Since Chuba Okadigbo International Airport opened in May 2023, the Ebonyi state-owned airport has hinted at its takeover by the Federal Government.

The Commissioner for Aviation and Transport Technology, Dr Ngozi Obichukwu, revealed this at the Airport Business Summit and Expo (ABSE) 2024 Africa, held at MMI Airport, Lagos.

At the summit themed, ‘Addressing Airport Viability as a Key to Successful Aviation Business Ambition’, Obichukwu stated that the Federal Government was negotiating to take over the facility and that while discussions were ongoing on the modalities for the handover, the state government has completed the resurfacing of the runway, which is awaiting regulatory approval.

Expressing the state government’s willingness to partner with the federal government on the airport operations, she stated: “On the 30th of July 2024, the runway was completed to international standards. It is a runway that can now last for more than 100 years because of the base. We are only waiting for some approvals to commence flight services.

“The length of the runway is 3.1 km, with the capacity to accommodate even a Boeing 747 series. We can take about 1,000 passengers at a go. Right now, we are liaising with the Ministry of Aviation for the takeover of the airport and the refund of the expenses on the airport. We have got to a good stage where we are now handing over to them to take over even the staff.”