Passenger Boarding Bridges, also known as jet bridges, for the international wing of Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo arrived on Sunday, 15 February 2026. The equipment reached the airport after a five hour convoy movement from Onne Port near Port Harcourt. The delivery comes as the administration of Umo Eno intensifies preparations for the commencement of international operations expected in April.
Additional aviation equipment procured from China has already been cleared at Onne Port and is currently en route to Uyo. The equipment is being transported on low bed trailers moving at an average speed of twenty five kilometres per hour under combined security escort. Arrival is expected on Monday, 16 February 2026.
The State Commissioner for Finance and Special Duties, Emem Bob, disclosed the development in an exclusive briefing to Inside the Hilltop, the official bi weekly publication of the Akwa Ibom State Government.
A passenger boarding bridge is an enclosed and movable elevated walkway that links the terminal gate directly to an aircraft. It allows passengers to board and disembark safely and comfortably while shielding them from weather conditions and airside traffic. The systems are telescopic and can extend, retract, rotate and adjust in height to serve different aircraft types. Trained personnel operate them to ensure precise alignment with aircraft doors.
With about two and a half months to the planned April start of international flights, the state government on Wednesday, 12 February 2026, reaffirmed its readiness to meet the timeline. The assurance followed an inspection of the international terminal led by Commissioner Emem Bob and a high level technical team.
The inspection covered key infrastructure and operational areas. These included the terminal access road, car park, apron, taxiway, perimeter security fencing, smart internet systems, power transmission facilities, transformers and medium voltage power panels.
After a technical review meeting with contractors and engineers on site, the commissioner expressed confidence that the project would meet the April deadline. He said the governor remains fully committed to delivering a world class international airport facility within the approved timeframe and that the current progress report supports the feasibility of the schedule.
The Chairman of VKS Construction Ltd, Engr Oliver Ebong, said the company expects to complete the terminal by the end of March, ahead of the April target.
The push for international operations followed a technical assessment by a Federal Government delegation led by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo. After that visit, Governor Umo Eno inaugurated an implementation committee chaired by the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, to oversee the airport’s transition to full international status.
