Air Peace to resume Uyo flights

Air Peace is expected to resume flight operations at Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on 23 October. This development will expand passengers’ choices following complaints about high airfares and limited flight options on the route.

Uwem Ekanem, special adviser to the Akwa Ibom State Governor on aviation and airport development, announced the planned resumption on Monday during the state government’s ministerial briefing.

The official said Air Peace’s return would increase passenger traffic and give travellers more options, especially those who don’t want to take early-morning flights.

“You are well aware that at the moment we have early bird and then we fly in the evening,” the official said, referring to Ibom Air’s schedule.

“But we need that traffic for those who do not want to depart so early in the day. I am sure those are some of the services Air Peace will offer when they commence operations.”

The planned return follows public criticism of the cost of air travel to and from Uyo, where passengers have complained about expensive tickets and limited alternatives.

In August, PREMIUM TIMES reported public concerns about the high cost of tickets on the Uyo route after a passenger, George Essien, said he paid ₦227,000 for a Lagos-Uyo ticket after being unable to secure a seat for three days.

Ibom Air later attributed its high fares to strong passenger demand and reduced flight capacity, saying its Uyo flights operated at load factors of 95 to 100 per cent.

The airline explained that its tickets were sold in different fare categories, with the cheapest seats becoming unavailable as bookings increased. It also said aircraft maintenance had reduced the frequency of its Lagos-Uyo and Abuja-Uyo services from three daily flights to two.

Ibom Air said it expected additional aircraft capacity to make more lower-priced tickets available.

Punch newspaper had reported that Air Peace had announced the cancellation of flights to some cities, including Uyo, in January 2025.

Air Peace’s return could give passengers an alternative carrier, although its effect on fares will depend on flight frequency, available seats, and pricing.

Government rejects monopoly claims

Mr Ekanem dismissed suggestions that Ibom Air had a monopoly at the airport, describing it as one of the operators using the facility.

“I hope this debunks the insinuation of a monopoly by Ibom Air. No. Ibom Air is just one operator,” the official said.

The official described Ibom Air as the state’s flagship airline and a home-based operator but said that the airport must attract other carriers to sustain its operations.

“We are in the business of maximising our revenue. The more carriers we have, the more offerings for our passengers and more money,” Mr Ekanem said.

“My business is to ensure that I sustain our operations in a safe and efficient manner.”

The official did not provide details of Air Peace’s proposed flight frequency or the destinations it would serve from Uyo.

Airport finances

Meanwhile, Akwa Ibom State’s 2025 audited financial statements show changes in the revenue and expenditure figures of the airport.

The statements show that fees paid to the Akwa Ibom Airport Development Company fell to ₦469.4 million in 2025 from ₦633.52 million in 2024.

Revenue from fines also declined, from ₦127,000 in 2024 to ₦100,000 in 2025, while sales increased from ₦9.1 million to ₦10 million.

Earnings rose to ₦7 million in 2025 from ₦1.1 million in the preceding year. Revenue from rent recorded a substantial increase, rising to ₦37 million from ₦4.95 million.

Staff salaries stood at ₦948.96 million in 2025, compared with ₦956.03 million in 2024.

The airport’s overhead expenditure declined to ₦752.97 million from ₦1.14 billion over the same period.

The figures suggest a reduction in some operating costs and an increase in selected revenue streams, although the available figures alone do not show whether the airport became more profitable or more financially sustainable.

A review of the 2025 Auditor-General’s report also indicates that the Akwa Ibom Airport Development Company was flagged over the non-submission of its 2025 financial statements.

The failure to submit the statements raises questions about the company’s financial reporting and the extent to which its performance can be independently assessed.

The planned return of Air Peace comes at a time when the state-owned airport faces two related challenges: expanding airline options for passengers and demonstrating transparent, sustainable management of the facility.