The Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport in Ibadan received its first aircraft since March 2025, signaling readiness for President Tinubu’s visit for the Olubadan coronation
Ibadan Airport Reopens With Presidency Flight Ahead of Olubadan Coronation
IBADAN, OYO STATE – The Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, Ibadan, on Wednesday welcomed its first aircraft since being shut down in March 2025 for major upgrades aimed at meeting international standards.
The aircraft, an advanced member of the presidential flight team, touched down at 9:14 a.m., signaling that the airport is once again open for operations. The landing was greeted with excitement and relief by airport staff, aviation officials, and residents who had gathered near the facility.
The reopening comes just in time for a historic event in Ibadan. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to arrive in the Oyo State capital on Friday, September 26, 2025, to attend the coronation of the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja.
Speaking on the development, an aviation official at the airport, who preferred not to be named, described the successful landing as “a new dawn for air travel in Ibadan.”
“This landing is proof that the extensive work carried out over the past six months has paid off. The airport is now in a position to handle both domestic and international flights safely and efficiently,” the official said.
The successful arrival of the president’s advance flight not only marks the reopening of the airport but also highlights its enhanced capacity. With modern facilities and safety improvements, the airport is expected to boost Oyo State’s connectivity to other regions and beyond.
A senior official of the Oyo State Government, reacting to the development, said the reopening could not have come at a better time.
“The Olubadan coronation is a historic event, and Ibadan deserves an airport that matches the city’s significance. Today’s successful flight shows we are ready to receive the President, dignitaries, and future travelers.”
The airport’s upgrade was part of ongoing efforts by both the federal and Oyo State governments to transform Ibadan into a modern hub for commerce, culture, and tourism. The move is expected to ease congestion at the Lagos and Abuja airports while also positioning Ibadan as a major gateway in the southwest.
With the first successful flight since March, optimism is high that the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport will soon resume full operations, opening a new chapter in Oyo State’s aviation history. Read More
