The Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport in Ado Ekiti marked a significant milestone on Friday with the arrival of a Beechcraft 350i aircraft, signaling the commencement of full operations. This development comes a month after the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) granted approval for non-scheduled flight operations at the airport for a six-month period.
System Calibration and Readiness
The Technical Adviser to the Ekiti State Governor on Airport Project, AVM Sunday Makinde (retd.), explained that the aircraft’s arrival was part of a working flight operation conducted by the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA). The flight was focused on calibrating the airport’s systems to ensure operational safety and compliance.
“This is a special calibration plane from NAMA,” Makinde said. “They came to check our systems, particularly our navigational aids, ensuring that any aircraft coming to Ekiti can pick the allocated frequencies. They also checked our communication systems with the control tower, all of which are critical for safe flight operations.”
Makinde emphasized that the airport is nearly fully operational, with only minor regulatory details to finalize before commercial flights begin.
Regulatory Approvals
Taiwo Olatunbosun, the Ekiti State Commissioner for Information, highlighted that the flight was part of testing the regulatory and digital equipment necessary for the airport’s operations. He noted that the airport had secured approvals from federal aviation bodies, including:
- NAMA (Nigerian Airspace Management Agency).
- NCAA (Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority).
- FAAN (Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria).
“Very soon, you will see a traffic flow of airlines using this airport. The quality and standard here, including one of the longest runways in the country, reflect Ekiti’s commitment to excellence,” Olatunbosun said.
Economic Transformation
The Ekiti Agro-Allied International Airport is expected to drive significant economic growth in the state. According to Olatunbosun, the airport will:
- Transform Ekiti into a hub for industrialization.
- Boost economic activities, particularly in agriculture and trade.
- Enhance the state’s profile as a destination for business and tourism.
Future Prospects
The airport, with its advanced facilities and strategic focus on agro-allied cargo, aims to attract both domestic and international airlines. Upcoming visits from the Minister of Aviation and further operational tests will pave the way for full commercial activities.
The state government expressed confidence that the airport’s operations would redefine Ekiti’s economic landscape, providing a gateway to industrial growth and enhanced connectivity.
