Ongoing Project: Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, Ibadan

May 20, 2025

An update and pictures of the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, Ibadan upgrade being executed by the Oyo State Government. The Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport is undergoing a transformation to an international airport, with significant progress being made since our last update. Local flight operations are expected to resume before the end of 2025, following the temporary closure of the airport in March 2025 to fast-track the project.

The upgrade, officially flagged off on 18 September 2024, is part of a comprehensive plan to bring the airport up to international standards, improving domestic and global air connectivity for Oyo State. The upgrade was split into phases for effective implementation.

What’s Being Done?

Runway Extension and Widening:
The airport’s runway is being extended from 2,400 metres to 3,000 metres, and widened from 45 to 60 metres, to accommodate wide-body aircraft capable of international travel.
Airfield Lighting Upgrade:
The lighting system has been enhanced to Category C standards, improving visibility and flight safety.
Fire Safety and Emergency Readiness:
The airport’s firefighting response has been upgraded to meet international aviation safety requirements.
Customs and Immigration Infrastructure:
Facilities for Customs, Immigration, and other essential agencies are being installed to support international operations.

Progress and Timelines:

The runway, apron, taxiway, and blast pads are currently 55% completed and are expected to be ready by December 2025, pending final approval from relevant aviation authorities.
The construction of a new International Terminal is currently at 15% completion and is projected to be completed by June 2026. This terminal will increase passenger handling capacity from 100,000 to 1,000,000 annually.

What’s Already Done:

To support the upgrade of the airport, the following projects were implemented by the Oyo State Government. First, the 3.2 km Airport Road (now Victor Omololu Olunloyo Road) was dualised. A 500,000 litres aviation fuel storage and dispensing system was also installed at the airport concessioned to BOVAS and Company Limited. A new fire truck was also donated to the airport by the OYSG.

Looking Ahead:

Once completed, the upgraded Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport will be capable of handling larger aircraft, facilitating both domestic and international flights. This development aligns with the State Government’s long-term vision of positioning Ibadan as a modern transportation hub. Notably, the next Hajj pilgrimage flight in 2026 is expected to depart directly from Ibadan, marking a milestone in the airport’s expanded capacity.

By investing in strategic infrastructure upgrades, Oyo State is strengthening its economic and logistical profile, creating greater opportunities for trade, tourism, and international engagement.