by Nurat Uthman
The Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport (EAICA) in Ado-Ekiti has received approval from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to commence non-scheduled flight operations, starting December 15, 2024.
A statement through the Special Adviser (Media) to the Governor of Ekiti State, Yinka Oyebode, revealed that the NCAA, in a letter dated December 11, 2024, addressed to Governor Biodun Oyebanji, confirmed the approval of non-scheduled operations under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) for six months, from December 15, 2024, to June 15, 2025. The letter, signed by NCAA Acting Director General Capt. Chris Najomo, was issued in response to the state government’s application for a flight operational permit for the airport.
The NCAA stated that the six-month approval would enable the agency to validate pending corrective actions and allow the state government to address a few remaining compliance items highlighted in its recent inspection report.
According to the NCAA, the non-scheduled operations must align with agreements with relevant agencies to provide essential services, including Air Traffic Services, Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting Services, Aviation Security, and Meteorological services. Ekiti State has already signed Memoranda of Understanding and Service Level Agreements with federal aviation agencies to ensure compliance.
The approval permits private jets and chartered flights to land and take off from the airport between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., or during daylight hours, in preparation for the final certification to allow commercial flight operations.
Governor Biodun Oyebanji expressed his satisfaction with the NCAA’s approval, describing it as a significant milestone for the state’s investment in the airport project.
“This is a welcome development and a justification for the state’s investment in the airport project, which was designed to boost Ekiti State’s socioeconomic development by making the state more readily accessible,” Oyebanji said.
The governor had earlier promised stakeholders that the airport would become operational before the end of the year.
The state government anticipates that the airport will play a vital role in enhancing the state’s economic growth by facilitating better connectivity and supporting agro-allied and cargo operations.
