Mr. Bimbo Adekanmbi, the Chairman of the 11-man Committee on the upgrade of the Ibadan Airport, has said that direct international flights would commence before the end of 2026.
Adekanmbi said the flights will start once the new international terminal is completed.
According to him, current Ibadan–London flight options are not direct international flights.
He explained that the flights stop in Abuja before continuing to the United Kingdom.
“Those are not the direct flights we promised. They take off from Ibadan, transit through Abuja and then continue to the UK.
“It is a good start, but our plan is to have direct international flights once the new terminal is completed,” he said.
Adekanmbi disclosed that the international terminal is between 40 and 50 per cent completed. He added that construction work is ongoing and that the terminal is expected to be ready before the end of the year.
He said the airport has recorded major upgrades. These include the extension of the runway from 2,400 metres to 3,000 metres and the expansion from 45 metres to 60 metres.
According to him, the runway can now accommodate large, wide-bodied aircraft.
Adekanmbi also said runway lights have been restored, allowing night landings. He added that an Instrument Landing System (ILS) has been installed to support safe landings during poor weather.
He confirmed that domestic flight operations have fully resumed, with daily flights from Ibadan to Abuja and other parts of Nigeria.
He said the airport apron has been expanded to allow more aircraft and improve turnaround time.
Adekanmbi added that new operational vehicles have been provided for aviation agencies, including the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA).
On the 2026 Hajj operations, he said Oyo State will be among the first to airlift pilgrims. He added that flights will depart from Ibadan in May.
Adekanmbi said the upgraded airport will boost trade, investment and job creation in Oyo State.
He disclosed plans to develop a cargo terminal and bonded warehouses to support agricultural exports and imports.
According to him, improved air connectivity and road projects under the administration of Seyi Makinde will help drive economic growth in the state.
He expressed confidence that the upgraded Ibadan Airport will become a major aviation hub when fully operational.