By Isaac Mission
Aviation stakeholders have praised the investments made by the governments of Enugu and Akwa Ibom States in their respective airline and airport projects, saying the initiatives are expanding Nigeria’s domestic aviation market, opening up underserved routes, and stimulating economic growth.
Industry experts noted that the establishment of Enugu Air and Ibom Air has brought significant capital into the aviation sector while improving regional connectivity and creating new opportunities for businesses and travellers.
They also pointed to the employment impact of both airlines, saying hundreds of jobs have been created for pilots, engineers, cabin crew, technicians and other aviation professionals across the country.
Akwa Ibom State has strengthened its aviation infrastructure by upgrading its airport, recently renamed the Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, following its designation as an international airport. The state-owned Ibom Air now operates from the facility as its main hub, with regional expansion plans already underway.
Similarly, the Enugu State Government recently launched Enugu Air, which obtained its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) through its partnership with Xejet. The airline operates from the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, where ongoing airport development and management under Aero Alliance are expected to support its long-term growth.
Analysts believe the emergence of the two carriers could gradually reduce the industry's heavy dependence on the Lagos-Abuja-Port Harcourt route by opening new destinations that have historically received limited air services.
Travel and tourism expert, Ambassador Ikechi Uko, said private airlines naturally focus on profitable routes, leaving many domestic destinations underserved. He explained that state-backed airlines are better positioned to invest in developing new routes that may not generate immediate profits but could become commercially viable over time.
Drawing comparisons with the defunct Nigeria Airways, Uko noted that the national carrier connected virtually every airport in the country regardless of profitability, adding that airlines such as Ethiopian Airlines continue to adopt a similar approach by prioritising national connectivity.
According to him, Enugu Air and Ibom Air have the opportunity to fill existing gaps in Nigeria’s aviation network by providing regular services to destinations that currently receive little or no commercial flights.
He also observed that Nigeria's underdeveloped general aviation sector has left many smaller airports and airstrips without adequate connectivity, creating another opportunity for both airlines to expand into untapped markets.
Former Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka, also described the launch of Enugu Air as an example of how strategic government investment can stimulate economic activity and create new business opportunities.
He cited the increasing passenger traffic at the Enugu airport as evidence that the state's aviation strategy is already yielding results, noting that the presence of multiple airlines operating full flights reflects growing confidence among travellers.
Chidoka commended the Enugu State Government for investing in aviation infrastructure, arguing that government intervention remains essential for economic growth, especially in sectors requiring significant long-term capital.
Meanwhile, Ibom Air's Executive Director, George Uriesi, said the airline plans to position Uyo as a regional aviation hub linking West and Central Africa. While ruling out immediate expansion to Europe or North America, he said the airline has already begun strengthening its African network with flights to Accra.
Enugu Air has also attracted international attention by participating in the ongoing Farnborough International Air Show in the United Kingdom. The airline's presence aligns with Governor Peter Mbah's vision of transforming Enugu into a leading aviation, business and investment destination through sustained investment in airport infrastructure and commercial aviation.
Industry observers, however, cautioned that although several states have ventured into the airline business over the years, long-term sustainability remains the biggest challenge. They noted that Enugu and Akwa Ibom have distinguished themselves by investing not only in airlines but also in the supporting airport infrastructure needed to expand routes, improve connectivity, create employment and drive regional economic development.
