The newly built Gateway International Airport in Ogun State welcomed its first commercial flight on Tuesday morning, despite challenging rainy conditions.

The event, captured live by TVC News, marked the beginning of scheduled passenger services from the newly operational Ogun State-owned airport.

Passengers were seen queuing for check-in at the airport’s terminal, braving the rain as they prepared for the inaugural flight operated by ValueJet to Abuja.

The Special Adviser to Ogun State Governor on Media and Strategy Kayode Akinmade, had last month announced the sales of flight ticket to Abuja, scheduled for Tuesdays and Thursdays.

“For the Return flight, Value Jet will depart the Nnamdi Azikiwe International, Abuja at 4pm every Tuesday and Thursday and arrive at GWI at 5:15 p.m.,” he said.

Yesterday, Governor Dapo Abiodun said he received the Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Captain Chris Najomo, in Abeokuta to discuss ongoing reforms in the aviation sector and the role GWI will play in Ogun development.

“We reiterated our administration’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and regulatory compliance as we prepare for full-scale commercial flight operations at the airport,” Abiodun said.

Abiodun, in August, announced that the NCAA granted GWI Aerodrome Operational Permits, marking the commencement of commercial operations in the airport.

Abiodun described the development as a historic milestone not only for the state but for Nigeria at large.

He stated that this was the first time a newly constructed airport in the country had received such certification under current regulatory standards.

The NCAA’s approval reportedly followed a thorough technical inspection, on-site verification, and audit of the facility.

Abiodun added that the agency praised the airport as a model for future aviation infrastructure in Nigeria, citing its modern facilities and operational readiness.

The permit gives the airport an Aerodrome Reference Code of 3C and an Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Services (ARFFS) Category 6 rating.

The aerodrome will operate daytime flights from sunrise to sunset, with a non-precision approach for Runway 05/23 and support for Area Navigation procedures.