The Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport in Ado-Ekiti recorded a historic milestone on Wednesday with the inaugural commercial flight by United Nigeria Airlines. The aircraft, with registration number 5N-BWY, touched down at approximately 11:09 a.m., carrying around 50 passengers, marking the official commencement of commercial flight operations in the state. Governor Biodun Oyebanji led top dignitaries to receive the flight, signaling a new chapter in Ekiti's development journey.

Governor Oyebanji revealed that a total of N49.7 billion has been invested in the construction of the airport. He clarified the expenditure timeline, stating that approximately N14 billion was expended from May 2019 to October 2022 under the administration of Governor Kayode Fayemi. Following the current administration's assumption of office on October 28, 2022, an additional N34 billion has been committed to continuing the outstanding works, bringing the total investment to N49.7 billion.

The making of this airport is lauded as a collective legacy, conceived by former Governor Segun Oni, with the site acquired and initially cleared by Governor Ayo Fayose. Governor Kayode Fayemi bravely commenced its building six years ago, with the foundation-laying ceremony conducted by the immediate past Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, on October 18, 2019. The first trial flight, a Nigerian Air Force aircraft ATR 42, landed on October 15, 2022. Governor Oyebanji expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his economic reforms and support, which facilitated the completion of the project.

Aare Afe Babalola, Founder of Afe Babalola University Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), made significant contributions to the airport project. He directly donated navigational aids (CVOR/DME) and control tower equipment valued at $1.6 million. Furthermore, Aare Babalola funded the construction of a 100-car capacity car park opposite the terminal building at a cost of N356 million. Governor Oyebanji profoundly thanked Aare Babalola for his selflessness, generosity, and unwavering support.

Describing the airport as a transformative infrastructure project, Governor Oyebanji emphasized its strategic role in expanding Ekiti’s economic horizon. He highlighted its potential to boost agro-export, strengthen value chains, reduce post-harvest losses, and unlock new opportunities in tourism, commerce, and investment. The airport is expected to bring global markets closer to the people of Ekiti, accelerate trade, create jobs, and enhance the state's competitiveness, with a target for 24-hour flight operation by installing ILS before the end of 2025.

The inaugural flight brought several prominent figures, including former governors Adeniyi Adebayo, Ayodele Fayose, and Dr. Kayode Fayemi, along with members of the National Assembly from Ekiti State, such as Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele. The Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, was also present. They were received by Governor Oyebanji, his wife Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, Deputy Governor Chief Monisade Afuye, former Governor Segun Oni, and other senior government officials, all of whom acknowledged the collaborative effort behind the project.

Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, expressed gratitude for the trust placed in the airline for the maiden flight and announced plans for additional routes to connect Ekiti directly to other major cities beyond Lagos and Abuja. Additionally, Aare Afe Babalola, represented by Vice Chancellor Smaranda Olarinde, reiterated the state's need for a railway station extending from Osogbo to Ado-Ekiti and further to Onitsha, advocating for faster, safer, and more affordable transportation. John Zhao, Executive Director of CCECC Nigeria Ltd, lauded the Ekiti airport as a proud milestone, signifying its transformation from buried land to a globally connected aviation hub.