By Isaac Mission
The Ebonyi State Government says it is taking steps to commence scheduled commercial flights at the Chuba Okadigbo International Airport, Onueke, following an assessment of the facility and efforts to address remaining operational challenges.
The state is also considering the acquisition of aircraft as part of plans to establish full-fledged commercial airline operations at the airport.
The Commissioner for Transport and Aviation, Collins Igboke, disclosed this after leading aviation stakeholders on an inspection of the airport and its ongoing projects.
Igboke said the inspection was aimed at identifying unfinished works and other issues that must be resolved before the facility can support regular commercial passenger operations.
According to him, about 90 per cent of the airport project has been completed, although some sections require remedial attention.
He explained that heavy rainfall had caused damage to parts of the facility, while some infrastructure had also been affected by vandalism.
“We are here to compile a definitive inventory of all outstanding works at the Chuba Okadigbo International Airport to ensure their swift completion,” the commissioner said.
Igboke expressed confidence that commercial flights would begin soon, urging prospective passengers and residents to exercise patience as the government completes the necessary preparations.
He said the findings from the inspection would be compiled into a technical report and forwarded to Governor Francis Nwifuru for further action.
The commissioner added that the administration would not open the airport to scheduled passenger services until all relevant regulatory requirements and approvals had been secured.
Airport expected to boost Ebonyi economy
The government believes the airport's full operation could provide a major boost to economic activity and increase the state's internally generated revenue.
The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transport and Aviation, Frederick Nwogbaga, said the government was eager to commence operations but would continue to comply with requirements established by the Federal Ministry of Aviation and other relevant regulators.
He explained that although the airport currently handles limited operations, scheduled passenger services require additional statutory approvals and technical certification.
Nwogbaga said work was ongoing to address water-related damage identified during the inspection while officials continued to complete the regulatory checklist.
Airport targets final NCAA certification
The General Manager of the Chuba Okadigbo International Airport, Anazo Kalu, said the facility has several advantages that could support its development into a major aviation hub.
Kalu highlighted the airport's runway, which he described as one of the longest in Nigeria and capable of accommodating wide-body aircraft.
He added that the air traffic control equipment and elevators were operational, while a temporary control tower was currently being used for interim air services.
According to him, the next major step will be inviting the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to carry out a final technical verification once the outstanding works are completed.
He said obtaining the airport's Aerodrome Certificate would represent the final regulatory approval needed before scheduled passenger, baggage, cargo and mail services could begin.
Kalu said Governor Nwifuru remained committed to completing the project and expressed optimism that the remaining technical and regulatory requirements would soon be fulfilled.