Travelers in Abia may soon bypass Lagos entirely, as the state’s international airport is cleared for direct flights to the USA, Canada, and other global destinations upon completion.
No More Connecting Through Lagos: Keyamo Says Travelers Will Fly Directly from Abia to the USA, Canada and Other Countries
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has clarified the Federal Government’s position on the proposed airstrip project in Abia State and the ongoing Abia International Airport project.
According to Keyamo, the Federal Government had initially planned to build an airstrip in Abia State. However, Governor Alex Otti approached President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and requested that the funds earmarked for the airstrip be released to the state government so that he could add to it and construct an international airport instead.
The Minister said the President approved the Governor’s request. However, he expressed surprise that the funds originally meant for the airstrip have not yet been released to the Abia State Government, despite the fact that construction of the airport is already underway.
Keyamo commended Governor Otti for pressing ahead with the project, describing the airport as one that could become one of the best in Nigeria upon completion. He encouraged the Governor to continue the work, expressing confidence that the Federal Government would eventually release the promised funds.
The Minister further disclosed that, in recognition of the progress made on the project, approval has already been granted for the airport to operate international flights upon completion.
He added that passengers would be able to travel directly from Abia State to various destinations across the world through the airport.
Recall that the Nigerian government has granted United Nigeria Airline approval to operate international routes to destinations including Canada, the United States, Ghana, Benin Republic, and another country. According to Keyamo, the airline is expected to operate directly from the Abia International Airport once the project is completed next year.
He noted that the development would significantly boost Abia State’s connectivity to the global aviation network and further position the airport as a major gateway for international travel and business activities in the region.
