….passenger comfort, robust Security assured… MD/CEO
As the Enugu Airport temporarily shuts down for runway repairs, Chinua Achebe International Cargo and Passenger Airport, Umueri, in Anambra State, is stepping up to fill the gap.
With the airport’s modern facilities, operational readiness, and strategic positioning, Managing Director/CEO Mr. Martins Nwafor has assured travellers and airlines alike that the airport is fully prepared to handle the anticipated surge in traffic.
Chinua Achebe International Airport, named after the literary icon and inaugurated in 2021, is now a hub of bustling activity as diverted flights begin arriving.
Mr. Nwafor disclosed that the airport has already begun accommodating United Nigeria Airlines’ early morning operations and is expecting increased frequency from Air Peace, the airport’s pioneer operator.
Discussions with several other airlines, including Ibom Air, ValuJet, Rano Air, and Overland are also ongoing, with incentives such as free office space and collaborative marketing efforts being offered to encourage their operations.
Here’s what makes the Anambra-based airport ready to receive diverted flights:
Infrastructure & Runway: With a 3.7 km long and 45-meter wide runway, the second longest in Nigeria, the airport can handle large aircraft including the Boeing 747-800 series. It also features a spacious tarmac capable of accommodating nine such wide-body jets simultaneously.
Modern Navigation Aids: The airport is equipped with a fully functional instrument landing system (ILS), a DVOR (rated among the top in Nigeria), PAPI lights, approach and runway edge lighting, and other navigational aids that support all-weather operations, day or night.
Passenger Comfort: To manage the expected increase in traffic, cooling systems and terminal amenities are being reinforced. The terminal can handle 400 departing and 600 arriving passengers. Free shuttle services from the airport to designated points are also being introduced to assist passengers with ground transportation.
Security Assurance: Despite concerns over general insecurity in the region, Mr. Nwafor affirmed that the airport has not recorded a single security breach in over three years of operation. Security is reinforced by over 45 police and civil defense officers, 23 local vigilantes, and full perimeter fencing. Aviation security and firefighting services are provided through a service agreement with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
Fuel Availability: Aviation fuel is now readily available on-site, addressing early operational challenges and ensuring uninterrupted airline services.
Passenger & Aircraft Movement: Since operations began on December 7, 2021, the airport has handled over 450,000 passengers and about 7,000 flights. Air Peace and United Nigeria Airlines remain the primary operators, with several private jet movements recorded as well.
Sustainability & Revenue: The airport is self-sustaining, covering its staff salaries and basic operational costs through internally generated revenue, despite earlier constraints. The state government has also supported infrastructure development with firefighting equipment, medical facilities, and maintenance tools.
Strategic Location: Positioned between Enugu, Asaba, Owerri, and Port Harcourt, the airport benefits from its central location in the Southeast, offering convenience to travelers and boosting its appeal as a regional aviation hub.
Future Growth: Initially conceived as a cargo airport, the facility is gradually pivoting back toward its original vision. With a business plan that includes agro-cargo processing and quality assurance infrastructure in partnership with AFREXIM Bank, the airport is being positioned as a driver of regional economic growth.
Mr. Nwafor, a seasoned aviation professional and former Nigerian representative at the ICAO Council, is confident that Anambra State has both the vision and the resources to manage the airport sustainably without needing to transfer control to FAAN.
He emphasized that the facility is more than just a transport hub, it is a catalyst for development, investment, and connectivity in the region.
With the closure of the Enugu Airport turning attention toward Umueri, Chinua Achebe International Airport appears well-poised to demonstrate its value and capacity, and perhaps permanently establish itself as a preferred gateway to the Southeast.
