Gateway International Airport flight operations begin as Governor Dapo Abiodun flags off commercial ValueJet flights from Ogun to Abuja.

Gateway International Airport flight operations have officially commenced as Governor Dapo Abiodun flagged off commercial services at the newly completed Ilisan-Iperu facility in Ogun State.

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At exactly 8:55 am, Governor Abiodun cut the ceremonial ribbon, marking the start of passenger and cargo services.

The inaugural ValueJet flight to Abuja was scheduled to depart shortly after, making the moment a historic milestone for the state’s aviation and economic development.

Speaking during the launch event, Abiodun described the journey to this point as “deliberate, intentional and diligent,” recalling that the airport project began in 2021, with the first test flight landing in 2023.

“This is one of the fastest-constructed airports in Nigeria,” the governor noted. “We have invested everything into this project — from world-class cargo handling to cutting-edge security and aviation infrastructure. Our terminal is unlike any other, and our control tower is second to none.”

The Gateway International Airport flight operations reflect the state’s broader ambitions to position Ogun as a critical logistics and business hub.

The facility is equipped for both passenger and cargo traffic, promising to boost trade, tourism and investment opportunities across the region.

Governor Abiodun expressed gratitude to all stakeholders, emphasising that the project was a testament to his administration’s commitment to infrastructure development backed by faith and resilience.

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As the first commercial jet took off from the runway, Ogun State entered a new chapter in its economic journey, with the airport poised to be a game-changer for domestic connectivity.