Airport: Ebonyi State Govt Awaits Final Approval and FG Take Over, Management

The Ebonyi State International Airport is nearing completion and is set to commence operations soon.

The Ebonyi State Commissioner for Aviation, Transport, and Technology, Dr. Ngozi Obichukwu announced this during a chat with newsmen at the ongoing Airport Business Summit and Exhibition in Lagos.

According to her, while initial flight operations commenced last year after the airport’s completion, challenges arose due to the slippery nature of the concrete runway. 

Dr. Obichukwu said, the state government, in collaboration with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the issue was rectified.

The Ebonyi Commissioner explained that, the runway has been upgraded to international standards, including the application of asphalt and appropriate markings and expressed confidence in the runway’s durability.

“The marking had already been done. And like I said before, it is a runway that can last more than 100 years because of the base and we are good to go. We are only waiting for some approvals to commence flight. The length of the runway is 3 .1 kilometer, and the capacity we can have, Boeing 747, 737, anything Boeing”. 

“We can have it landing there comfortably three at a time, and that should tell you the number of passengers that can come. Over 1000 passengers we are comfortable with it”, she added.

Dr. Obichukwu said, the state government is currently awaiting final approval from the NCAA to commence full flight operations and discussions are ongoing with the Federal Ministry of Aviation for the eventual takeover of the airport.

“Intentionally right now we are liaising with the Federal Ministry of Aviation for the takeover of the airport and the refund of the capital expenses so far done, and we have gotten to a good stage where we are now handing over to them and they will take over even the staff”.

She emphasized that Ebonyi State remains committed to the aviation sector, as evidenced by the establishment of an aviation aeronautical university adjacent to the airport. 

The Ebonyi Commissioner clarified that the state government is not selling the airport but is open to a partnership with the federal government for its management.

Dr. Obichukwu expressed optimism about the airport’s potential to boost economic growth and development in the state.