Ado-Ekiti Airport Launches First Commercial Flights in Nigeria

Ado-Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport has officially entered commercial service, marking a significant milestone for aviation development in southwestern Nigeria. The airport received its first scheduled commercial flight on December 10, 2025, operated by United Nigeria Airlines, opening a new air link for Ekiti State.

The inaugural service followed the granting of a six-month approval for commercial operations by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) in early October. The provisional clearance allows the airport to handle scheduled passenger flights while final regulatory assessments continue.

United Nigeria Airlines is currently the sole carrier serving Ado-Ekiti, operating a limited but strategic schedule designed to test demand in the early phase of operations. The airline offers one weekly flight to Abuja and two weekly flights to Lagos, using 50-seat Embraer ERJ-145 regional jets. These routes connect Ekiti directly with Nigeria’s political and commercial capitals, significantly reducing travel times for residents, businesses, and government officials.

The opening of the airport is expected to improve regional connectivity and support economic activity in Ekiti State, which has historically relied on road transport for access to major Nigerian cities. Improved air access could boost investment, trade, and tourism, while also enhancing the movement of agricultural produce and other time-sensitive goods.

Construction of Ado-Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport began in late 2019 and was completed at a cost of NGN49.77 billion (approximately USD34.2 million). The project was designed to support both passenger and cargo operations, with a particular focus on agro-allied exports, reflecting the state’s strong agricultural base.

State officials have described the airport as a catalyst for long-term economic development, noting its potential to attract logistics companies, agro-exporters, and ancillary aviation services. The “cargo” designation in the airport’s name underscores plans to eventually develop dedicated freight facilities to serve farmers and exporters in the region.

For now, commercial activity will remain limited as the airport builds operational experience and passenger volumes. Additional airlines and routes could be added if demand proves sustainable and regulatory approvals are extended beyond the initial six-month period.

The launch of services at Ado-Ekiti adds to Nigeria’s expanding network of regional airports, many of which are seeking to decentralize air travel away from congested hubs such as Lagos and Abuja. As operations ramp up, the airport’s performance during its initial trial period will be closely watched by both regulators and potential airline partners.

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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com