The Ogun State Government has announced that Gateway International Airport, located in Iperu, will receive its inaugural commercial flight on October 7, 2025.
Nigerian airline, ValueJet, is set to commence scheduled passenger services from the newly commissioned airport.
In a statement issued on Friday, the government confirmed that ValueJet will operate flights twice a week on the Ogun–Abuja route.
Departures from Gateway International Airport are slated for Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8:30 a.m., arriving at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja by 9:45 a.m.
Return flights will take off from Abuja at 4:00 p.m., arriving in Iperu by 5:15 p.m.
Commissioned on August 15, 2025, Gateway International Airport holds an Aerodrome Operational Permit from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority.
It features a 4,000-metre-long and 60-metre-wide runway, making it one of the largest in West Africa and capable of accommodating wide-body aircraft such as the Boeing 777 and Airbus A350.
According to Kayode Akinmade, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, the launch of commercial flights by ValueJet signals that the airport has secured “the green light from regulatory agencies” to commence full operations.
ValueJet began selling tickets for the new route on September 25. Bookings can be made online via the airline’s website, through authorized travel agents, or at the airline’s ticket counters located within the Gateway International Airport terminal.
Speaking on the development, Managing Director of ValueJet, Capt. Omololu Majekodunmi, said the new route aligns with the airline’s broader expansion strategy.
“As part of our expansion programme, we are serving the growing demand in Ogun while offering an alternative to Lagos and Ibadan for passengers in the Gateway International Airport catchment area,” he said.
Majekodunmi emphasized the airport’s strategic location, noting its proximity to the Sagamu Interchange and the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. He said the airport is well-positioned to support both passenger and cargo operations, providing much-needed relief to travelers who previously relied on the more congested Lagos and Ibadan airports.
He also noted that ValueJet’s growth over the past three years has been propelled by customer trust, strategic alliances, and an unwavering focus on safety and service.
“Our operations from Gateway International Airport mark a milestone not just for the airline but for Ogun State as well. We look forward to connecting more Nigerians through this modern facility,” he added.
The Ogun State Government described the start of commercial flights as a major economic milestone.
It said the airport is expected to catalyze trade, tourism, and investment across the state while enhancing regional connectivity for both residents and businesses.
With the commencement of operations, Gateway International Airport is poised to become a prominent aviation hub in Nigeria’s southwest, offering a competitive alternative to existing airports in Lagos and Ibadan and positioning Ogun State as a key player in the national aviation landscape.
