History was made on Tuesday at the AkanuIbiam International Airport, Enugu as the first international flight made its landing.

The aircraft marked No 5MPZE landed at the modernised airport at about 3.20pm, making it the first international aircraft to touch down at the airport after it was upgraded.

On board was billionaire businessman, Chief Arthur Eze, who flew into the airport in a private jet directly from Europe and Senegal.

This came four days to the official landing of international commercial flights at the airport.

Although work on the project is still on-going at the various sections of the airport, the Federal Ministry of Aviation has slated the official commencement of international flights from Enugu for Saturday with the Ethiopian airline billed to fly in and out of the coal city.

Speaking to Journalists after the four-hour flight from Senegal to Enugu, Prince Eze praised President Jonathan for living up to his promise.

He remarked that the upgrading of the airport would boost the economy of the South East.

He said, “Look at me, I flew from Senegal to Enugu for four hours non-stop. I don’t need to go to Lagos or Abuja to catch direct flight again to Europe or Senegal.


“I can now go from my house to any place of choice. It is a good thing and I thank God for the development. The people of the South East will live to enjoy this because it will grow our economy”.

The business mogul recalled that Ndigbo had been clamouring for an international airport from the military era up to the Olusegun Obasanjo administration all no avail, noting that Jonathan came on board and approved the airport and backed the project with resources.

“I am the first beneficiary of this beautiful airport, I am grateful to Jonathan. Jonathanhas saved the life of Igbo people by reducing their suffering. Right now Igbo people who are noted for traveling overseas for businesses can do so from their zone.

“Jonathan has demonstrated that he is a wonderful human being and God will continue to bless him”, Eze added.

DailyPost recalls that President Goodluck Jonathan gave approval for the upgrading of the airport to an international status two years ago.

The President was at the airport early this year when he laid the foundation for the construction of the international wing.