Ebonyi Plans Aircraft Acquisition, Targets Launch Date For Chuba Okadigbo Airport

The Ebonyi State Government has intensified efforts to resolve outstanding operational challenges at the Chuba Okadigbo International Airport in Onueke, reaffirming its commitment to finalise all pending infrastructure works and acquire state-owned aircraft to kickstart full-fledged commercial airline operations.

The Commissioner for Transport and Aviation, Collins Igboke, disclosed this development following an extensive facility tour and joint inspection of ongoing projects at the airport alongside key aviation stakeholders.

Igboke explained that the comprehensive assessment was designed to identify, document, and prioritise critical areas requiring immediate government intervention to transition the facility into a fully functional hub for scheduled commercial flights.

According to him, approximately 90 per cent of the airport project is complete.

However, the airport needs immediate remedial work to repair environmental damage from heavy rain and address facilities affected by local vandalism.

“We are here to compile a definitive inventory of all outstanding works at the Chuba Okadigbo International Airport to ensure their swift completion,” Igboke stated on Wednesday.

“In no distant time, commercial airline operations will commence here. Passengers only need to exercise a little patience with us. This airport will soon be fully functional, and I give you my absolute assurance on that.”

Igboke noted that the inspection team would immediately submit a detailed technical report to Governor Francis Nwifuru for executive action, underscoring that the administration is determined to secure all mandatory regulatory approvals before opening the airspace to scheduled passenger traffic.

He further highlighted that once fully operational, the airport would serve as a pivotal economic catalyst, drastically boosting the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

Echoing the commissioner’s sentiments, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transport and Aviation, Frederick Nwogbaga, noted that while the state government is eager to launch, it remains bound to strict compliance standards set by the Federal Ministry of Aviation and affiliated regulatory authorities.

“The airport is already operational in limited capacities, but executing scheduled passenger flight services requires rigid adherence to statutory procedures,” Nwogbaga said.

“We are systematically resolving the water-damage issues identified during the inspection and working through the regulatory checklist to make this facility 100 per cent functional.”

Providing a technical perspective on the asset’s readiness, the General Manager of Chuba Okadigbo International Airport, Anazo Kalu, said that the airport possesses key structural advantages, notably housing one of the longest runways in Nigeria capable of accommodating wide-body aircraft.

“Our air traffic control apparatus and elevators are fully operational, with a temporary tower currently managing interim air services,” Kalu revealed.

“Once the final technical touch-ups are complete, we will invite the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to conduct a final verification exercise. Securing our Aerodrome Certificate is the ultimate goal; that permit is the final green light required to launch scheduled passenger, baggage, cargo, and mail services.”

Kalu added that Governor Nwifuru remains “eager and exceptionally driven” to see the project through to completion, expressing strong confidence that the final regulatory milestones will be achieved shortly.