Enugu Air is opening a new chapter in its regional operations with the introduction of direct flights between Enugu and Douala, Cameroon, from September 23, creating a new air link between South-Eastern Nigeria and Central Africa.
The service from Akanu Ibiam International Airport to Douala International Airport will operate twice weekly on Mondays and Wednesdays with an Embraer E170 aircraft.
Chief Operating Officer of Enugu Air, Mr Ugonna Agubuokwu, said the new connection was designed to bring businesses, families and commercial opportunities within easier reach across the two countries.
“This is more than the introduction of a new route; it is about creating stronger connections between Nigeria and Cameroon and making regional travel more accessible, convenient and seamless for our passengers”, Agubuokwu said.
The Enugu-Douala service is expected to provide traders and business travellers from the South-East with a direct alternative to journeys involving connections through Lagos or lengthy overland travel to Cameroon.
The airline is also positioning Enugu as a connecting point for passengers originating from Lagos and Abuja, with the new service structured to accommodate onward domestic connections.
Agubuokwu said flights from Enugu would depart at 12:45pm and arrive in Douala at 1:45pm, while the return service would leave Douala at 2:30pm and arrive in Enugu at 3:30pm.
“The timing has been optimised so that passengers can conveniently connect from Lagos and Abuja. For business, for opportunity, and for the connections that matter, Africa is closer than you think”, he added.
The regional expansion moves Enugu Air beyond its current domestic network, which includes Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano, Asaba, Benin City, Owerri and Warri.
The airline’s move into the regional market also gives Enugu a new role in its network as a potential gateway for travel between South-Eastern Nigeria and destinations in Central and West Africa.
The development is part of the economic expansion agenda of Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, under which the state-backed carrier has expanded its domestic operations and is now extending its reach beyond Nigeria.
“Enugu Air Opens Direct Gateway to Cameroon” is deliberately different from the headlines I found in today’s search, while still telling the reader immediately what the story is about. I also think “gateway” gives it a more relaxed aviation/travel feel than the harder “launches first international route” construction.