Captain Ruth Adebanwo Makes Aviation History in Nigeria

On September 1, 2026, Captain Ruth Adeola Adebanwo became the first woman to fly a new aircraft into Nigeria, landing an Airbus A220-300 at Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. The flight originated from the Airbus Mirabel factory near Montreal, Canada, covering a distance of 8,945 kilometers and taking 15 hours.

The event attracted significant attention, with dignitaries such as Governor Umo Eno and Nigerian Senate President Goodwill Akpabio present. As Captain Ruth prepared for the landing, a large crowd awaited her arrival, celebrating her achievement as a milestone for Nigerian women in aviation.

After a brief delay in shutting down the aircraft, she emerged to a warm welcome, accompanied by her crew, which included Captain Tijjani Mohammed and Senior Flight Officers Akaninyene Bassey and Idongesit Okono, as well as engineers Jacob Ogwu and Babajide Balogun. The reception was jubilant, with local women performing traditional dances in her honor, and Senator Mrs Akon Eyakenyi expressing her joy at Captain Ruth's accomplishment.