Ejiro Efenudu
Enugu State has officially launched its long-anticipated commercial airline, Enugu Air, marking a significant milestone in the state’s drive to become a major aviation and economic hub in Nigeria. The launch ceremony, held at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu, featured top dignitaries including the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, SAN, who served as the Special Guest of Honour.
The new airline is a flagship initiative under Governor Peter Mbah’s administration, which has consistently emphasized a modern, multimodal transport system as part of its development blueprint. The government described the launch as a bold leap towards transforming Enugu into a nexus of regional trade, travel, and investment.
In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Obi Ozor, the government announced that Enugu Air will begin operations with an initial fleet of three Embraer aircraft — comprising E170 and E190 series. The aircraft models were carefully selected for their reliability, fuel efficiency, passenger comfort, and their adaptability to regional flight demands.
“Enugu Air is more than a new airline; it’s a declaration of a new era,” Dr. Ozor said. “With a strong foundation of innovation and sustainability, we are ready to redefine air travel, instill pride, and elevate Enugu’s prominence on the national and global stage.”
The airline’s inaugural routes will establish a “golden triangle” with Enugu at the center, connecting Lagos and Abuja, Nigeria’s two largest cities. Expansion plans are already underway to include other key destinations such as Port Harcourt, Owerri, Benin, and Kano, with future prospects of reaching destinations across West Africa.
Dr. Ozor added that Enugu Air is not only a logistical project but also an economic catalyst. “This is about job creation, tourism growth, faster business travel, and a more connected Southeastern Nigeria. Enugu is open for business in the skies.”
The airline’s launch aligns with Governor Mbah’s broader economic strategy aimed at diversifying the state’s revenue base, improving infrastructure, and positioning Enugu as a competitive player in national and regional aviation.
The ceremony was attended by federal and state government officials, traditional leaders, investors, aviation experts, and enthusiastic members of the public, all celebrating the birth of a new era in Enugu’s transportation history.
With the introduction of Enugu Air, Enugu State has now joined the league of Nigerian states investing in their own aviation assets — a move expected to set the pace for regional development, improved air access, and increased socio-economic impact across the Southeast.
As the countdown ends, the first Enugu Air aircraft is expected to lift off later today, marking not just a flight, but a fresh chapter for the state and the country.
Enugu Air is ready for takeoff.
