Ibadan Airport Reopens With First Presidential Flight Ahead of Olubadan’s Coronation
Ibadan Airport Reopens With First Presidential Flight Ahead of Olubadan’s Coronation
…as President Bola Tinubu is expected in Ibadan for the ceremony
The Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, Ibadan, came alive on Wednesday as it recorded its first aircraft landing since operations were suspended in March 2025 for renovation to meet international standards. Eagles Sight News has gathered.
The aircraft, belonging to the presidential fleet and scheduled for use on Friday, September 26, 2025, touched down at exactly 9:14 a.m., sparking excitement among residents and airport workers present.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected in Ibadan on Friday for the coronation of the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja.
The successful landing underscores the readiness and capabilities of the airport’s infrastructure to handle high-profile flights safely and efficiently.
With the presidency flight scheduled to follow soon, this inaugural flight since March 2025 sets a positive precedent for future arrivals and departures.
Recall that Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, had in September 2024, performed the ground-breaking ceremony for the airport upgrade.
Makinde had said at the event that the project, when completed, would connect the state to the global market.
The governor had also noted that, “The upgrade of the airport is expected to enhance air travel operations and provide a reliable transportation network for both business and leisure travelers, positioning the state for economic growth and development.”
Earlier, the Makinde administration had upgraded the airport’s VIP lounge and provided a fire truck.
It also installed a 500,000-litre aviation fuel storage and dispensing facility.