The Ebonyi State Government has announced the commencement of commercial flight operations at the Chuba Okadigbo International Airport, Onueke. The much-anticipated service will be operated by United Nigeria Airlines and is officially set to take off on June 13, 2025.
This groundbreaking partnership between Ebonyi State and United Nigeria Airlines marks a significant milestone for the state’s aviation sector, and it places Ebonyi on the national aviation map for the first time. According to the State Commissioner for Aviation and Transport Technology, Mrs. Ngozi Obichukwu, the launch will see flights connecting the state capital to both Abuja and Lagos on dedicated dates in June, with plans for continued regular operations.
Mrs. Obichukwu confirmed in a statement issued to journalists in Abakaliki that flights from Abuja to Onueke and back will commence on June 13, while flights on the Lagos-Onueke route will begin on June 18. These routes will provide a crucial link for business, travel, and tourism between Ebonyi and Nigeria’s major commercial cities.
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She added that the scheduled flights will continue on Mondays and Fridays thereafter, serving as a consistent and reliable travel option for both residents and visitors. At the moment, online ticket bookings are not yet available as the airport is undergoing final regulatory processes. However, the ministry assured that once cleared by aviation authorities, digital bookings will be introduced for passenger convenience.
In a bid to make air travel affordable, the state government disclosed that the initial ticket cost has been fixed at N100,000 for a one-way flight between Abuja and Onueke. The same rate applies to return flights from Onueke to Abuja. With regulatory bodies closely monitoring operations to ensure safety and compliance, the launch sets a new benchmark for infrastructure development in the South-East region.
The announcement has generated excitement among Ebonyi residents and aviation stakeholders, who view this partnership as a bold step towards expanding the state’s economic potential and enhancing its accessibility. The state government has reiterated its commitment to maintaining global standards in aviation safety and customer service as the airport transitions into full commercial operations.
