After four decades of operation, the Port Harcourt International Airport has secured full certification and licensing, meeting stringent global safety standards set by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
The milestone comes on the heels of massive infrastructure upgrades, modernisation, and expansion carried out at the facility, including the installation of critical safety equipment.
The Regional General Manager, South-South Airports and Manager of the Port Harcourt International Airport, Mrs Lynda Ezike, made this disclosure on Friday, July 10, 2026, during a courtesy visit by a Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) delegation to the Rivers State Government House, Port Harcourt.
While presenting the certification to Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara, Mrs Ezike said the team was at the Government House to formally appreciate the administration through which the comprehensive overhaul of the airport took place.
Speaking to journalists after the presentation, Ezike commended the Rivers State Government for its pivotal role in transforming the airport.
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“We came here on a historic note to present the certificate to His Excellency Sir Siminalayi Fubara, the Governor of Rivers State, because he made it possible,” she said.
Ezike described the certification as a significant achievement for the state and the South-South region.
“The Port Harcourt International Airport, which is the gateway to Rivers State and the entire South-South region, is now certified. This implies that the stage is now set for more international operations. More international flights can now come to the airport, confident that it has met the safety standards required globally,” she added.
She further noted that the certification reflects Governor Fubara’s unwavering commitment to infrastructure development and the provision of essential equipment to align with both national and international aviation regulations.
According to her, the development positions Rivers State as a key player in the global aviation safety programme.
