History was made in Enugu on Monday, July 7, 2025, as Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah officially launched Enugu Air, a state-owned airline positioned to drive investment, open up tourism, and make Enugu the top aviation and economic hub in southeastern Nigeria. The launch ceremony held at Akanu Ibiam International Airport was attended by top dignitaries, investors, and members of the public, marking what Mbah called “a turning point in our journey as a people.”
The inaugural flight of Enugu Air departed amid thunderous applause, with the aircraft proudly bearing the state’s crest and colors. Governor Mbah, addressing the crowd with palpable excitement, declared, “This is not just an airline—it is a symbol of confidence, capacity, and the future of Ndi Enugu.” He described the launch as a bold signal to the world that Enugu is now open for business like never before.
Coming just weeks after his administration celebrated its two-year anniversary in office, Mbah noted that Enugu Air was not a campaign gimmick but a tangible proof of his promise to build enablers for enterprise. “We began this journey with vision and commitment, not empty promises. This airline is a gift to Ndi Enugu and a platform for prosperity,” he said.
The governor emphasized that the airline will complement the ongoing concessioning of Akanu Ibiam International Airport and serve both domestic and regional routes to drive trade, create jobs, and attract investment. The initiative also aligns with his broader transformation agenda which includes tech-driven governance, industrial parks, and infrastructure expansion across the state.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, who also addressed the gathering, cleared the air on recent controversy surrounding the Enugu airport. “We are not selling the airport—we are concessioning it to world-class investors to boost efficiency and economic potential,” he said. He affirmed that the move is backed by the Presidency, FAAN, and the National Assembly.
Keyamo also revealed that the airport’s cargo terminal will be revamped to allow direct export of goods from Enugu to international markets. “This is how you create jobs. This is how you grow a state’s GDP. And this is why I must commend Governor Mbah for pushing private sector participation aggressively,” he added.
With Enugu Air now operational and plans for a cargo-driven economic corridor underway, the state is expected to become a regional powerhouse for trade, tourism, and transport in Nigeria. Many analysts already describe it as one of the boldest moves by a subnational government in decades.
