The Ebonyi government is liaising with the Minister of Aviation for the partnership to run the Chuba Okadigbo International Airport.

The commissioner for aviation transport technology, Ngozi Obichukwu, made this known while addressing journalists on the sidelines of the opening of the three-day Airport Business Summit 2024 on Tuesday in Lagos.

“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 said.

The commissioner said that though flight operations have yet to begin, the airport is ready to start anytime soon after approval from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has been given.

According to her, Governor Francis Nwifuru has continued offering unwavering support for airport infrastructure development. She said in 2023, flight operations commenced but were halted due to runway excursions due to the slippery nature of the runway, which has now been upgraded to 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 explained.

The Ebonyi government said it had invested N17.3 billion in the runway’s remedial work at Chuba Okadigbo International Airport.

(NAN)