Enugu State recently made aviation history as Governor Peter Mbah unveiled Enugu Air, the nation’s second state-owned airline and the first in the South-East, at Akanu Ibiam International Airport on July 7, 2025—joining Ibom Air, established by Akwa Ibom in 2019 .
Opening with three Embraer jets serving the “golden triangle” of Enugu–Abuja–Lagos, officials insist expansion plans include domestic destinations like Port Harcourt and Kano—and even international routes spanning Africa, Europe, and North America .
Governor Mbah touted the airline as an engine for youth empowerment, job creation, and enhanced investor connectivity. “This isn’t a prestige project—it belongs to traders, students, investors… our people,” he declared, positioning Enugu Air as a catalyst for state-led economic transformation .
Federal Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo, present at the launch, lauded Mbah’s persistence and urged professional management to avoid the pitfalls that doomed past ventures like Nigeria Airways .
Local stakeholders hailed the move as visionary. Leaders from Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council called it a “landmark”, highlighting potential job creation and regional economic growth , while traditional chiefs praised it as a catalyst for investment and connectivity .
However, aviation experts are divided: some warn about stagnant passenger demand outside Lagos; questions are being raised on the need for a full-scale airline versus airport infrastructure upgrades . Critics also argue the governor should prioritise basic infrastructure like potable water over costly aviation projects .
Public affairs voices emphasize that Enugu Air’s success hinges on shunning political patronage, enforcing merit-based operations, and protecting it from bureaucracy—citing Ethiopian Airlines as a model for public enterprise success .
