The aviation regulator has granted clearance for the commencement of scheduled flight operations at the airport after reviewing recent upgrades carried out by the Oyo State Government. The approval is contained in a letter dated December 16, 2025, addressed to the Managing Director and Chief Executive of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
The development was confirmed in a statement issued on Wednesday in Ibadan by the Special Adviser to the Oyo State Governor on Media, Dr Suleiman Olanrewaju. According to him, the NCAA approved the issuance of a provisional interim operational permit, allowing airlines to begin scheduled services at the facility.
The NCAA noted that the decision followed a detailed assessment of safety-critical infrastructure, operational arrangements and mitigation measures at the aerodrome. The review took into account recent developments at the airport as well as additional documentation provided by FAAN.
The approval comes after significant investments by the Oyo State Government aimed at upgrading the airport to international standards. Key projects undertaken include the extension and widening of the runway, improved airfield lighting, the construction of a 500,000-litre aviation fuel storage facility, and the development of a new Protocol Lounge, among other enhancements.
The resumption of operations marks a major milestone for the airport, which was shut down earlier this year to allow for rehabilitation works. In February 2025, the NCAA announced a planned six-month closure of the Ibadan airport for maintenance and upgrades, beginning in early March.
The closure followed President Bola Tinubu’s approval for the state government to upgrade the facility to international status. Since then, extensive works have been carried out to bring the airport in line with regulatory and safety requirements.
With the latest approval, scheduled flight services are expected to gradually return, improving air connectivity for Ibadan and strengthening the state’s transportation and economic infrastructure.