By: Lauretta Fagbohun, Abeokuta.
The Gateway International Airport in Ogun State has officially been granted an Aerodrome Operational Permit by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, signaling the commencement of commercial air transport services.
The state Governor, Dapo Abiodun, announced the development, describing it as a historic milestone not only for Ogun State but for Nigeria at large.The governor said this in a video
According to him, this is the first time a newly constructed airport in the country has received such certification under current regulatory standards.
The NCAA’s approval follows a thorough technical inspection, on-site verification, and audit of the facility.
Abiodun added that the agency praised the airport as a model for future aviation infrastructure in Nigeria, citing its modern facilities and operational readiness.
The permit gives the airport an Aerodrome Reference Code of 3C and an Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Services (ARFFS) Category 6 rating.
It was gathered that the aerodrome will operate daytime flights from sunrise to sunset, with a non-precision approach for Runway 05/23 and support for Area Navigation procedures.
The governor also assured all that a global logistics firm has committed to operating two weekly cargo flights between London and the airport.
He said, “I had a meeting on Sunday with a company that wants to be flying two cargo flights from London to this airport on a weekly basis.
“We would also have flights that will be going from here to Abuja and as well as to Portharcourt start up.
“Additionally, the airport has been designated as an alternate landing site for Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport, increasing its strategic importance for both domestic and international aviation.”
The governor also said that passenger flight operations will soon begin, with initial direct routes to Abuja and Port Harcourt.
He emphasised that the airport is poised to become a catalyst for trade, investment, and tourism in the region.
With world-class infrastructure, international connectivity, and a strategic location, the Gateway International Airport will raise the bar for air travel in Nigeria and serve as a proud symbol of Ogun State’s progress.
“When the NCAA officials came last week, they came to congratulate me here, they said by the grace of God this airport will be approved and the approval this airport will get has never been given to any airport in Nigeria.
“Your airport has now become a benchmark for what an airport should be in Nigeria. Yes, that was what they told me. This airport will now become an alternative airport to the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos,” he added.
