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Ibom Air plans to expand its regional network to additional African destinations before the end of 2026.
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The aircraft is expected to enter commercial service ahead of the Christmas and end-of-year travel period.
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Ibom Air’s first two A220 aircraft are expected back in service by the end of September, raising operational capacity for network expansion.
August 17, (THEWILL) — Ibom Air is set to expand its regional network to more African destinations before the end of 2026, following the planned delivery of a third Airbus A220-300 aircraft to the state-owned airline.
The development is expected to increase the airline’s passenger capacity and strengthen connectivity between Akwa Ibom and other African markets, coming barely two months after Ibom Air commenced international operations from the Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo.
Governor Umo Eno disclosed the development after inspecting the aircraft at the Airbus facility in Mirabel, Quebec, Canada, ahead of its delivery to Nigeria.
The aircraft is expected to commence commercial operations before the 2026 Christmas and end-of-year travel season.
The governor said the fleet expansion was aimed not only at increasing aircraft numbers but also at improving operational efficiency, passenger experience and the airline’s regional network.
According to him, improved air connectivity would support the state’s tourism and investment drive by making Akwa Ibom more accessible to tourists, investors and business travellers.
“This goes beyond fleet expansion. It is about improving efficiency, passenger experience and expanding Ibom Air’s network to support tourism and business in Akwa Ibom”, Eno said.
The Chief Executive Officer of Ibom Air, Capt. George Uriesi, said the new aircraft was consistent with the airline’s network expansion strategy and would enable it to respond to growing demand on domestic and regional routes.
The Head of the A220 Programme and CEO of Airbus Canada, Guillaume Chevasson, described the A220-300 as a fuel-efficient aircraft offering operational flexibility and passenger comfort.
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Chevasson also disclosed that Ibom Air’s first two A220 aircraft, which are currently undergoing comprehensive checks, are expected to return to service by the end of September 2026.
With the addition of the new aircraft, Ibom Air’s A220 fleet will rise to three, providing additional capacity for the planned expansion.
Wholly owned by the Akwa Ibom State Government, Ibom Air commenced operations in 2019 and began international flights from Uyo in June 2026.
The fleet expansion is expected to further strengthen Uyo’s position as an emerging aviation gateway in the South-South and enhance regional economic integration.
Present at the inspection were Deputy Governor Senator Akon Eyakenyi, members of the Akwa Ibom State Executive Council, senior Ibom Air management staff and Airbus officials.
