The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has granted approval for the Gateway International Agro-Cargo Airport in Ilisan-Iperu, Ogun State, to commence commercial flight operations.
The approval, announced on Friday, was issued under Part 12.15.17 of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CARs) and accompanied by an Interim Aerodrome Operational Permit, authorising the airport to handle scheduled commercial air transport services.
With this clearance, a leading international aviation company is set to operate two weekly cargo flights from London to the facility, which has also been designated as an alternate airport to Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport. Plans are already in motion for passenger flights, beginning with direct services to Abuja and Port Harcourt.
Officials say the new operations are expected to stimulate trade, investment and tourism in Ogun State, strengthening its role as an emerging hub for regional and international connectivity.
Last December, the Gateway International Agro-Cargo Airport underwent an assessment visit by key regulatory agencies, including the NCAA, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet). The delegation praised the quality and near-completion of infrastructure at the site, describing it as a world-class facility and a landmark achievement for the state.
The agencies particularly commended the Control Tower, Weather Monitoring Areas, Runway, Fire Service Stations and Apron, noting that the airport’s infrastructure compares favourably with international standards and ranks among the best in West Africa.
During the visit, the NCAA’s Director of Aerodrome and Airspace Standards, represented by Ango Mohammed, remarked on the progress achieved since his earlier inspection. He stated that the facility had now reached the level of control towers and aerodrome systems “found in any standard airport around the globe.”
