By Euclid Myke
The Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport (EAICA) in Ado-Ekiti has received approval from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to begin non-scheduled flight operations starting December 15, 2024.
The approval, detailed in a letter dated December 11, 2024, and addressed to Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji, permits operations under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) for six months, from December 15, 2024, to June 15, 2025.
A statement by Yinka Oyebode, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, confirmed the NCAA’s decision. The letter, signed by NCAA Acting Director-General Capt. Chris Najomo, was in response to the state government’s application for a flight operational permit for the airport.
The NCAA granted the six-month approval to enable validation of pending findings from its last inspection and allow the state government to address outstanding corrective action items.
As part of compliance requirements, the airport must coordinate with relevant agencies to ensure the provision of essential services, including Air Traffic Services, Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting Services, Aviation Security, and Meteorological Services.
It will be recalled that the state government had earlier signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and Service Level Agreements with federal aviation agencies to support the airport’s operations.
The approval allows private jets and chartered flights to operate between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. (sunrise to sunset) as preparations continue for final approval for commercial flight operations.
Governor Biodun Oyebanji hailed the NCAA’s approval as a significant milestone, emphasizing that it justifies the state’s investment in the airport. He described the project as a catalyst for Ekiti’s socioeconomic growth, making the state more accessible.
Earlier this year, Governor Oyebanji assured stakeholders that the Ekiti airport would commence operations before the end of the year.
