In a historic milestone for Ebonyi State, the first commercial flight landed at the Wilberforce Chuba Okadigbo Airport in Onueku on Friday at exactly 10:30 AM.
Operated by United Nigeria Airlines, the aircraft with registration number 5N-8WV arrived from Abuja, marking the official commencement of commercial operations at the airport. Passengers on board expressed elation at the event.
Emmanuel Nwafor described the experience as a “dream come true,” emphasising the long wait and the state’s significant investment in the facility. “Today, history has been made,” he said, praising the smooth flight and perfect landing.
Professor Chigozie Ogbu echoed the sentiment, calling the runway “one of the best in the country” and noting the symbolic importance of the flight. “Ebonyi State has arrived,” he stated.
Former Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission Chairman, Chief Elias Mbam, who was departing for Abuja, lauded the quality of the airport’s facilities and encouraged further improvements and regular flight scheduling.
Commissioner for Aviation and Transport Technology, Mrs. Ngozi Obichukwu, commended Governor Francis Nwifuru for his commitment to the project and announced upcoming flights. “More flights are coming,” she confirmed, with a Lagos–Ebonyi–Lagos route scheduled for Monday. She also urged passengers to strictly adhere to flight schedules.
The landing marks a transformative step in Ebonyi’s aviation and infrastructure development, positioning the state as a growing hub in Nigeria’s southeast.
