The Ebonyi State government said on Monday that flight operations at the Chuba Okadigbo Airport in Onueke are expected to commence in November.

Ngozi Obichukwu, the state Commissioner for Aviation, said this while briefing Governor Francis Nwifuru during his facility inspection.

The inspection was part of activities to mark the state’s 28th anniversary.

Ms Obichukwu said the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) had inspected the airport’s runway, which, she said, was the only aspect delaying the commencement of flight operations.

“The 3.1-kilometre runway, which can accommodate five aircraft at a time, was asphalted by the present administration in the state.

“The airport had earlier commenced operations, but most aircraft could not cope with the runway due to the non-asphalting of the concrete basement used in constructing it.

“We, however, commenced the asphalting of the runway in October 2023 and completed it on July 8, 2024,” she said.

She said the NCAA had inspected the runway and was expected to approve flight operations by November.

“We commend Governor Nwifuru for fulfilling his promise of rehabilitating the runway, which is one of the best in the country.

“We, however, regret that the engineer who oversaw the rehabilitation of the runway died,” she said.

Mr Nwifuru applauded the timely completion of the project, noting that there were lots of improvements from the last time he visited.

The governor, represented by his deputy, Patricia Obila, said billions of naira had been spent on the project, and the state expected to reap its due reward.

Former President Muhammadu Buhari inaugurated the airport during the administration of former Governor David Umahi.

Flight operations at the facility were, however, suspended due to the flaws in the construction of its runway.

(NAN)