Passenger traffic, commercial activity and aviation fuel demand at the Samuel Ladoke Akintola International Airport, Ibadan, are set to receive a major boost as plans are underway to commence Hajj flight operations from the airport this year.
The Airport Manager of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mr Gbenga Afuwape, disclosed this while speaking with journalists in Ibadan during a courtesy visit to the management of BOVAS Oil and Gas Limited, Ibadan.
Afuwape said the proposed Hajj operations by the Oyo State Government are being supported by recent infrastructural upgrades at the airport, notably the commencement of a multi-million-naira Jet A1 aviation fuel facility operated by BOVAS Oil and Gas Limited in Ibadan.
According to him, the availability of on-site Jet A1 fuel has eliminated dependence on off-airport fuel logistics, significantly reduced aircraft turnaround time and positioned the airport to handle increased traffic, particularly ahead of specialised operations such as Hajj flights.
“The commencement of Hajj operations will significantly increase aircraft movements and fuel demand, and the airport is now better prepared to support such operations,” Afuwape said.
He noted that since the resumption of flight operations at the airport, BOVAS Ibadan has been supplying Jet A1 fuel to Air Peace and other airline operators, strengthening the airport’s operational readiness and reliability.
The FAAN manager further revealed that efforts are ongoing to expand the presence of commercial airlines at the airport, adding that the expected resumption of Green Africa Airways’ operations would further boost passenger traffic and improve the airport’s commercial viability.
Describing the Jet A1 depot as a critical infrastructure upgrade, Afuwape said the facility has enhanced the attractiveness of the Ibadan airport to both domestic and regional airlines.
“With these developments, Ibadan Airport is increasingly becoming a viable option for scheduled commercial flights and special operations such as Hajj. The importance of BOVAS Ibadan to the overall success of the aviation industry cannot be overemphasised,” he added.
Responding, the Managing Director of BOVAS Oil and Gas Limited, Dr Victoria Samson, expressed appreciation for the visit and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting aviation growth in Ibadan and across Nigeria.
She restated BOVAS’ readiness to deepen partnerships with relevant stakeholders in line with the airport’s expansion plans and operational growth objectives.
