Enugu Air has commenced its international operations with a direct flight from Enugu to Douala, Cameroon, marking the airline’s first scheduled service outside Nigeria and opening a new air link between southeastern Nigeria and Central Africa.
The inaugural flight was flagged off at Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, by Governor Peter Mbah, who described the development as part of his administration’s broader plan to position the state as a major aviation, business and investment hub.
Mbah said the airline’s expansion beyond Nigeria was consistent with the state’s ambition of building a $30 billion economy and strengthening Enugu’s position as a destination for investment, tourism and commerce.
He recalled that Enugu Air obtained its Air Operator’s Certificate after a rigorous regulatory process and began operations about 14 months ago. According to him, the airline’s rapid expansion showed that the carrier was moving beyond its initial domestic mandate.
The governor said the Enugu-Douala service should be seen as the beginning of a wider international network, with the airline expected to progressively connect Enugu with other destinations across Africa and beyond.
The new service expands on Enugu Air’s domestic network linking Enugu with Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano, Owerri, Asaba, Benin City and Warri.
Enugu Air Chief Executive Officer, Capt. Tolu Ita, said the launch represented a new phase for the airline as it moves from connecting Nigerian cities to linking markets across national borders.
She said the Enugu-Douala route would facilitate the movement of passengers, businesses and ideas between southeastern Nigeria and Cameroon while supporting the airline’s ambition to develop a stronger regional network.
“Our ambition is to continue building a stronger regional network across Africa, while progressively opening the door to wider international markets,” Ita said.
The airline also reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining operational and ethical standards as it expands, stressing its responsibility to regulators, passengers and other stakeholders.
The Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Olubunmi Onabanjo-Kuku, described the inaugural international operation as an indication of Nigeria’s growing capacity to strengthen connections between West and Central Africa.
Represented at the ceremony by Onyeka Udenze, she said the new route had also positioned Akanu Ibiam International Airport to play a stronger role as a regional gateway, assuring the airline of FAAN’s continued support in infrastructure, safety and airport operations.
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority similarly said the direct connection between Enugu and Douala could support trade, investment, tourism and greater movement of people while deepening economic and social ties between Nigeria and Cameroon.
For Enugu State, the route is also being viewed as an economic link. Commissioner for Trade, Investment and Industry, Sam Ogbu-Nwobodo, said direct air access to Douala would make it easier for traders, manufacturers and entrepreneurs in the region to reach Central African markets.
He said the service could help shorten supply chains, facilitate cross-border commerce and strengthen Enugu’s position as a regional centre for business and industrial activity.
The inaugural flight arrived safely at Douala International Airport, where it was received by Cameroonian authorities, before returning to Enugu.
The Enugu-Douala operation therefore marks a significant shift in Enugu Air’s growth trajectory, moving the state-owned carrier from a domestic network into the regional African aviation market.
