The Ladoke Akintola Airport in Ibadan has reopened operations with its first aircraft landing on Wednesday morning, following a six-month closure for major upgrades to international standards.
The aircraft, described as an advanced member of the presidential flight scheduled for Friday, September 26, 2025, touched down at exactly 9:14 a.m., marking a historic moment for the airport and drawing cheers from onlookers within the vicinity.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to land at the upgraded airport on Friday for the coronation of the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja. Officials said the successful test flight underscored the readiness of the airport’s new infrastructure to handle high-profile flights safely and efficiently.
This was contained in a statement signed by Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, Special Adviser (Media) to Oyo State Governor, on Tuesday. The statement reads partly:
“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 presidential 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.”
Governor ‘Seyi Makinde, who flagged off the upgrade works in September 2024, had said at the time that the project would connect Oyo State to the global market and enhance its economic potential. He stressed that, “
The upgrade of the airport is expected to enhance air travel operations and provide a reliable transportation network for both business and leisure travellers, positioning the state for economic growth and development.”
The Makinde administration had earlier modernised the airport’s VIP lounge, supplied a new fire truck, and installed a 500,000-litre aviation fuel storage and dispensing facility, laying the foundation for the airport’s rebirth as a regional aviation hub.