The Ebonyi State government on Monday, September 30, 2024, said that flight operations at the Chuba Okadigbo Airport Onueke are expected to commence in November.
Ngozi Obichukwu, the Ebonyi State Commissioner for Aviation said this while briefing the governor, Francis Nwifuru, during his inspection of the facility.
The inspection was part of activities to mark the state’s 28th anniversary.
Mrs Obichukwu said that the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) had inspected the airport’s runway which was the only aspect delaying the commencement of flight operations.
“The 3.1 kilometre runway which can accommodate five aircraft at a time was asphalted by the present administration in the state.
“The airport had earlier commenced operations but most aircraft could not cope with the runway due to non-asphalting of the concrete basement used in constructing it.
“We, however, commenced the asphalting of the runway in October 2023 and completed it on July 8, 2024,” she said.
She said the NCAA had inspected the runway and was expected to approve flight operations by November.
“We commend Governor Nwifuru for fulfilling his promise of rehabilitating the runway which is one of the best in the country.
“We however regret that the engineer who oversaw the rehabilitation of the runway died,” she said.
Mr Nwifuru applauded the timely completion of the project noting that there were several improvements from the last time he visited.
The governor, represented by his Deputy, Patricia Obila, said that billions of naira had been spent on the project and the state was expecting to reap its due reward.
“This is one of the best airports around the world and we pray that no life will be lost in the facility.
“I thank all those who contributed to the realisation of this dream as you have all written your names in gold,” he said.
He urged the commissioner to submit a proposal for the naming of the project’s late lead engineer, after one of the airport’s plazas.
The airport was inaugurated by former President Muhammadu Buhari during the administration of David Umahi.
Flight operations at the facility were, however, suspended due to the flaws in the construction of its runway.
