From Premium Times Nigeria · Ekemini Simon · · 2m
Air Peace to resume Uyo flights
Air Peace returns Uyo flights on 23 Oct to compete with Ibom Air.
In brief
Air Peace returns Uyo flights on 23 Oct to compete with Ibom Air. Air Peace will resume flights to Uyo on 23 October, offering passengers alternatives amid complaints about high airfares and limited options. Originally reported by Premium Times Nigeria.
Air Peace resumes Uyo flights
Air Peace is set to resume flights to Uyo on 23 October, offering passengers an alternative amid complaints over high airfares, Ibom Air’s dominance and the airport’s finances.
Uyo flight options limited
Passengers complained about expensive tickets and limited alternatives after a passenger paid ₦227,000 for a Lagos-Uyo ticket after three days of unsecured seats.
Ibom Air explains high fares
Ibom Air attributed high fares to strong passenger demand and reduced flight capacity, operating at load factors of 95 to 100 percent.
Air Peace return planned
Uwem Ekanem, special adviser to the Akwa Ibom State Governor on aviation and airport development, announced Air Peace’s return on Monday during the state government’s ministerial briefing.
Air Peace benefits passengers
The official said Air Peace’s return would increase passenger traffic and give travellers more options, especially those who do not want to take early-morning flights.
Ibom Air reduces flights
Ibom Air reduced Lagos-Uyo and Abuja-Uyo services from three daily flights to two due to aircraft maintenance.
Airport finances improve
Akwa Ibom State’s 2025 audited financial statements show fees paid to the Akwa Ibom Airport Development Company fell to ₦469.4 million from ₦633.52 million in 2024.
Airport revenue rises
Revenue from fines declined from ₦127,000 in 2024 to ₦100,000 in 2025, while sales increased from ₦9.1 million to ₦10 million.
Airport earnings rise
Earnings rose to ₦7 million in 2025 from ₦1.1 million in the preceding year.
Airport rent increases
Revenue from rent recorded a substantial increase, rising to ₦37 million from ₦4.95 million.
Staff salaries stable
Staff salaries stood at ₦948.96 million in 2025, compared with ₦956.03 million in 2024.
Airport overheads fall
The airport’s overhead expenditure declined to ₦752.97 million from ₦1.14 billion over the same period.
Airport financial review
A review of the 2025 Auditor-General’s report also indicates the Akwa Ibom Airport Development Company was flagged over non-submission of its 2025 financial statements.
Airport faces challenges
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.
Here's the gist
Air Peace will resume flights to Uyo on 23 October, offering passengers alternatives amid complaints about high airfares and limited options.
