The Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has granted approval for four airports to extend flight operations until 10:00 PM.

The airports cleared for the extended hours are:

• Yola International Airport
• Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri
• General Tunde Idiagbon International Airport, Ilorin
• Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu

The approval follows requests from stakeholders seeking extended operational hours beyond Abuja and Lagos airports.

NAMA Director-General, Engr. Ahmed Farouk, disclosed this at the 2025 Aviation Stakeholder Forum in Abuja, with the announcement made on his behalf by Mr. John Tayo, Director of Air Traffic Services.

Farouk explained, “We are always available to grant extensions based on our capacity. Currently, we cannot operate all airports until 10 PM, but following the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development’s directive, Yola, Enugu, Owerri, and Ilorin airports were deemed worthy and equipped for safe night operations.”

Additionally, AirPeace airline received ad-hoc approval to operate flights to Anambra and Asaba.

Highlighting NAMA’s achievements, Farouk noted the introduction of free route airspace to reduce flying costs, carbon emissions, and workload for air traffic controllers. He also mentioned the agency’s fully functional flight calibration unit for navigational aids and instrument approach validation.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, added that President Bola Tinubu has approved special funding to upgrade NAMA equipment, moving its provision from regular budget allocations to dedicated funds.