ValueJet Airlines is set to commence commercial flight operations at the Gateway International Airport (GWI) in Ogun state from October 7.

In a statement on Friday, Kayode Akinmade, special adviser to the state governor on media and strategy, said the airline would operate two flights weekly.

“This follows the green light given to the state-of-the-art airport by regulatory agencies,” Akinmade said.

“According to the flight schedule, every Tuesday and Thursday, the airline will operate the GWI-Abuja route, departing GWI at 8.30 am and arriving Abuja at 9.45.

“In the return flight, Value Jet will depart the Nnamdi Azikiwe International, Abuja at 4pm and arrive GWI at 5: 15 p.m.”

Akinmade said tickets will be available online from September 25, through travel agents, and at ticket desks at the Gateway airport.

He said the development would give travellers in Ibadan, across Ogun, and in Lagos easier access to Abuja and other destinations, while enjoying “unbeatable facilities” at the new airport.

“Members of the business and industrial sectors, contractors, bankers, government officials and leisure travelers, among others, are said to be particularly eager to take off and arrive at GWI, from where they have indicated they can easily connect Lagos and other parts of the country,” he said.

In August, the Gateway International Airport secured an aerodrome operational permit from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), authorising it to handle scheduled commercial flights.

The state government said the approval came after a successful technical inspection, on-site verification, and audit of the facility.