Ogun Gateway International Airport Secures NCAA Flight Operations Permit, Set to Launch Passenger and Cargo Services

Ogun State’s Gateway International Airport has achieved a major milestone as it received its Aerodrome Operational Permit from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), authorizing the facility to commence scheduled commercial air transport flights. Governor Dapo Abiodun announced the landmark certification, hailing it as the first of its kind in Nigeria and a game-changer for the state.

The NCAA’s approval comes after rigorous technical inspections, on-site verifications, and a comprehensive audit of the airport’s infrastructure. Governor Abiodun revealed that officials from the NCAA commended the Gateway International Airport as a national benchmark, citing its world-class facilities and operational readiness that set a new standard for Nigerian airports.

According to details released by the state government, the airport has been granted an Aerodrome Reference Code of 3C and an Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting Services (ARFFS) Category of 6. Operational hours are set from sunrise to sunset, with the runway (Runway 05/23) classified for non-precision approaches and equipped for Area Navigation (RNAV) procedures. The facility features a runway that spans 4,000 metres by 60 metres—making it the longest and one of the widest in West Africa—designed to accommodate some of the world’s largest aircraft, including the Airbus A380 and Boeing 777.

Enhancing its profile as an international gateway, a leading global logistics company has committed to operating two weekly cargo flights from London directly to the Gateway International Airport. This international connectivity further strengthens the airport’s role as the designated alternate landing site for the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, especially in cases of diversions or emergencies.

Passenger flight operations are set to begin soon, offering direct routes to key Nigerian cities such as Abuja and Port Harcourt. The launch promises increased convenience for travelers throughout southwest Nigeria, including Ogun, Lagos, Ibadan, and Osun States, as well as new opportunities for businesses and investors seeking access to domestic and international markets.

Governor Abiodun expressed optimism that the full activation of Gateway International Airport will catalyze trade, investment, and tourism in Ogun State:

“With world-class infrastructure, international connectivity, and a strategic location, Gateway International Airport will redefine air travel standards in Nigeria and stand as a proud symbol of our vision for a greater Ogun State,” he said.

The airport’s operational readiness comes after successful validation of its navigational aids, including instrument landing systems and advanced air traffic control systems. This extensive infrastructure enables safe and efficient handling of both cargo and passenger traffic.

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Located at the strategic Iperu-Ilisan axis, near the Sagamu Interchange and Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Gateway International Airport is poised to decongest Lagos Airport and facilitate the growth of regional trade, industrial development, and job creation for Ogun and the surrounding states.

This NCAA approval marks the beginning of a new era for Ogun State, bolstering its position as a rising economic powerhouse in Nigeria and West Africa.