NCAA Approves Gateway International Airport for Commercial Flights

ByMedia Plus
16 August 2025
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The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has officially granted approval for the Gateway International Agro-Cargo Airport, Ilisan-Iperu, Ogun State, to commence commercial flight operations.

The approval, which was confirmed on Friday, was issued in line with Part 12.15.17 of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CARs). It includes the granting of an Interim Aerodrome Operational Permit, allowing the newly built airport to operate scheduled commercial air transport services.

According to a statement released by the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Kayode Akinmade, a major international aviation company is set to begin two weekly cargo flights from London to the airport. The Gateway International Airport will also serve as a designated alternate airport to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. Passenger operations are expected to start soon, beginning with direct flights to Abuja and Port Harcourt.

Mediaplusng.com reports that the development is projected to boost trade, investment, and tourism in Ogun State while enhancing Nigeria’s aviation network.

It would be recalled that in December last year, top regulatory agencies in the aviation sector, including the NCAA, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), inspected the facilities at the Gateway Airport. They commended the state government for delivering world-class infrastructure such as the Control Tower, Weather Monitoring System, Runway, Fire Service Stations, and the Apron, describing them as some of the best in West Africa.

During that inspection, the Director of Aerodrome and Airspace Standards of the NCAA, represented by Ango Mohammed, praised the level of improvement at the airport. He noted that the facilities were now on par with towers and standards seen in major international airports across the globe.