Gateway International Airport Marks One Year of Scheduled Commercial Flight Operations

Gateway International Airport (GIA), Iperu, Ogun State, has marked one year of scheduled commercial flight operations, celebrating a milestone characterised by growing patronage, operational expansion, improved connectivity and renewed confidence in the airport as an emerging aviation hub in the Southwest.

The airport commenced full scheduled flight operations one year ago and has since continued to strengthen its operations, with emphasis on safety, efficiency, professionalism, technology and passenger satisfaction.

Located in Iperu, Ogun State, GIA has positioned itself as an alternative gateway for travellers within Ogun State and neighbouring parts of the Southwest, reducing the need for some passengers to travel to Lagos to access air transportation.

The first year of operations has also witnessed several notable milestones, including the successful transportation of Ogun State pilgrims from Gateway International Airport to Mecca and their subsequent return to Iperu.

The development was described by the Ogun State Commissioner for Transportation, Engr. Gbenga Dairo, as a significant milestone in the state’s aviation and transportation history and a demonstration of the airport’s operational readiness.

Dairo said the successful outbound and inbound pilgrim flights further demonstrated the growing importance of GIA as a strategic infrastructure asset for Ogun State and the wider Southwest region.

The airport has also commenced five-day commercial flight operations between Iperu and Abuja, with flights currently operating from Monday to Friday. Additional routes are expected to be introduced as operations expand.

The development has attracted positive feedback from passengers and stakeholders who have experienced the convenience of travelling directly from Iperu.

Popular actor, Mr. Ebun Oloyede, popularly known as Ola Iya Igwe, recently commended the airport’s personnel and airline operators after travelling from Iperu to Abuja, describing the experience as smooth and less stressful compared with the traditional process of travelling through Lagos.

Similarly, Alhaji Adebayo Samsideen Apelogun, President of Accomoran and a frequent passenger at the airport, commended the Ogun State Government for the project, saying direct flights from Iperu to Abuja had significantly reduced the stress associated with travelling through Lagos.

Speaking on the airport’s prospects, the Consultant to the Governor on Airport Management, Capt. Dapo Olumide, expressed confidence that GIA would continue to play an important role in improving connectivity, facilitating commerce and attracting new development opportunities to Ogun State.

The Consultant to the Governor on Aviation Regulations, Engr. Ben Adeyileka, attributed the smooth operation of the airport to strong collaboration among airlines, regulators, government agencies, service providers, security organisations, passengers and other stakeholders.

According to him, the coordinated efforts of the various stakeholders remain essential to maintaining safe, efficient and reliable airport operations.

Also speaking, the Consultant to the Governor on Aviation Matters, Dr. Mohammed Odunowo, said the growing patronage of GIA reflected increasing confidence in the facility among passengers, airlines, government and other stakeholders.

He noted that the airport’s strategic location and expanding operations were increasingly positioning it as an important gateway for Ogun State and the wider Southwest region.

Beyond flight operations, GIA has continued to invest in its workforce through capacity building, professional development and teamwork, with emphasis on accountability and service delivery.

Airport operations require close coordination across multiple departments, and the management has continued to strengthen processes and operational capabilities to meet the demands of modern aviation.

As GIA marks its first anniversary of scheduled commercial flight operations, the milestone represents a year of growth, resilience, teamwork and institutional development.

The airport’s next phase is expected to focus on expanding connectivity, improving passenger experience, strengthening operational efficiency and creating greater economic opportunities for Ogun State and the region.

Gateway International Airport: One Year of Operations. One Year of Progress. One Year of Growth.