The Ebonyi State Commissioner for Aviation and Transport Technology, Mrs. Ngozi Obichukwu, has described as a huge success the first commercial flight operations of the Chuba Okadigbo Airport, which will commence on Friday, 13th June 2025, with the sale of over 100 seats.
Mrs. Obichukwu made the disclosure while interacting with journalists on the preparedness for the commencement of the first commercial flight operation of the Airport. She noted that the United Nigeria Airlines which will fly in from Abuja to Onueke Ebonyi State would be carrying not fewer that 100 passengers who has already booked the flight, adding that the State Governor subsidized the price from N250, 000 by other Airlines to N100, 000 to enable the people 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 Naira. 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.
According to her, “Governor Nwifuru is giving the bonanza to enable people equally know and be aware of the airport here. Our flight operations are going to be first come, first serve, we’ll be able to have the 100-seater filled up. People should not prolong their traveling because this is a chance. This is a chance of a lifetime. Things are not really smooth, but we are going to do it.”
The commissioner emphasized 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 subsidized 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.
