircraft Wednesday. 

A statement by the Special Adviser (Media) to Oyo state governor, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, said the aircraft which landed at the airport at exactly 9:14 am was an advanced member of the presidency flight scheduled for Friday.

The arrival of the aircraft was greeted with jubilation from workers at the airport as well as others in the nearby community, to the joy of everyone in the vicinity.

Dr Olanrewaju in the statement stated that the successful landing of the aircraft underscores the readiness and capabilities of the airport’s infrastructure to handle high-profile flights safely and efficiently.

“With the presidency flight scheduled to follow soon, this inaugural flight since March 2025 sets a positive precedent for future arrivals and departures.”

President Bola Tinubu is expected in Ibadan on Friday for the coronation of the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja.

Governor Makinde 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.