Olufemi Adeyemi
The Chuba Okadigbo Airport in Ebonyi State has been completed and is set to commence flight operations in August.EBONYI State Government has announced the successful
completion of the rehabilitation project at Chuba Okadigbo International
Airport. Flight operations are anticipated to commence in August of this year.
Ebonyi State Commissioner for Aviation and Transport
Technology, Ngozi Obichukwu, informed reporters at the airport that the state
government has finalized plans to acquire four aircraft (branded as
Ebonyiairline) to facilitate the airport’s successful launch.
The airport rehabilitation project, reportedly costing
approximately N42 billion, was undertaken by the David Umahi-led administration
and was considered complete. However, flight operations at the airport remain
suspended due to the poor condition of its concrete runway..
As a result, the current State Government had to invest over
N20 billion in the airport to make it operational. The rehabilitation work on
the runway has been completed, and flight operations will commence shortly, as
confirmed by the Commissioner.
Obichukwu went on to say that investors have already
expressed interest in providing the state with an additional three aircraft.
She expressed optimism that the airport would enhance the state’s economic
standing and serve as a global showcase for Ebonyi.
“We anticipate the commencement of our aircraft operations
in the near future. Upon the initiation of flight operations at the airport, we
have secured additional investment for the acquisition of three additional
aircraft. The terms of this agreement have been finalized, and the process of
acquiring these aircraft will commence shortly.
“Allow me to inform you that our esteemed Governor is deeply
committed to the arrival of our aircraft. We are thrilled to announce the
simultaneous launch of four planes, creating a momentous occasion that will
undoubtedly capture everyone’s attention. The Governor’s vision is to transform
this airport into a thriving economic hub for the entire Southeast region.
She conveyed her delight upon the runway’s completion and
disclosed that flight operations at the airport were anticipated to commence in
August of this year.