The Ladoke Akintola Airport in Ibadan received its first flight on Wednesday, months after it was shut down in March 2025 for extensive upgrades to meet international aviation standards.
The aircraft, an advance member of the presidential fleet, touched down at exactly 9:14 a.m. ahead of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s scheduled visit to the city on Friday for the coronation of the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja.
Witnesses at the airport described the moment as historic. “Everyone around was visibly excited when the plane landed. It showed that the airport is fully ready to handle operations again,” a resident said.
Officials said the successful landing confirmed the readiness of the airport’s upgraded facilities to handle high-profile and commercial flights safely.
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, who initiated the upgrade project, had earlier noted that the transformation of the facility would connect the state more strongly to the global market.
“The upgrade of the airport is expected to enhance air travel operations and provide a reliable transportation network for both business and leisure travellers,” Makinde said during the groundbreaking ceremony in September 2024. “This will position Oyo State for sustained economic growth and development.”
In addition to the latest infrastructural works, the state government had previously modernised the airport’s VIP lounge, procured a new fire truck, and installed a 500,000-litre aviation fuel storage and dispensing facility.
