Nigeria gets another airline with state-backed Enugu Air
July 8, 2025
Nigeria’s Enugu State has launched its own airline, Enugu Air, as part of a drive to attract investment and transform the state into a regional hub for business and tourism.
The inaugural flight took place on Monday at Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, signalling what state governor, Peter Mbah, called a significant moment for the southeast region.
The carrier will start operations with a 17 year-old Embraer E190, on routes connecting Enugu to Abuja and Lagos.
It comes as Nigeria’s aviation industry continues to grow.
Speaking at the launch event, Mbah said: “It is an honour to stand before you today, not only as a governor but as a fellow believer in the power of vision.
“We began this journey with no empty promises. Among the key objectives we outlined upon assuming office was the pledge to make Enugu the premier destination for investments, living, and tourism in Nigeria. Today, we are witnessing a clear pathway to that goal.”
Enugu Air: International expansion?
Mbah also outlined ambitions for Enugu Air to expand internationally.
“We’re starting off with three Embraer aircraft – efficient elegant birds made for our terrain,” he added.
“Our routes begin with a powerful golden triangle: Enugu to Abuja to Lagos. From there, we stretch our wings to Port Harcourt, Owerri, Benin, Kano, and across various other cities.
“But we are not stopping there. In the next phase, we will fly beyond Nigeria, into other African countries, China, Europe, UK, US, and other global business hubs.”
Mbah said the venture was a model for effective public-private cooperation: “With our airline, we are opening doors to a sector that once felt out of reach. Enugu Air has given more wings to our dreams, and today we take that first flight together.”
