Nigeria’s first state-owned airline, Ibom Air, has officially entered the international travel market with the successful launch of an inaugural international flight. The flight which took off from the Victor Attah international airport in Uyo arrived safely at Kotoka international airport in Accra, Ghana.
This milestone, achieved on May 2, 2026, marked the beginning of a new era for the airline and Akwa Ibom state aviation at large. It also solidifies the state’s position as an emerging gateway for trade, tourism, and investment in West Africa.
Ibom Air was founded in 2019 by the Akwa Ibom State Government. It was established with a clear vision to become a world-class African regional airline. The airline seeks to be distinguished by schedule reliability, on-time performance, and superior customer service. From its operational hub at the Victor Attah International Airport, the airline has consistently pursued a mission of operational excellence, safety, and efficiency.
The management is currently focused on steadily connecting African regions before extending into intercontinental markets. Ibom Air has built a sustainable business model that has earned it multiple recognitions, including being named the “Best Airline in Nigeria” for four consecutive years.
The airline’s recent progressive strides, including the international flight debut, reveals the effective leadership of the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. George Uriesi. Immediately he was appointed in 2025, Mr. Uriesi threw himself into the role, directing the airline towards several notable feats in the airline’s history.
With a depth of expertise in international aviation and a visionary approach to infrastructure development, Mr Uriesi played a vital role in preparing the airline’s operations for the nitty-gritties of cross-border travel. Under his vigilant direction, the airline has successfully risen above the stringent regulatory requirements and operational demands necessary to launch the Uyo-Accra route ahead of schedule.
Before this impressive milestone, the airline saw a significant fiscal turnaround in 2025, recording a profit of ₦16.6 billion. This was a remarkable recovery from previous loss positions; achieved within the first year of Mr. Uriesi’s appointment. This financial strength empowered the airline to invest further in its fleet, including the acquisition of an Airbus A220-300 aircraft.
Mr. Uriesi is driven by a commitment to maintaining a modern, efficient fleet. This contributed positively to the successful commencement of international operations. The airline is now able to provide a superior passenger experience that rivals international carriers.
This success is also a reflection of the ample cooperation between state and federal stakeholders. The transformation of the Victor Attah international airport into a full-fledged international hub, with a new terminal and advanced technical facilities, received vital support from the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development.
As the future approaches, the new Accra route is the gateway for Ibom Air to host several international connections across the continent and beyond. Since the airline continues to make good on its core values of safety and service excellence, it is well-positioned to become a mature eagle in the skies of international aviation.
As Mr. George Uriesi continues to take charge, Ibom Air remains committed to a long-term growth strategy. By steadily increasing its fleet and expanding its network, the airline will definitely contribute a befitting quota to the economic advancement of Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria at large.
Samuel Agboola is a member of the editorial team of TheScript Newspapers
