Local flights will, by the end of the year, resume operations at the upgraded Ladoke Akintola International Airport, Ibadan, Oyo State.

This was announced in a statement released by the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, in Ibadan, the state capital, on Monday.

He explained that activities are in top gear to upgrade the airport to an international standard and will begin operations in 2026.

Oyelade said the ongoing upgrade at the airport includes extending the runway from 2,400 metres to 3,000 metres and widening it from 45 to 60 metres to accommodate wide-body aircraft for international flights.

The commissioner noted that the airfield lighting system has been updated to CAT C standards, and the firefighting response has been upgraded to ensure a robust safety profile.

He added that facilities are being put in place for customs, immigration, and other vital agencies to meet international standards.

Oyelade said the runway upgrade, apron, taxiway, and blast pads, among others, which currently stand at 55%, will be completed before the end of the year, and local flights should resume thereafter, subject to approval by the relevant regulatory authorities.

“The International Terminal construction is currently at 15% completion and will be ready for such flights by June 2026.

He explained, “These upgrades reflect the government’s vision of transforming the Ibadan Airport into a modern and internationally competitive facility.

“By enhancing our infrastructure to accommodate larger aircraft, we are not only improving domestic connectivity but also paving the way for global travel.”

The commissioner reiterated the promise of Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde that next year’s Hajj flight to Saudi Arabia will be from the airport.

The PUNCH reports that the airport upgrade, which was officially flagged off on September 18, 2024, was shut down in March 2025 to intensify work on the project.