The Port Harcourt International Airport has secured full certification and an operational licence after nearly four decades of operation, marking a major milestone for Nigeria’s aviation sector and positioning the airport for expanded international operations.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) announced on Friday that the airport successfully met the stringent safety and operational standards prescribed by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), following extensive infrastructure upgrades, modernization works and the installation of critical safety equipment.
The announcement was made by the Regional General Manager, South-South Airports and Manager of Port Harcourt International Airport, Mrs. Lynda Ezike, during a courtesy visit to Government House in Port Harcourt, where she led a FAAN delegation to formally present the certification to Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara.
According to FAAN, the presentation was in recognition of the Rivers State Government’s role in facilitating the extensive improvements that enabled the airport to attain global certification.
Speaking with journalists after the presentation, Ezike described the achievement as historic, noting that the certification signifies the airport’s compliance with both national and international aviation safety regulations.
She explained that the certification was made possible through significant investments in airport infrastructure, modernization projects and the provision of essential safety equipment, all of which brought the facility in line with global aviation requirements.
“We came here on a historic note to present the certificate to His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, because he made it possible,” Ezike said.
She described the certification as a landmark achievement for both Rivers State and the South-South region, emphasizing that the Port Harcourt International Airport now meets internationally accepted safety standards required for airport operations.
According to her, the certification opens a new chapter for the airport by creating opportunities for increased international air traffic, as foreign airlines and operators can now conduct operations with greater confidence in the airport’s safety compliance.
“The Port Harcourt International Airport, which serves as the gateway to Rivers State and the entire South-South region, is now certified. This implies that the stage is now set for more international operations. More international flights can now come to the airport, knowing that it has met globally required safety standards,” she stated.
Ezike further attributed the accomplishment to what she described as Governor Fubara’s unwavering commitment to upgrading aviation infrastructure and ensuring that the airport complied with both domestic and international regulatory requirements.
She noted that the issuance of the certification reflects sustained efforts by the state government to support improvements capable of enhancing passenger safety, operational efficiency and the airport’s competitiveness within the global aviation industry.
Beyond expanding international flight opportunities, FAAN believes the certification will strengthen Rivers State’s position as a strategic aviation hub in the Niger Delta and improve connectivity for business, tourism and investment across the South-South geopolitical zone.
The development is also expected to boost investor confidence in the state’s transport infrastructure while aligning Nigeria’s aviation sector with international best practices in airport safety management and regulatory compliance.
