Allied Air, SAHCOL Move to Activate Cargo Flights at Gateway International Airport, Ogun
Cargo flight operations are set for takeoff at the Gateway International Airport, Iperu, in Ikenne Local Government Area of Ogun State, marking a new phase in the State’s aviation expansion and industrialisation drive.
The development follows the successful commencement of passenger services at the airport on October 7, 2025, and signals a deliberate shift toward positioning the facility as a full-scale aviation and logistics hub.
The Cargo operations will be driven by Allied Air in partnership with Skyway Aviation Handling Company Plc (SAHCOL), with stakeholders projecting significant gains in trade facilitation, export growth, and supply chain efficiency.
After a strategic engagement with Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, Chairman of Sifax Group, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, described the initiative as a landmark achievement for the state’s economy.
He noted that chartered cargo flights would soon begin operations from Iperu, emphasizing that the airport’s infrastructure meets high operational standards for cargo handling.
According to him, the facility will not only accommodate import traffic but will also enhance exports, particularly agricultural produce from Ogun State and the Southwest region.
Afolabi stressed that the airport is strategically positioned to serve agribusiness, manufacturing, and international trade, while encouraging investors to tap into Ogun’s investor-friendly climate and expanding industrial base.
Managing Director of Allied Air, Captain Val Tongo, also commended the quality of infrastructure at the airport.
He disclosed that the airline is considering the establishment of a cargo flight training school at the facility, citing its operational potential and proximity to Lagos as competitive advantages.
He maintained that infrastructure development must be matched with functional efficiency and economic sustainability to ensure long-term success.
In the same vein, the Chief Executive Officer of Air Atlantic, Mr. King, expressed readiness to collaborate with the Ogun State Government in cargo handling and logistics operations.
He stated that his airline, which operates across Nigeria and West Africa, is prepared to support efforts aimed at making Ogun a leading cargo centre in the Country.
Industry observers estimate that the introduction of cargo services will create substantial employment across aviation services, warehousing, haulage, cold-chain systems, packaging, and export processing.
It is also expected to reduce post-harvest losses, boost agricultural exports, attract manufacturing firms, and increase internally generated revenue.
With its strategic location near Lagos and expanding aviation infrastructure, Gateway International Airport is positioning Iperu as an emerging logistics nucleus capable of easing congestion on existing cargo corridors Nationwide.
