Flight between Enugu and Guangzhou to begin December, says Mbah

Business, Economy & Policy

ENUGU, Nigeria (NPA) — Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah has reaffirmed his administration’s vision to transform Enugu into a leading aviation and logistics hub in West Africa, following plans to commence direct cargo flights between Enugu and Guangzhou, China, by December 2026.

Mbah said the initiative, being pursued in collaboration with the Federal Government and other stakeholders, would unlock new trade opportunities for businesses across the South-East and strengthen the region’s position in global commerce.

“What began as a vision to transform Enugu into a premier aviation and logistics hub is steadily becoming reality,” the governor said.

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“Working closely with the Federal Government and our partners, we are advancing plans to commence direct cargo flights between Enugu and Guangzhou, China, by December.”

According to him, the new route will ease logistics challenges, improve supply chains and create faster access to international markets for businesses in the region.

“This strategic connection will open new trade opportunities for businesses across the South-East, reduce logistics bottlenecks and strengthen our region’s position in global commerce,” Mbah added.

The governor said the initiative forms part of broader efforts by his administration to build critical infrastructure that supports enterprise, attracts investment, creates jobs and accelerates economic growth.

He cited the recent launch of Enugu Air and the ongoing upgrade of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport as key components of the state’s long-term economic transformation strategy.

Earlier, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, disclosed that the Federal Government and Enugu State were finalising arrangements for the commencement of direct cargo flight operations between Enugu and Guangzhou.

According to the minister, the service will enable South-East traders and importers to consolidate shipments in China and transport them directly into Enugu, significantly reducing delivery times and logistics costs.

“Just two days ago, the Enugu governor and I were actively negotiating the first direct cargo flight from Guangzhou, China, straight into Enugu. We are targeting December for the maiden flight,” Keyamo said.

“This will allow our South-East merchants and traders in China to consolidate their goods into unified cargo accounts twice a week, flying straight into Enugu for seamless delivery to commercial hubs such as Onitsha and Aba.”

The initiative is expected to boost trade activities, enhance cargo handling capacity at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport and further position Enugu as a major gateway for commerce and investment in the South-East.