Enugu Air Cleared for Commercial Flights After NCAA Certification
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority has issued an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) to Enugu Air, authorising the carrier to begin scheduled commercial flight operations within Nigeria.
The certificate was presented on Tuesday in Abuja by the Director-General of Civil Aviation, Chris Najomo, during a ceremony at the regulator’s headquarters.
An Air Operator Certificate is a mandatory approval that permits airlines to conduct commercial air transport services after demonstrating compliance with aviation safety, technical, and operational standards.
Najomo said the certification followed an extensive regulatory review process that included operational inspections and technical evaluations to ensure the airline meets required safety benchmarks before commencing operations.
He noted that the aviation authority has strengthened its certification procedures to maintain high safety standards in the country’s aviation sector and commended both the airline’s management and the authority’s technical personnel for successfully completing the process.
Responding on behalf of the airline, the accountable manager of Enugu Air, Tolu Ita, described the approval as an important milestone toward launching the carrier’s services.
According to him, the airline worked closely with the regulator throughout the certification process and will operate in line with established aviation safety regulations.
The airline, owned by the Enugu State Government, is expected to operate from the Akanu Ibiam International Airport.
Officials said the carrier plans to operate domestic routes connecting Enugu with major Nigerian cities, including Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and Owerri.
The Enugu State Commissioner for Transportation, Obi Ozor, said the airline was established to strengthen air connectivity in Nigeria’s South-east region and support economic activities such as business travel, tourism, and investment.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Enugu Air Board, Richard Agu, assured the regulator that the airline would maintain full compliance with aviation regulations as it begins operations.
According to officials, the airline currently operates a fleet of six aircraft, including the Embraer E170 and Embraer E190.
The airline also plans to expand its fleet to about 20 aircraft by the end of 2026 as it increases its presence in Nigeria’s domestic aviation market.
