Cross River State is preparing to extend flight operations at Margaret Ekpo International Airport in Calabar until 10 p.m. daily from November 1 as it anticipates a surge in visitors for the 2026 Calabar Carnival.
Governor Bassey Otu said the planned night operations were part of wider preparations to improve access to the state capital during the festival. He projected attendance exceeding one million visitors, although the estimate was presented as the government’s expectation rather than a confirmed count.
Otu said Cally Air, currently operated in partnership with ValueJet, would increase services to support passenger movement. The state is also seeking to expand its aviation operations and eventually secure an Air Operator Certificate, subject to the approvals required by aviation regulators.
The governor linked the expansion to Calabar’s growing appeal for conferences, tourism and investment. He said dependable flight schedules would help businesses and visitors plan travel with greater certainty.
He also referred to continuing work on aviation infrastructure at Obudu, while acknowledging that airport and airline operations must satisfy strict regulatory requirements. The proposed extended hours will depend on the necessary operational and safety arrangements being in place.
