First international flight takes off from Enugu August 24

Our Reporter August 7, 2013

From ADETUTU FOLASADE-KOYI, Abuja

History will be made in the nation’s aviation industry on August 24, when the first international flight takes off from the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu . Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu yesterday commended the President Goodluck Jonathan administration for making it possible for the Akanu Ibiam International Airport to commence international flight operations.

Ekweremadu gave the commendation against the background of the scheduled commencement of international flights at the airport on August 24 by Ethiopian Airlines.

Other international airlines, including Emirates and Turkish Airlines would soon commence operations at the airport.

Senator Ekweremadu, who described the development as a “major milestone in the infrastructural renewal of the South-East and a monumental boost for both trade and Direct Foreign Investment (DFI) for the entire country,” also said it would alleviate the challenges faced by business persons travelling to the South-East.

“For many decades, the people of the South-East, local and international business communities had waited endlessly for the commencement of international flight operations in this airport. I know the people of the South-East will remain ever grateful to President Jonathan for this breakthrough.”

The deputy president of the Senate also commended the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, whom he said took the initial practical steps towards making the airport an international facility and a sub-regional aviation hub.

Extolling the Jonathan administration for faithfully nurturing his predecessor’s dream to reality, Senator Ekweremadu said the materialization of the vision highlighted the need for policy and project continuity in governance.

“It is also noteworthy that this project has gone on smoothly under the tenures of Mrs. Diezani Allison-Madueke, who facilitated discussions with the late President Yar’Adua on the project as Minister of Transport, Mrs. Fidelia Njeze, who started the actual construction as Minister of Aviation and the current Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah, who has driven this vision with tremendous commitment, passion and vigour to the point of reality today.”

The Senator also commended members of the Enugu State caucus of the National Assembly for committing their entire constituency project funds for 2008 to boosting budgetary provisions for the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in accordance with the understanding reached with the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.

Very good news.

Let our people make use of this facility and reduce travels to Lagos to board flights.

The named airlines can connect you to UK, US and other European countries.

I stopped going to Lagos to board flights a long time ago because I realized that even if I pay a little premium for Air France or Lufthansa the convinience of being dropped in PH where I don't have to take airport taxi to a hotel, and later board a local flight is more than good enough compensation.

Ethiopian Airline, Emirates and Turkish airline are mostly occupied by Onitsha and Aba traders. Let them shift to Enugu. From Onitsha to Enugu is one hour while Aba-Enugu is one and half hours on the road. Let's gradually reduce dependence on Lagos and avoid waking up at Niger Bridge by 3am.

asha 80: all the adjoining federal roads leading to enugu have to be in good condition...the enugu onitsha,enugu ph,enugu abakiliki and the ones leading to benue and kogi for this airport to function effectively.

xtianh: .

Those roads are currently undergoing massive rehabilitation right nw

asha 80: all the adjoining federal roads leading to enugu have to be in good condition...the enugu onitsha,enugu ph,enugu abakiliki and the ones leading to benue and kogi for this airport to function effectively.

GEJ has fixed most of those roads and the remainingg are under construction..

<sub>By this move, ENUGU, ANAMBRA, ABIA & EBONYI STATES HAVE ALL GONE TO PDP IN THE 2015 ELECTIONS..


IMO STATE ARE LIKE TRAITORS! WE ARE WATCHING THEM, OKOROCHA & their new found bedmates Ndi na ku isi na a'na.</sub>

Pancho01: Its a gud sign of development. Bt d fundamental question 2 ask nw is on d long run wil ds airport b able 2 stand d tortuous test of time? Hw best wil dey maintain ds infrastructure?