The government of Ebonyi State has announced that flight operations at Chuba Okadigbo Airport in Onueke are set to resume in November, following extensive rehabilitation of the facility.

During a briefing with Governor Francis Nwifuru, who was inspecting the airport in celebration of the state’s 28th anniversary, Mrs. Ngozi Obichukwu, the State Commissioner for Aviation, made this announcement.

Obichukwu noted that the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) recently carried out an inspection of the airport’s runway, which has been the main reason for the delay in resuming flight operations.

“The 3.1-kilometre runway, designed to accommodate five aircraft at once, was asphalted by the current administration,” she explained. The airport, which was inaugurated by former President Muhammadu Buhari during Senator David Umahi’s tenure, encountered operational difficulties due to significant flaws in the runway’s construction.

Although the airport initially began operations, complications arose due to the runway issues. “Most aircraft struggled with the runway because the concrete base used in its construction was not asphalted,” Obichukwu stated. In response, the state government initiated the asphalting of the runway in October 2023, completing the project on July 8, 2024.

After the NCAA’s inspection, Obichukwu expressed optimism that approval for flight operations would be granted by November. She praised Governor Nwifuru for his commitment to rehabilitating the runway, which she referred to as one of the finest in Nigeria. “We are saddened by the passing of the engineer who oversaw the runway’s rehabilitation,” she added.

Governor Nwifuru, through Deputy Governor Patricia Obila, commended the timely completion of the project, highlighting the advancements made since his last inspection of the facility. 

“Significant investments amounting to billions of naira have been directed towards this project, and we expect the state to benefit accordingly,” he stated. He emphasized the airport's potential to be recognized among the world's best and expressed optimism for the safety and security of all users of the facility.

Additionally, Nwifuru proposed that one of the airport's plazas be named in memory of the late lead engineer, acknowledging his vital contributions to the project. This initiative demonstrates the administration's dedication to honoring those who play a crucial role in the state's progress.

Flight operations at the airport had been halted due to construction issues with the runway. The imminent resumption of services marks a significant positive shift for the state's aviation industry and its overall economic environment.