New Enugu Air to boost passenger traffic, creat job opportunities - Airport Manager

Hilary Umunna, the Regional Manager, South East Airports and Manager of Akanu Ibiam International Airport (AIIA), has said Enugu Air, the new airline which was received at the airport on Friday is expected to significantly boost passengers traffic, increase revenue generation for both the Federal and State and create job opportunities within the aviation ecosystem.

“We anticipate positive economic ripple effects for Enugu State and the Southeast region, fostering trade, tourism, and business growth. One of FAAN’s goals is to sustain and expand partnerships that will make Enugu a strategic aviation hub,” he said.

Umunna who had worked with Cross River State Government towards emergence of Cally Air when he was Calabar Airport Manager, said in an interview that “AIIA Enugu has taken several steps to ensure that most of the ICAO operational and regulatory requirements are met.

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“This includes infrastructure enhancements, improved ground handling services, security reinforcements and compliance with international safety and operational standards. Additionally, we have streamlined coordination between all stakeholders to facilitate smooth operations for the airline.

“I am honored and excited to welcome Enugu Air to Akanu Ibiam International Airport. Their presence enhances connectivity, boosts economic activities, and aligns with our vision of making Enugu the preferred aviation hub for the South East.

“AIIA Enugu is committed to ensuring a seamless and efficient operation for the airline and its passengers,” he said.

Ifeoma Okeke-Korieocha

Ifeoma Okeke-Korieocha is the Aviation Correspondent at BusinessDay Media Limited, publishers of BusinessDay Newspapers. She is also the Deputy Editor, BusinessDay Weekender Magazine, the Saturday Weekend edition of BusinessDay. She holds a BSC in Mass Communication from the prestigious University of Nigeria, Nsukka and a Masters degree in Marketing at the University of Lagos. As the lead writer on the aviation desk, Ifeoma is responsible and in charge of the three weekly aviation and travel pages in BusinessDay and BDSunday. She also overseas and edits all pages of BusinessDay Saturday Weekender. She has written various investigative, features and news stories in aviation and business related issues and has been severally nominated for award in the category of Aviation Writer of the Year by the Nigeria Media Nite-Out awards; one of the Nigeria’s most prestigious media awards ceremonies. Ifeoma is a one-time winner of the prestigious Nigeria Media Merit Award under the 'Aviation Writer of the Year' Category. She is the 2025 Eloy Award winner under the Print Media Journalist category. She has undergone several journalism trainings by various prestigious organisations. Ifeoma is also a fellow of the Female Reporters Leadership Fellowship of the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism.