In response to growing public commentary suggesting that Ibom Air exercises a monopoly or restricts rival carriers at Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo, the airline has issued a clarification regarding airport access, regulatory oversight, and market competition in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
As the state-backed home carrier of Akwa Ibom, Ibom Air has frequently been perceived by travellers as the dominant force controlling flight schedules and carrier presence at the Uyo hub.
However, in an official statement released on August 30, 2026, the management of Ibom Air emphasised that it possesses neither the statutory authority nor the operational mandate to dictate which airlines fly into or out of any airport in the country.
Central to the airline’s response is the legal framework governing Nigerian civil aviation. Under Section 8(3) of the Civil Aviation Act 2022, statutory authority to authorise, regulate, suspend, or approve commercial flight operations rests exclusively with the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
By pointing to statutory limits, Ibom Air highlighted that any airline meeting the NCAA’s rigorous safety, financial, and operational standards is legally entitled to operate out of Uyo. Related News Thales Alenia, IAI win contract to build Nigeria’s new satellites Afriland Properties announces leadership transition as Obiekwugo becomes Board chairman South Africa ranks among 20 hardest-hit countries by Hormuz disruption
