Travel News

Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah has declared that Enugu Air, the newly launched state-owned airline, will serve as a strategic hub to connect countries beyond its base in the state capital.

The Governor made this ambitious announcement during the inauguration of the airline’s maiden flight at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, on Monday.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mbah emphasised that Enugu Air is not just a domestic airline but part of a broader vision to position Enugu as a central aviation gateway to the South-East and a bridge between Nigeria and the rest of the world.

“Our goal is to make Enugu a connecting hub for travellers across Africa and internationally. Enugu Air will not only facilitate domestic travel but also serve as a critical link that connects countries to our base here in Enugu, boosting tourism, trade, and economic growth,” Mbah said.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, who officially flagged off the maiden flight, praised the initiative as a trailblazing move that reflects the power of sub-national vision.

Accompanied by top officials from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, and the Nigeria Airspace Management Authority, the Minister commended the Enugu State Government for investing in critical infrastructure that promotes economic integration and positions Nigeria as an emerging aviation hub.

He said, “This launch is more than symbolic. It shows how a state government can lead with vision and build the kind of infrastructure that connects Nigeria internally and externally.”

The airline, which will be operated by Xejet, begins with domestic routes, but the Governor plans to rapidly expand to regional and international destinations.

The PUNCH gathered that the airline’s operations are backed by a public-private partnership aimed at delivering safety, quality service, and long-term viability.

Although details of the partnership were still shrouded in secrecy at the time of filing this report, the Federal Ministry of Aviation reaffirmed its support for the venture, promising a regulatory environment that meets global standards and encourages innovation in the sector.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority has approved the commencement of domestic flight of the airline through a temporary partnership with XEJET, pending the conclusion of its Air Operator Certificate process.

The regulatory nod aligns with the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development’s 5-Point Agenda, which prioritises the growth of indigenous airlines, as well as the Director-General of Civil Aviation’s commitment to enhancing ease of doing business and deepening sectoral reforms.

In a statement issued by Achimugu, he said, “Enugu Air has designated XEJET as its operational partner pending the conclusion of its Air Operator Certificate process.

“XEJET has completed a full variation process to integrate the EMB 170 aircraft into its Operations Specifications, following NCAA’s rigorous five-phase certification procedure.

“As such, XEJET is duly authorised to operate scheduled commercial flights on behalf of Enugu Air under current NCAA guidelines.”

During this interim phase, passengers can book Enugu Air flights through the XEJET platform, which can be accessed via a redirect on Enugu Air’s official website.

Reaffirming its commitment to the aviation sector, the NCAA noted, “The NCAA remains committed to enabling a supportive regulatory environment for indigenous carriers, ensuring fair competition, and upholding the highest standards of safety, security, and consumer protection in Nigeria’s air transport industry.”

Enugu Air was launched by Governor Peter Mbah in July 2025 as part of a broader state-driven transport strategy aimed at positioning Enugu as a regional aviation hub. Starting with three Embraer aircraft on the Enugu–Abuja–Lagos “golden triangle,” the carrier intends to spur job creation, boost tourism, and improve connectivity for the diaspora and business community.

Governor Mbah said it would offer “simpler, more dignified access to home” and become “a giant leap for Enugu State; a gold standard for government and private partnership.”

Recognising that obtaining an AOC can take up to two years, Governor Mbah partnered with XEJET to accelerate launching operations.

Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo urged the state government and residents to run Enugu Air professionally, warning against political interference, bureaucracy, and the culture of free tickets.

He also promised to support the growth of the airline by facilitating the acquisition of additional aircraft.

Director-General of the NCAA, Chris Najomo, described the collaboration between XE Jet and Enugu Air as a seamless way for the state to enter the aviation sector.

He noted that the airline’s launch aligns with the NCAA’s dedication to promoting ease of doing business while upholding strict regulatory standards.