…plans daily flights as Oyebanji promises 24-hour airport operations
United Nigeria Airlines has announced plans to commence cargo operations at Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport in January 2027, with daily passenger flights to the state also expected to begin soon.
The airline’s Executive Chairman, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, disclosed this on Monday during the commissioning of the Reeve Energy Limited aviation fuel tank farm facility at the airport.
Okonkwo said the airline would activate a dedicated cargo component of its operations by January, enabling businesses and agricultural producers in Ekiti State to transport goods to other parts of Nigeria and international destinations.
He assured Governor Abiodun Oyebanji that United Nigeria Airlines would be the first airline to lift commercial cargo from the airport once the state was ready to commence the service.
He also disclosed that the airline would soon introduce daily passenger flights to and from Ekiti, a development expected to strengthen connectivity and support the state’s economic activities.
“Let me promise you, Your Excellency, for your own sake, I’m going to make sure that by January next year, we activate a cargo section of our flights, so that we can work out a deal.
“As soon as you are ready to start exporting cargo from here, whether to other parts of Nigeria or internationally, we will be ready. If you have cargo by January, we will be the first to lift your commercial cargo”, he said.
The airline chairman described United Nigeria Airlines as the country’s second-largest consumer of aviation fuel after Air Peace, noting that the availability of a reliable fuel supply at the airport would support its expanding operations.
He commended the Ekiti State Government for its approach to selecting the airline as its aviation partner, insisting that the relationship was built on due diligence rather than lobbying or inducements.
According to him, the airline neither applied for nor lobbied for the partnership, explaining that the state government independently assessed its operational capacity, fleet and ability to deliver before approaching the airline.
Okonkwo further disclosed that United Nigeria Airlines had accommodated reduced passenger loads on some Ekiti flights during periods of low demand, carrying 40 passengers instead of the expected 50.
He described the arrangement as a sacrifice reflecting the airline’s confidence in the partnership and the state government’s commitment to developing the airport.
Meanwhile, Governor Oyebanji reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to completing critical infrastructure projects that would enable the airport to operate round the clock.
The governor said the state government was working towards completing the ongoing airport upgrade by the end of 2026, including improvements to its Instrument Landing System (ILS), which he said had been certified, and the installation of Aerodrome Ground Lighting.
He put the cost of the ground lighting project at more than ₦10 billion, explaining that its completion would enable aircraft to land at the airport at any time of the day or night.
“By the time we finish what we are doing with the airport by the end of the year, by God’s grace, we should be able to complete the upgrade of the ILS that has been certified.
“What we are doing now is what they call in aviation Aerodrome Ground Lighting. That project is costing us more than ₦10 billion. By the time we finish that, at least we’ll be able to have 24-hour operations at the airport. This means aircraft can land at any time”, Oyebanji said.
He also disclosed that the government was pursuing an Independent Power Producer (IPP) arrangement to ensure a reliable and independent electricity supply for the airport.
According to him, the proposed arrangement would make the airport self-sufficient in power generation and reduce dependence on external electricity supply.
The Governor commended Reeve Energy Limited for investing in the state, assuring private investors of his administration’s continued support and commitment to creating an enabling environment for business growth.
The planned cargo operations and daily passenger services are expected to strengthen Ekiti’s aviation connectivity, particularly in support of its agricultural and commercial potential.