Enugu Air soars as Governor Mbah secures Air Operator Certificate

Africa, Business, Cityscope, Politics

Lagos, Nigeria (NPA) — March 11, 2026 — The Enugu State Governor, Dr Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, has announced a breakthrough for the state-owned airline, Enugu Air, as it received its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

The certificate was formally presented to Governor Mbah at the Government House, Lion Building, Enugu, by the Commissioner for Transport, Dr Obi Ozor, on March 9, 2026.

In a statement, Governor Mbah described the milestone as a transformative step for Enugu’s aviation ambitions. “This milestone is more than a regulatory approval; it is a strategic step in our broader vision to transform Enugu into a premier aviation hub in Nigeria and West Africa,” he said. 

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He emphasised that the AOC would enable Enugu Air to expand into new destinations, boost tourism, and stimulate economic growth through job creation and investment.

Governor Mbah further noted that aviation is central to his administration’s “Tomorrow is Here” agenda, linking transport, commerce, tourism, and logistics to unlock Enugu’s full potential. With the AOC secured, Enugu Air is now positioned to enter Nigeria’s aviation landscape as a reliable carrier connecting the Southeast to key national and international routes.

Established in July 2025, Enugu Air is Nigeria’s second state-owned airline after Ibom Air. Headquartered at Akanu Ibiam International Airport, the carrier is designed to strengthen regional connectivity and drive economic transformation in the entire Southeast of Nigeria.