The Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport (EAICA), Ado-Ekiti, has officially received approval from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA
The Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport (EAICA), Ado-Ekiti, has officially received approval from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to commence non-scheduled flight operations, effective December 15, 2024. This development marks a significant milestone in Ekiti State’s efforts to enhance its socio-economic landscape by improving accessibility and boosting agro-allied and aviation activities.
The NCAA’s approval is valid for six months, from December 15, 2024, to June 15, 2025. The operations will follow Visual Flight Rules (VFR), permitting flights only between sunrise and sunset (6 a.m. to 6 p.m.).
The approval is provisional, allowing the state government to address remaining compliance issues highlighted during NCAA’s inspection. It provides time for the Ekiti State Government to rectify outstanding corrective action items and finalize essential service agreements.
MoU
The state government has signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and Service Level Agreements (SLAs) with federal aviation agencies for critical services such as: Air Traffic Services, Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting Services, Aviation Security and Meteorological Services.
Governor Biodun Oyebanji expressed satisfaction with the NCAA’s approval, emphasizing it as a validation of the state’s investment in the airport project. He reiterated that this approval aligns with the state’s long-term vision of leveraging the airport for socio-economic growth, particularly in the agro-allied sector.
The airport is expected to handle private jets and chartered flights initially. Full commercial flight operations will be approved upon successful compliance with NCAA requirements and after clearing pending audit gaps.