Nigeria’s domestic aviation sector has recorded a renewed connectivity boost with the return of scheduled commercial flights to Ibadan Airport, following months of closure for major infrastructure upgrades. The resumption comes as Overland Airways and Air Peace separately confirmed the restart of Ibadan-Abuja services, restoring direct access between Oyo State and the nation’s capital.
The development represents a critical milestone in the Ibadan Airport recovery process, reopening a key regional gateway that had been shut since March 2025 for extensive airside and terminal improvement works. Meanwhile, aviation stakeholders see the return of multiple operators as an early signal of growing confidence in the airport’s operational readiness and commercial viability.
Overland Airways confirmed that it will recommence flight operations between Ibadan and Abuja from December 23, 2025, operating three weekly services on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Flights will depart Abuja to Ibadan Airport, formally known as Samuel Ladoke Akintola International Airport, at 10:30am, with return services leaving Ibadan Airport by 12:00pm, ensuring same-day connectivity for business and government travellers.
The airline disclosed that it will deploy its newly inducted 88-seat Embraer 175 aircraft on the route, offering both Premium and Economy cabin configurations. Therefore, passengers using Ibadan Airport can expect improved comfort levels and more efficient regional jet operations suited to the route’s traffic profile.
Speaking on the resumption, Overland Airways Chief Operating Officer, Aderonke Emmanuel-James, described the return as both symbolic and strategic. She noted that Overland Airways pioneered scheduled commercial services from Ibadan and expressed confidence that demand would rebound strongly following the airport’s upgrade.
She commended the Oyo State Government for completing the improvement works at Ibadan Airport, adding that the airline remains committed to delivering reliable and consistent services. In addition, she said the return aligns with Overland’s long-standing role in supporting regional air connectivity across Nigeria.
Barely a day after Overland’s announcement, Air Peace also confirmed it will resume daily return flights between Ibadan and Abuja from December 24, 2025. The airline disclosed that fares on the route will start from ₦95,000, positioning the service as a competitively priced option during the festive travel peak and into the new year.
Air Peace explained that the decision followed the full restoration of commercial flight activities at Ibadan Airport, with strong pent-up demand from passengers in Oyo State and surrounding areas seeking direct access to Abuja without routing through Lagos. Meanwhile, the airline said the daily frequency would significantly increase available capacity on the route.
The carrier added that the Ibadan service forms part of its wider domestic network expansion, which also includes the resumption of Warri operations and additional frequencies across key routes. Therefore, the move is designed to absorb seasonal traffic growth while sustaining network stability into 2026.
Air Peace further linked the Ibadan-Abuja restart to recent fleet growth, including the arrival of its third Embraer 190 aircraft. According to the airline, this fleet expansion enhances schedule reliability and operational flexibility across its domestic network, including services operating from Ibadan Airport.
Industry observers say the simultaneous return of Overland Airways and Air Peace underscores renewed confidence in the post-upgrade status of Ibadan Airport. The restored air link is expected to stimulate business travel, government activity and tourism, while easing pressure on Lagos airports.
As flight operations stabilise, the renewed role of Ibadan Airport is increasingly seen as a practical example of how upgraded regional infrastructure can drive balanced aviation growth when airline capacity and passenger demand align.
