The Federal Government and the Enugu State Government are in talks to commence direct cargo flight operations between Enugu and Guangzhou, China, by December.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, disclosed this in Lagos during the launch of United Air’s newly acquired aircraft on Thursday.
Keyamo said the Federal Government has carried out a structural and managerial overhaul at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, placing it under a more private-sector-driven operational framework to improve efficiency and maximize its economic potential.
“One of our prides in the South is the Enugu International Airport. The Enugu Governor approached Mr. President, noting that the airport was not maximizing its economic potential under the existing bureaucratic structure and requested private sector participation in its management. Mr. President approved it,” he said.
According to him, Enugu State now operates the airport in partnership with private investors, with strong support from the state government, aimed at transforming it into a cargo hub for the Southeast.
He further disclosed that high-level bilateral negotiations are ongoing to secure direct cargo flights from Guangzhou, China, to Enugu before the end of the year.
“Just two days ago, the Enugu Governor and I were actively negotiating the first direct cargo flight from Guangzhou into Enugu. We are targeting December for the maiden flight,” Keyamo added.
He explained that the plan would enable Southeast traders to consolidate goods in China and ship them directly into Enugu twice a week for distribution to commercial hubs such as Onitsha and Aba.
It will be recalled that Governor Peter Mbah launched Enugu Air in July 2025 as part of a broader transport modernization strategy aimed at positioning Enugu as a regional aviation and logistics hub.
Since its launch, Enugu Air has expanded its fleet from three aircraft to six, with plans for further expansion and future regional and international operations, including destinations such as Accra, Libreville, and Abidjan.
