Ogun State’s Gateway International Airport Becomes First in Nigeria to Win NCAA Aerodrome Permit
Ogun State’s Gateway International Airport Becomes First in Nigeria to Win NCAA Aerodrome Permit
Ogun State’s newly built Gateway International Airport has officially been granted an Aerodrome Operational Permit (AOP) by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), clearing the way for scheduled commercial flights. Governor Dapo Abiodun hailed the approval as a historic first for Nigeria.
The NCAA issued the permit after completing a rigorous technical inspection, on-site verification, and audit of the airport’s infrastructure. Officials praised Gateway International as a model facility, noting its state-of-the-art runway, navigation systems, and emergency services.
Under the AOP, the airport is classified with an Aerodrome Reference Code of 3C and an Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Services (ARFFS) Category 6. Its runway (05/23) currently supports non-precision approaches, complemented by an Area Navigation (RNAV) system for added operational flexibility.
In a further boost, a major global logistics firm has committed to launching two weekly cargo flights from London to Ogun State. Gateway International has also been named an alternate airport for Lagos’s Murtala Muhammed International Airport, enhancing its strategic importance.
Passenger services are slated to begin soon, with direct routes to Abuja and Port Harcourt set to kick off. Governor Abiodun emphasized that the new connections will spur trade, investment, and tourism, firmly positioning Ogun State on the world map.
“With world-class infrastructure, international linkages, and a prime location, Gateway International Airport will reset the standard for air travel in Nigeria and symbolize our vision for a greater Ogun State,” he said.
The airport’s full launch marks a pivotal moment in Ogun State’s economic transformation agenda and underscores the administration’s commitment to sustainable growth and global engagement.
