UYO — The Akwa Ibom State Government has formally dismissed widespread public insinuations and complaints regarding an alleged airline monopoly at the state-owned Victor Attah International Airport (VAIA) in Uyo.
The government’s clarification comes amid growing public concerns over soaring airfares and limited seat availability on the Lagos–Uyo and Abuja–Uyo routes. Responding to inquiries from aviation journalists and stakeholders, state airport officials emphasized that claims suggesting the state deliberately restricts competition or blocks rival commercial airlines to protect the state-owned carrier, Ibom Air, are completely baseless.
Aviation Growth over Monopoly
Speaking on behalf of the government, airport management officials clarified that Ibom Air is simply one of several commercial operators using the state’s aviation facilities. While acknowledging Ibom Air as Akwa Ibom’s flagship home-based carrier, officials reiterated that the primary economic objective of Victor Attah International Airport is to maximize revenue, expand passenger choices, and drive regional commerce by attracting as many airline partners as possible.
“No, Ibom Air is just one operator. We are in the business of maximizing our revenue. The more carriers we have, the more offerings for our passengers and more money for the airport,” state officials affirmed, adding that maintaining a safe, open, and efficient airport environment remains the top priority.
Air Peace Return and ValueJet Engagement
Concretizing its commitment to an open-sky policy, the state government officially announced that all necessary administrative, technical, and operational arrangements have been concluded for major domestic carrier Air Peace to resume scheduled flight operations into Uyo, starting October 23, 2026.
Air Peace’s return to the Uyo airspace is expected to immediately ease passenger bottlenecks, expand schedule availability, and introduce competitive pricing for travelers navigating the South-South corridor.
Furthermore, the state government revealed that high-level engagements are currently underway with ValueJet to establish regular flight frequencies into the state. Governor Umo Eno’s administration continues to engage international and domestic aviation investors as part of broader efforts to position Akwa Ibom State as a premier aviation hub in West Africa.
The multi-carrier expansion aligns with ongoing infrastructure developments at the airport, including the completion of the commercial terminal and the state-of-the-art Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility designed to serve aircraft across the sub-region.
