Ibom Air has dismissed claims that it exercises a monopoly over flight operations at the Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, or that it prevents other airlines from operating from the airport. In a press statement issued on Saturday, 30th August 2026, the Akwa Ibom-based carrier clarified that it has no regulatory authority to authorize or block any airline from operating in Uyo or any other airport in Nigeria.
The airline stated that the power to approve, regulate, suspend, or permit airline operations lies solely with the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority. Citing Section 8(3) of the Civil Aviation Act 2022, Ibom Air noted that the NCAA is the sole body responsible for civil aviation regulation in Nigeria. According to the statement, any airline that meets the required regulatory and operational standards and obtains the necessary approvals cannot be stopped from operating by Ibom Air.
Ibom Air also urged the public to distinguish between an airline’s internal operational decisions and attempts to restrict competition. The airline explained that its past suspension of flights to destinations such as Enugu and Calabar was due to mandatory aircraft maintenance and other operational requirements, not an effort to dominate routes. It added that such decisions are routine in aviation and should not be misconstrued as anti-competitive.
The carrier further highlighted that operational factors beyond any single airline’s control also affect flight frequency at airports. These include aircraft availability, fuel logistics, airport infrastructure, scheduling demands, and regulatory requirements. Ibom Air said such constraints can limit the number of flights at any airport without implying that one airline is controlling access.
Despite the perceptions, Ibom Air said it welcomes competition and believes a competitive aviation environment benefits passengers. The airline listed the advantages of having more carriers operate from Uyo to include more travel options, greater choice of schedules and fares, improved connectivity for Akwa Ibom and the South-South region, increased passenger traffic, and a stronger aviation and destination economy.
As the home-based carrier, Ibom Air said it takes pride in operating from Uyo, but stressed that the status does not confer ownership or control of Victor Attah International Airport. It emphasized that being based in the state does not give it the power to determine which other airlines can operate from the airport.
