Enugu Air Launched in Nigeria

Nigeria’s Enugu State has launched its own airline, Enugu Air, as part of a drive to attract investment and transform the state into a regional hub for business and tourism.

The inaugural flight took place on Monday 7th July 2025 at Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, signalling what state governor, Peter Mbah, called a significant moment for the southeast region.

The carrier will start operations with a 17-year-old Embraer E190, on routes connecting Enugu to Abuja and Lagos.

“I had the honour of unveiling Enugu Air, our state-owned commercial airline – a bold step towards realising our vision of transforming Enugu into a regional aviation and economic powerhouse,” said Mbah.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, was also in attendance at the inauguration and warned for the airline not to have the same fate as Nigerian Airways which was liquidated: “Do not let Enugu Air go the way of Nigerian Airways. Run it professionally and do not let bureaucracy kill Enugu Air,” he said.

Mbah said the airline will start off with three Embraer aircraft and will first begin with Enugu to Abuja to Lagos before expanding to Port Harcourt, Owerri, Benin, Kano, and across various other cities.

“In the next phase, we will fly beyond Nigeria, into other African countries, China, Europe, UK, US, and other global business hubs,” he said.

Mbah said the venture was a model for effective public-private cooperation: “With our airline, we are opening doors to a sector that once felt out of reach. Enugu Air has given more wings to our dreams, and today we take that first flight together.”