Nigeria’s Ebonyi State plans to launch its own airline, Ebonyi Air, after securing the required licenses and permits. The state has already acquired an aircraft, and officials say flights will begin once paperwork is finalised. The airline is intended to improve regional air travel and bolster tourism.
Airport Upgrades Support Airline Launch
The state’s commissioner for aviation and transport technology, Ngozi Obichukwu announced the airline’s progress on social media. She spoke at Ebonyi Chuba Okadigbo International Airport on Feb. 3 and indicated that the creation of Ebonyi Air was not politically motivated. Furthermore, she added that the undisclosed aircraft is not currently stationed at Ebonyi because hangar facilities remain under construction. Once documentation is finalised, the airport will oversee cargo flights alongside domestic and international passenger services.
Obichukwu confirmed that the airport is fully licensed for flight operations and features modern runway lighting to enable night operations to run safely:
“You will see cargo flights here. You will see commercial flights here. You will see domestic and international. They will all be here by the grace of God.”
Ebonyi Air will avoid leasing, with plans to operate a 60-seat in-house aircraft, she added. Back in July 2024, the state announced plans to buy four aircraft for the newly upgraded airport. Crucially, its 3.5 kilometre runway saw refurbishments at a cost of NGN20 billion (about $14.65 million) to prepare for the airline.
A New Era for Southeastern Nigeria’s Aviation
Primarily, the debut of the new airline and airport will offer travelers more flight options to and from the state’s capital, Abakiliki. Yet it is also expected to improve accessibility across southeastern Nigeria – a region known for its scenic landscapes, historical sites, and heritage.
The move highlights broader efforts to modernise Nigeria’s airport infrastructure and strengthen regional air connectivity. Overall, the state’s plan to expand both its cargo and passenger markets, underscores the commitment to developing a sustainable aviation sector.
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