Ebonyi Govt Moves to Complete Airport, Acquire Aircraft for Airline Operations

By Uchenna Okah, Abakaliki

The Ebonyi State Government has commenced moves to address outstanding challenges at the Chuba Okadigbo International Airport, Onueke, with a commitment to complete all pending works and acquire aircraft for the commencement of full-fledged airline operations.

The Commissioner for Transport and Aviation, Collins Igboke, disclosed this on Wednesday while speaking with journalists shortly after inspecting facilities and ongoing works at the airport alongside other stakeholders.

Igboke said the inspection was aimed at identifying and documenting areas requiring further intervention to ensure that the airport becomes fully operational and capable of supporting scheduled commercial flights.

According to him, about 89 to 90 per cent of the airport project has been completed, while the remaining works include repairs to some facilities damaged by vandalism and natural elements, particularly rain and water.

“We are here to compile all the remaining works at the Chuba Okadigbo International Airport and know how to finish them because, in no distant time, airline operations will commence here,” he said.

The commissioner explained that the team would submit its findings to Governor Francis Nwifuru for necessary action, stressing that the state government was determined to put all required infrastructure and approvals in place before commercial operations begin.

He noted that the airport had the potential to significantly boost the state’s internally generated revenue once it commenced full operations, adding that the government expected substantial economic returns from the facility.

Igboke, however, acknowledged that establishing an airline operation involved several regulatory approvals and technical arrangements, assuring prospective passengers and residents that the necessary processes were being pursued.

“Passengers need to exercise a little patience with us. In no distant time, this airport will be fully functional. I am assuring you of that,” he said.

Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transport and Aviation, Frederick Nwogbaga, said the inspection revealed some areas requiring attention, particularly facilities affected by rain and water, but expressed optimism that the outstanding issues would be resolved.

Nwogbaga urged citizens to remain patient, noting that the state government must follow all necessary procedures with the Federal Ministry of Aviation and other relevant regulatory agencies before full commercial operations could commence.

He said the airport was already operational in certain respects, but that the government was working to complete the required processes for scheduled passenger flight services and make the facility fully functional.

The General Manager of Chuba Okadigbo international airport, Onueke, Anazo Kalu, said the airport’s runway was among its major advantages, describing it as one of the longest runways in Nigeria and capable of accommodating larger aircraft.

Kalu said the airport’s facilities, including its control tower and elevator, were functional, adding that a temporary tower was currently being used to provide the necessary services pending completion of the permanent arrangements.

He explained that scheduled passenger flight operations would enable airlines to bring passengers into the airport while also handling baggage, cargo and mails, thereby creating additional economic opportunities for the state and operators.

According to him, after completion of the remaining works, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) would be invited to conduct a verification exercise, after which an aerodrome certificate would be issued, if the facility meets the required standards.

“With the aerodrome certificate, we will have the permit to operate scheduled passenger flight services. That is the end point and the goal,” Kalu said.

He added that Governor Nwifuru was “very desirous and eager” to see the airport commence full operations, expressing confidence that the necessary processes would be completed soon.