On Monday, July 8, 2025, the Enugu State Government formally launched Enugu Air, the first state-owned commercial airline in the South East region of Nigeria.
The inauguration took place at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu, and was carried out by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, alongside Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah.
Governor Mbah described the airline as “a triumph of vision” and “a gift to the people of Enugu.” He stated that the initiative is part of his plan to make Enugu “a destination for investment, tourism, and modern living.”
According to him, Enugu Air is designed to serve students, traders, business people, and residents who travel frequently.
“We are starting off with three Embraer aircraft: efficient, elegant birds made for our terrain,” Mbah said during the launch.
“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 later, other African and global cities.”
The state government has partnered with XEJet, a Lagos-based premium airline, to manage the operations and ticketing for Enugu Air.
However, findings by the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), reviewed by The News Chronicle, revealed that Enugu Air does not yet have its own ticketing infrastructure.
Bookings are currently processed through XEJet’s website.
A message on the airline’s homepage reads:
“This flight is operated by XEJet and you would be redirected to XEJet website to complete your booking.”
Some Nigerians on social media, fear the arrangement might mirror the controversial Nigeria Air project that was eventually shelved. As of press time, the Enugu State Government has not responded to public inquiries regarding the arrangement.
Minister Festus Keyamo, who conducted the commissioning, praised Mbah’s commitment and described him as “an incredible, performing governor.” He noted that Mbah visited him frequently in Abuja to ensure the project materialised quickly.
“Governor Mbah was the first to visit me after I was sworn in,” Keyamo stated. “He didn’t wait for us to settle in. He was persistent, almost every week, pressing for progress. He made this airline happen.”
Keyamo added that XEJet is not only running Enugu Air, but also manages the national airline of Sierra Leone, which he said reflects its credibility.
He used the occasion to address concerns about the planned concession of the Enugu Airport, clarifying that the facility is not being sold, but handed over to private investors to improve performance and reduce government losses.
“No government in Nigeria can run airports profitably again. We are operating at a loss. That’s why the President supports concessioning. Enugu Airport is next in line,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, Dr. Jerry Patrick Onuokaibe, CEO of First Choice Afro Villa Ltd and Igwe-elect of Mburubu, called the airline “a strategic step that will change the way the South East connects with the rest of the country.”
“This is not just about air travel. It’s about movement, trade, education, and access. Enugu is being positioned as a regional hub,” he said.
The Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Obi Ozor, assured citizens that the airline would meet expectations and deliver on its promise.
Also present were the Managing Director of Fidelity Bank, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, and Engr. Ayuba Emmanuel, CEO of XEJet. Both described Mbah as a visionary and confirmed their commitment to supporting the project.
Enugu Air began operations with two flights on Monday: one from Lagos to Enugu, and the other from Enugu to Abuja.
According to Mbah, the airline is intended to create jobs, attract investment, and provide a faster link between Enugu and key cities within and outside Nigeria. He stated that the government’s long-term plan includes expanding routes to China, the UK, the US, and other global destinations.
“Our young people now have new job paths. Our businesspeople can move quickly. Our diaspora community can come home more easily. And our investors can get here without difficulty,” Mbah said in his closing remarks.
