The Ebonyi State commissioner for Aviation and Transport Technology, Mrs. Ngozi Obichukwu, has said that the first commercial flight operations of the Chuba Okadigbo Airport, which will commence on Friday, June 13, 2025, have recorded a huge success.
Mrs. Obichukwu made the disclosure while interacting with journalists about the airport’s preparedness for the commencement of its first commercial flight operation.
She noted that United Nigeria Airlines, which will fly from Abuja to Onueke Ebonyi State, will be carrying no fewer than 100 passengers who have already booked the flight. She added that the state governor subsidised the price of other airlines from N250, 000 to N100, 000 to enable the people to enjoy the good work of the state government.
“Instead of paying the huge amount of N250, 000 or N240, 000, Governor Nwifuru has reduced it to the extent that everyone can afford it. If you are going to Lagos from Onueke, you pay N100,000. If you are going to Abuja, you still pay N100,000.
“If you are coming from Abuja, the same N100,000 and if you are also coming from Lagos, you pay the same amount. And I’m sure he’s doing it just to celebrate his wonderful development stance and strategies since he came two years ago. Our governor has made air travel affordable. It’s a strategic move to celebrate the achievements of this two-year-old administration that has accomplished more than many would expect in two decades and the people are happy about that,” she said.
“Governor Nwifuru is giving the bonanza to enable people to know and be aware of the airport here equally. Our flight operations are going to be first come, first served, and we’ll be able to fill the 100-seater. People should not prolong their traveling because this is a chance—a chance of a lifetime. Things are not really smooth, but we are going to do it,” she added.
The commissioner emphasised that Ebonyi State is set to leverage the airport’s cargo facilities for international export of agricultural produce and solid minerals, including yams, rice, cassava, salt, and limestone.
“We are in talks with partners from Dubai and Canada to establish cargo flight arrangements. Ebonyi is ready for global trade,” she said.
She noted that the airport, which was initially inaugurated in 2023, experienced a temporary suspension of operations after regulatory agencies flagged issues with the runway. The runway has since been upgraded from concrete to asphalt following recommendations from aviation regulators.
“Today, those who once criticized our runway are now the ones applauding it. We’ve earned their confidence,” she added.
The commissioner lauded the aviation agencies—including NCAA, FAAN, and NAMA—for their guidance and confirmed that all operations remain under regulatory compliance. She revealed that the airport’s digital booking platform is currently 80% complete and expected to go live by October, allowing global access to its services.
Dr. Obichukwu encouraged citizens to take advantage of the subsidised fares and avoid last-minute travel plans. “This is a rare opportunity. The Friday Abuja flight is already nearly full. It’s strictly first come, first served.”
“This airport is not just for transport. It’s a gateway to transformation. Ebonyi is no longer a question mark on the development map—we are a bold exclamation.”
The commissioner reassured the media of continued transparency and engagement, describing journalists as “image makers,” while affirming their role in constructive criticism and public accountability. Ends.
