Osubi Airport in Warri, Delta State, has reported processing 124,000 passengers and recording 2,051 aircraft movements between January and June 2024, showcasing significant growth in both passenger traffic and revenue. Airport Manager, Mr. Winston Egwuatu, disclosed these figures at the Aviation Business Summit and Expo 2024 in Lagos, attributing the increased traffic to improvements made since the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) took over management in March 2021.
The airport generated ₦831,374,521.74 in revenue during the first half of 2024, derived from both aeronautical and non-aeronautical sources. Of this amount, revenue collection performance stood at ₦731,397,265.05, while total expenditure was ₦676,643,455.27. Egwuatu highlighted that as a successful Public-Private Partnership (PPP), Osubi Airport has transitioned from its original non-commercial status to a thriving hub for commercial aviation activities.
“Passenger traffic has drastically improved since we took over the running of the airport in March 2021,” Egwuatu stated. He emphasized the need for further infrastructural development and upgrades, assuring that the airport management is committed to facilitating a symbiotic relationship with investors and stakeholders.
In line with FAAN’s core values of safety, security, and comfort, the airport has made significant investments to create an enabling environment for businesses. These include the provision of a 250kVA static UPS inverter for reliable power supply, a fuel dump reserve to mitigate market scarcity, solar-powered street lights for nighttime operations, and enhanced security measures such as the construction of a police station and additional perimeter fencing.
Egwuatu revealed that a large expanse of land, approximately 10,764,900 square meters, is available for the establishment of various businesses and for accommodating more airlines. Currently, Air Peace and Arik Air operate daily flights to Lagos and Abuja. Green Africa, Overland Airways, and United Nigeria Airlines have indicated plans to resume operations soon. “There is room to accommodate more airlines that wish to operate and do business from Osubi,” he added.
The ongoing extension of Terminal One will provide space for a VIP lounge, a retail shop, and a restaurant. Planned upgrades by the federal government include runway extension, apron expansion, construction of a new terminal building, a fire station, and general enhancements to airport facilities.
Egwuatu credited the airport’s progress to the cordial relationship between the management and the host community, which has led to significant development and makes Osubi one of the best-maintained airports in Nigeria. Since FAAN took over operations in 2021, the airport has seen a massive turnaround. In recognition of his efforts, Egwuatu was awarded the Best Airport Manager in Nigeria at the 2023 Nigeria Aviation Awards.
