The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has granted approval for non-scheduled flight operations at the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport (EAICA) in Ado-Ekiti. The operations, set to commence on December 15, 2024, will run under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) for a six-month period ending June 15, 2025.
This approval, conveyed in a letter dated December 11, 2024, was addressed to Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji. Signed by NCAA Acting Director General, Capt. Chris Najomo, the letter responded to the state government’s application for a flight operational permit, noting the non-scheduled status as a necessary step for validating outstanding corrective actions from a recent inspection.
The NCAA stipulated that operations at the airport must align with agreements made with federal aviation agencies to ensure the provision of essential services, including Air Traffic Services, Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting Services, Aviation Security, and Meteorological services. The Ekiti State Government had earlier signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and Service Level Agreements to this effect.
Governor Oyebanji welcomed the NCAA’s decision, describing it as a validation of the state’s investment in the airport. He noted that the non-scheduled flight approval, which allows private and chartered flights between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., serves as a precursor to the final approval for commercial operations. The governor reiterated that the project aims to enhance Ekiti’s socioeconomic development by improving accessibility.
This development aligns with Governor Oyebanji’s earlier commitment to stakeholders that the airport would commence operations before the end of the year. The approval marks a significant milestone in the state’s efforts to position the airport as a hub for agro-allied and cargo activities in the region.