The Ebonyi State Government has announced the commencement of full commercial flight operations at the Wilberforce Chuba Okadigbo International Airport in Onueke. After a successful rehabilitation of the runway and six months of charter test flights, the airport is set to welcome scheduled commercial flights starting June 13.
United Nigeria Airlines will operate flights from Onueke to Abuja and Lagos, with flights to Abuja on Mondays and Lagos on Fridays, twice a week. The Commissioner for Aviation and Technology, Dr. Ngozi Obichukwu, revealed that the state government has subsidized ticket prices to a flat rate of ₦100,000 for both routes, making air travel more affordable for citizens.
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This move is part of the governor’s efforts to boost economic development in the state and make air travel accessible to more people. Dr. Obichukwu emphasized that the airport’s cargo facilities will also be leveraged for international export of agricultural produce and solid minerals, including yams, rice, cassava, salt, and limestone.
The state government is in talks with partners from Dubai and Canada to establish cargo flight arrangements, positioning Ebonyi for global trade. The commissioner lauded aviation agencies, including NCAA, FAAN, and NAMA, for their guidance and confirmed that all operations remain under regulatory compliance.
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, as the Friday Abuja flight is already nearly full.
The commissioner highlighted the strategic importance of the airport in addressing the historical economic marginalization of Ebonyi State, describing it as a “gateway to transformation.” She reassured the media of continued transparency and engagement, acknowledging their role in constructive criticism and public accountability.
With the airport’s full operation, Ebonyi State is poised for economic growth and development, and the state government is committed to ensuring that the airport serves as a catalyst for progress. As Dr. Obichukwu put it, “Ebonyi is no longer a question mark on the development map,we are a bold exclamation.”
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