Ogun State’s Gateway International Airport is set to commence direct commercial flights to Abuja beginning Tuesday, October 7, 2025, marking a major milestone in the state’s aviation sector.
Governor Dapo Abiodun announced the development via his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Tuesday, confirming that the new route will be operated by ValueJet, one of Nigeria’s fast-growing airlines.
According to the governor, the Abuja flights will operate twice weekly, providing residents of Ogun and neighbouring states with direct access to the nation’s capital. “This is a significant step forward in positioning Gateway International Airport as a hub for commerce, connectivity, and investment in our state,” Abiodun said.
The Gateway International Airport, located in Iperu-Ilishan, was commissioned earlier this year and designed to ease passenger and cargo movement within Nigeria’s southwest region. With the Abuja route, officials say the facility is moving closer to fulfilling its mandate of expanding Ogun’s economic frontiers.
ValueJet, the carrier operating the flights, said it was excited to partner with the state on the route expansion. “Our goal has always been to provide affordable and reliable air travel options to Nigerians. The Abuja-Ogun connection will give passengers in the southwest more flexibility and convenience,” a ValueJet spokesperson said.
Aviation analysts describe the launch as a positive development that could ease travel pressure from Lagos and Ibadan airports, offering Ogun residents shorter travel times. It is also expected to attract more businesses and investors to the state, given its proximity to major industrial hubs.
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However, experts caution that sustaining the route will require consistency in service, competitive pricing, and strong passenger uptake. “For new regional airports, the challenge is always passenger traffic. If well managed, the Abuja flights could open the door to more routes, including Port Harcourt and Kano,” aviation consultant, Captain Jide Aluko, noted.
Residents and business leaders in Ogun have welcomed the announcement, saying the service will boost commerce and reduce travel stress. “Having Abuja flights right here is a game-changer. It means we don’t have to go through Lagos every time,” said Taiwo Oke, an Abeokuta-based entrepreneur.
With the Abuja route set to take off next week, Ogun State officials say more routes are in the pipeline as the airport seeks to become a leading aviation hub in Nigeria’s southwest corridor.