The Ebonyi State Government has announced ongoing discussions with the Federal Government to partner in the operation of the Chuba Okadigbo International Airport.
This was disclosed by the state’s Commissioner for Aviation Transport Technology, Ngozi Obichukwu, during a press briefing at the Airport Business Summit 2024 in Lagos.
Obichukwu stated that the partnership talks involve the Minister of Aviation and focus on the management of the airport as well as the reimbursement of the capital expenses incurred by the state.
She stated, “Right now, we are liaising with the Minister of Aviation for partnership of the running of the airport and the refund of the capital expenses so far done.”
She highlighted that although flight operations are yet to commence, the airport is now ready and awaiting approval from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
Governor Francis Nwifuru has been instrumental in the development of the airport infrastructure, particularly after flight operations, which had briefly started in 2023, were halted due to runway issues.
The runway, initially found to be slippery and prone to causing runway excursions, has since undergone significant upgrades to meet international standards.
“The length of the runway is 3.1km, and the capacity we can have is Boeing 747, 737, or anything Boeing. We can have it landing there comfortably three at a time. In 2023, when the airport was completed, the runway’s slippery nature caused issues with flights.
“Consequently, the governor intervened to upgrade the runway to meet the required standards under the supervision and guide of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and NCAA. The runway was completed on July 30 to international standards, with a concrete base and asphalt finish.
“The Chuba Okadigbo International Airport runway is ready. Flight operations will commence soon. We are just awaiting the necessary approvals from the NCAA and we are good to go,” she added.
(NAN)
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