Historic Milestone As First Commercial Flight Lands At Wilberforce Chuba Okadigbo Airport In Ebonyi.
Ebonyi State celebrated a landmark achievement as the Wilberforce Chuba Okadigbo International Airport in Onueke welcomed its first commercial flight on Friday, 13 June, at precisely 10:30 a.m. Operated by United Nigeria Airlines, the aircraft, bearing registration number 5N-8WV, touched down from Abuja, marking the official commencement of commercial operations at the long-awaited facility. This historic event signals a transformative step in Ebonyi’s journey towards enhanced connectivity and economic growth.
Passengers aboard the inaugural flight expressed overwhelming joy at being part of the occasion. Emmanuel Nwafor, one of the travellers, described the landing as “a dream come true,” highlighting the state’s significant investment in the airport. “The flight was smooth, with no turbulence, and the landing was flawless. Today, history has been made,” he said. Professor Chigozie Ogbu, a former deputy governor, praised the airport’s runway as “one of the best in the country,” adding, “Ebonyi State has arrived.” Chief Elias Mbam, former Chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission, who boarded a return flight to Abuja, lauded the airport’s facilities and urged authorities to ensure regular flight schedules.
The Commissioner for Aviation and Transport Technology, Dr Ngozi Obichukwu, hailed the achievement as a testament to Governor Francis Nwifuru’s vision for transforming Ebonyi into an economic hub. She announced that United Nigeria Airlines would operate flights to Abuja on Mondays and Lagos on Fridays, with tickets subsidised to a flat rate of ₦100,000—less than half the typical fare—to make air travel accessible. “This airport is not just for transport; it’s a gateway to transformation,” Obichukwu declared, noting plans to leverage the airport’s cargo facilities for international exports of agricultural produce and minerals, such as yams, rice, cassava, salt, and limestone, with discussions underway with partners in Dubai and Canada.
The airport’s journey to this milestone has not been without challenges. Initially inaugurated in 2023 under former Governor David Umahi, operations were halted due to issues with the concrete runway, which was subsequently upgraded to asphalt at a cost of over ₦20 billion, following recommendations from aviation regulators. The successful rehabilitation, coupled with six months of charter test flights, has earned praise from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), and Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA). “Those who once criticised our runway are now applauding it,” Obichukwu noted.
The commencement of commercial flights is expected to boost tourism, trade, and investment in Ebonyi and the wider southeast region. Governor Nwifuru’s administration has also approved plans to acquire four aircraft to establish Ebonyi Airline, with investors expressing interest in providing three additional planes. The state’s digital booking platform, currently 80% complete, is set to launch by October, further enhancing global access to the airport’s services.
Engr Henry Awuregu, a Federal Commissioner of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission, who was among the passengers, described the runway as world-class, stating, “I’ve travelled far and wide, and you can’t get a better runway anywhere.” Social media posts on X echoed the excitement, with users hailing the event as a proud moment for Ebonyi and commending the state’s investment in infrastructure.
As Ebonyi steps boldly onto the national and international aviation map, the Wilberforce Chuba Okadigbo International Airport stands as a symbol of progress, breaking the state’s historical economic marginalisation and opening new doors for global trade and connectivity.
