As Enugu Airport undergoes essential runway upgrades, Chinua Achebe International Airport, Umueri is stepping confidently into the spotlight. More than just a temporary alternative, Umueri’s readiness marks a pivotal moment in Southeast Nigeria’s aviation story—an opportunity to redefine regional air travel and position Anambra State at the forefront of national connectivity.
With the Managing Director and CEO, Mr. Martins Nwafor, at the helm, the airport is demonstrating that it is more than capable of absorbing the influx of passengers and flights diverted from Enugu. This moment is not merely about bridging a gap; it is about showing that Umueri has matured into a fully-fledged aviation hub with infrastructure, service delivery, and security standards that rival any major Nigerian airport.
Building on Strong Foundations
Since its commissioning in December 2021, Umueri Airport has quietly but steadily built an impressive track record. Handling over 450,000 passengers and more than 7,000 flights in just under three years, it has shown an ability to sustain operations through self-generated revenue—a rare achievement among newer Nigerian airports.
Crucially, its infrastructure places it in the upper tier of aviation facilities nationwide. The 3.7-kilometer runway, capable of accommodating large aircraft like the Boeing 747-800, is one of the longest in Nigeria. Complemented by a tarmac wide enough for nine wide-body jets, the airport is primed not only for passenger flights but also for significant cargo operations in the near future.
Advanced navigational aids, including a DVOR (Doppler Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Radio Range) and ILS (Instrument Landing System), provide the technological backbone for all-weather, all-hour operations. Meanwhile, the passenger terminal—with its enhanced cooling systems, capacity for over 1,000 daily travelers, and efficient shuttle services—ensures comfort and ease, offering a world-class experience in the Southeast.
A Model for Aviation Security
Security remains paramount for Umueri Airport’s management. In a region sometimes beset by security challenges, Umueri stands out with a perfect safety record over three years. This is no accident: a robust security presence combining police, civil defense officers, local security teams, and modern perimeter fencing underpins every operation. Aviation security and fire services are further bolstered through a formal partnership with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), ensuring compliance with national and international standards.
In addition, the availability of on-site aviation fuel resolves a significant logistical bottleneck that has historically hampered growth at other regional airports, providing another strong argument for airlines to shift more operations to Umueri.
Strategic Location, Strategic Vision
Perhaps Umueri’s greatest asset is its strategic geographic positioning. Sitting centrally between Enugu, Asaba, Owerri, and Port Harcourt, the airport is ideally placed to serve a broad catchment of travelers across Southeast and South-South Nigeria. Whether for business, tourism, or diaspora visits, Umueri offers unmatched convenience.
Moreover, Mr. Nwafor’s broader vision for the airport goes beyond passengers. Umueri is poised to rediscover its initial ambition to become a regional cargo powerhouse, particularly for agro-cargo exports. With support from partners like Afreximbank, plans are in motion to develop agro-processing and quality assurance facilities that will help local farmers and manufacturers reach global markets more efficiently. In a region rich in agricultural produce but often lacking in export infrastructure, this could be transformative.
Incentivizing Growth
Understanding the competitive nature of aviation, Umueri has been proactive in courting airlines. United Nigeria Airlines has already added early morning flights, while Air Peace, the airport’s inaugural partner, continues to operate key routes. Negotiations with other carriers such as Ibom Air, ValuJet, Rano Air, and Overland Airways are ongoing, strengthened by attractive incentives like complimentary office space and joint marketing support. These strategies not only make good business sense but also help create a thriving aviation ecosystem centered in Anambra.
A Sustainable Future
One of the most important aspects of Umueri’s rise is its sustainability model. Unlike many government-owned airports that rely heavily on public subventions, Umueri covers its staff and operational expenses through internal revenue. Government interventions are focused on capital improvements—firefighting trucks, medical facilities, maintenance tools—rather than operational bailouts, setting a responsible, scalable growth path.
Mr. Nwafor, a seasoned figure in the aviation sector and Nigeria’s former representative to the ICAO Council, emphasizes that Anambra State is committed to maintaining control of the airport, ensuring management decisions are made with local interests at heart rather than turning over operations to FAAN.
A Defining Opportunity
With Enugu Airport’s temporary closure, Umueri is not simply a stand-in; it is demonstrating that it is ready to become the preferred gateway to Southeast Nigeria. The increased traffic will test its operational resilience, but it will also offer a golden opportunity to showcase its world-class facilities and passenger experience to a wider audience.
If Umueri seizes this moment—as all signs indicate it will—it could well emerge from this period not merely as a backup airport, but as a permanent fixture at the forefront of Nigeria’s aviation map.
As Mr. Nwafor succinctly puts it, “Umueri is ready, capable, and determined to soar.”
