Ebonyi State’s International Airport awaits NCAA approval
The Ebonyi State government has made significant strides in preparing the Chuba Okadigbo International Airport for commercial operations, with only one final step remaining: approval from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). This milestone comes after extensive investment and remediation work on the airport’s runway, which now meets international standards and is poised to handle large-scale commercial flights.
At the forefront of this development is Dr. (Mrs.) Ngozi Obichukwu, the Commissioner for Aviation and Transport Technology in Ebonyi State. Speaking at the ninth edition of the Airport Business Summit & Expo in Lagos, Dr. Obichukwu provided a comprehensive update on the airport’s progress. She highlighted the state’s substantial investment in the remediation of the 3.1-kilometer runway, which has been fully resurfaced to ensure durability and safety.
“The runway now boasts a utility timeline of over a century,” Dr. Obichukwu stated, emphasizing the meticulous efforts to bring the facility up to international standards. The state’s commitment to this project was further underscored by the government’s approval in September 2023 of a significant budget for the runway’s rehabilitation. This project was entrusted to an Infrastructure Development Company with an ambitious delivery timeline of eight months.
The journey to making Chuba Okadigbo International Airport operational has not been without its challenges. When the airport was initially completed, the runway’s slippery surface presented safety concerns that hindered flight operations. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Ebonyi State Governor intervened, mandating an upgrade to ensure the runway met the stringent requirements of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the NCAA.
Dr. Obichukwu detailed the upgrade process, noting that the runway was completed on July 30th to meet international standards. The upgraded runway, which now features a concrete base and an asphalt finish, is robust enough to accommodate the simultaneous landing of three Boeing 747 aircraft—an impressive feat that underscores the scale of the state’s ambition.
“The runway, now marked and ready, can support large-scale commercial operations,” she affirmed. However, the commencement of flight operations hinges on the NCAA’s final inspection and subsequent approval, which the state eagerly awaits.
The anticipation surrounding the commencement of commercial flights at Chuba Okadigbo International Airport is palpable. Once the NCAA grants the necessary approvals, the airport is expected to significantly boost economic activities in Ebonyi State and the surrounding regions. The airport’s readiness marks a crucial step in the state’s broader development agenda, aimed at enhancing connectivity and fostering economic growth.
The successful operation of the airport is also seen as a potential catalyst for attracting investment and tourism to the region. With a runway capable of handling large aircraft, Ebonyi State is positioning itself as a key player in Nigeria’s aviation sector, potentially serving as a hub for both domestic and international flights.
The announcement of Chuba Okadigbo International Airport’s readiness was made at a significant industry event—the Airport Business Summit & Expo—where key stakeholders gathered to discuss the future of Nigeria’s aviation sector. The event, convened by Mr. Fortune Idu, has established itself as the largest indigenous platform for the exchange of ideas and strategies aimed at improving airport performance and harnessing investment opportunities.
This year’s summit, themed “Addressing Airport Viability as a Key to Successful Aviation Business Ambition,” resonated with the ongoing efforts to revamp Nigeria’s aviation sector under the economic plan of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. The theme highlighted the critical importance of making airports not just functional, but financially viable, thereby contributing to the broader economic goals of the nation.
One of the key discussions at the summit centered on the increasing involvement of state governments in the establishment and management of airports. As more states, including Niger, Anambra, Yobe, Ogun, and of course, Ebonyi, invest in airport infrastructure, the question of how to make these projects financially sustainable has become increasingly pertinent.
Mr. Idu pointed out that the summit provided a platform for states to engage in conversations about driving revenue streams from both aeronautical and non-aeronautical sources. These discussions are crucial for ensuring that new airports do not become financial burdens but instead serve as engines of economic growth.
He further emphasized the importance of airport managers taking ownership of their facilities, ensuring they are managed efficiently and with a focus on long-term viability. The insights gained from industry experts at the summit are expected to inform strategies for financial liberalization, operational efficiency, and the overall success of these airports.
Looking ahead, the summit also laid the groundwork for a broader international campaign aimed at promoting Nigeria’s aviation sector. The Nigerian Air Transport Investment Marketing (NATIM) programme, with a focus on airports like Chuba Okadigbo International Airport, aims to attract global investment and enhance the profile of Nigeria’s air transport infrastructure.
This initiative is seen as a critical step in positioning Nigeria as a competitive player in the global aviation market. By showcasing the country’s modernized airports and the potential for growth in the sector, NATIM seeks to draw in both foreign and domestic investors, thereby accelerating the development of Nigeria’s aviation industry.
As Ebonyi State awaits the NCAA’s final approval for the commencement of commercial flights, the state stands on the brink of a new era of economic growth and development. The substantial investment in Chuba Okadigbo International Airport reflects the state’s commitment to creating a modern, efficient, and safe aviation hub that will serve as a gateway to the region.
The successful operation of the airport is expected to unlock new opportunities for trade, tourism, and investment, driving economic progress in Ebonyi and beyond. With the runway now ready and capable of handling large-scale commercial operations, the state is well-positioned to make a significant impact on Nigeria’s aviation landscape.
As the final inspection by the NCAA approaches, the excitement builds not just in Ebonyi State but across the aviation industry, which eagerly anticipates the inauguration of what promises to be one of Nigeria’s most modern and capable airports. The story of Chuba Okadigbo International Airport is one of determination, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of excellence—a story that is set to take flight as soon as the regulatory green light is given.
