Gateway International Airport In Ogun State Launches First Commercial Flight Amid Rainy Conditions
By Oludare Joshua
The newly inaugurated Gateway International Airport (GWI) welcomed its first commercial flight on Tuesday morning, despite inclement weather. This historic milestone marks the commencement of scheduled passenger services from the state-owned airport.
The event, broadcast live by TVC News, highlighted passengers eagerly queuing for check-in at the terminal, undeterred by the rain as they prepared to board the inaugural flight, operated by ValueJet to Abuja.
Kayode Akinmade, Special Adviser to the Ogun State Governor on Media and Strategy, announced last month that tickets for flights to Abuja are available every Tuesday and Thursday. The return flights will operate from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja at 4 PM, arriving at GWI by 5:15 PM.
On the same day, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun held discussions with Captain Chris Najomo, the Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), regarding ongoing reforms in the aviation sector and GWI’s role in fostering development within the state. Abiodun reiterated his administration’s dedication to upholding safety, efficiency, and regulatory compliance as they prepare for expanded commercial operations at the airport.
In August, Governor Abiodun revealed that the NCAA had granted the GWI its Aerodrome Operational Permits, paving the way for the airport’s commercial activities. Describing this achievement as a significant milestone for both Ogun State and Nigeria, he noted that it marks the first time a newly constructed airport in the country has received such certification under current regulatory standards.
The NCAA’s approval followed rigorous technical inspections, on-site verifications, and audits of the facility, which has been recognized as a prototype for future aviation infrastructure in Nigeria due to its modern amenities and operational readiness. This permit authorizes the airport with an Aerodrome Reference Code of 3C and an Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Services (ARFFS) Category 6 rating.
The Gateway International Airport will facilitate daytime flights from dawn to dusk, equipped with a non-precision approach for Runway 05/23 and supporting Area Navigation procedures, further enhancing its operational capabilities.
