United Nigeria Airlines to Begin Cargo Operations at Ekiti Airport in January

United Nigeria Airlines has announced plans to commence commercial cargo operations at Ekiti Airport in January 2027, with the airline also preparing to introduce daily passenger flights to the state as demand for air transport grows.

The airline’s Executive Chairman, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, disclosed this on Monday during the commissioning of the aviation fuel tank farm facility established by Reeve Energy Limited at the airport.

Okonkwo said the planned cargo operations would enable businesses in Ekiti State to transport agricultural produce and other goods to destinations across Nigeria and international markets, including London, providing a boost to trade, agriculture and the state’s economic development.

He assured Governor Abiodun Oyebanji that United Nigeria Airlines would be ready to commence commercial cargo services as soon as the state was prepared to begin moving goods by air.

According to him, the airline intends to activate a cargo section of its operations by January 2027, creating opportunities for local businesses to access wider markets through air transport.

“Let me promise you, His 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,” he said.

“As soon as you are ready to start exporting cargo from here, whether it’s to other parts of Nigeria, it doesn’t have to be to London, but besides that, by that time, we’ll be flying to any part of the world. But if you have cargo by January, we will be the first to lift your commercial cargo.”

Okonkwo said the proposed service would support the movement of agricultural products from Ekiti to domestic and international markets, potentially helping farmers and businesses overcome some of the logistical challenges associated with transporting goods over long distances.

He also disclosed that the airline was planning to introduce daily passenger flights to and from the state soon, an expansion that could improve connectivity for residents, business travellers and visitors.

The planned increase in flight frequency is expected to strengthen the airport’s role in the state’s transport infrastructure and support the government’s efforts to attract investment and stimulate commercial activities.

Explaining the airline’s commitment to Ekiti, Okonkwo said United Nigeria Airlines had neither applied for the partnership with the state government nor lobbied to secure it.

He said the government had independently assessed aviation operators in the country before approaching the airline, having considered its fleet, operational capacity and ability to provide the required services.

Okonkwo said the decision to partner with the state was particularly significant to him because it followed the government’s assessment of the airline’s capabilities rather than an approach initiated by the company.

“We did not apply for this partnership. But if the government did their due diligence, found us worthy and capable of serving them, and approached us, I was very touched,” he said.

He added that the airline had demonstrated its commitment to the partnership by accepting lower passenger numbers on some flights during periods of weak demand.

According to him, the airline had operated some services with 40 passengers instead of 50, describing the decision as a sacrifice made in confidence that the state government remained committed to developing the airport and sustaining the partnership.

The airline chairman also highlighted the importance of the newly commissioned aviation fuel tank farm, noting that a reliable supply of aviation fuel would support the expansion of flight operations at the airport.

He said United Nigeria Airlines was the second-largest consumer of aviation fuel in Nigeria after Air Peace, adding that the availability of fuel infrastructure at Ekiti Airport would be beneficial as the airline increased its activities in the state.

The commissioning of the facility is expected to strengthen fuel supply arrangements at the airport and support the development of its aviation services.

Meanwhile, Oyebanji reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to completing ongoing airport infrastructure projects and providing an enabling environment for private investors.

The governor said the state government was working towards completing key upgrades at the airport by the end of 2026, including improvements to the Instrument Landing System (ILS) and the installation of aerodrome ground lighting.

He disclosed that the aerodrome ground lighting project was costing the state more than N10 billion, describing it as a major investment in the airport’s operational capacity.

According to him, completing the projects would enable the airport to operate round the clock, allowing aircraft to land and take off at any time, subject to the relevant operational and regulatory requirements.

“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,” he said.

“What we are doing now is what they call in aviation the Aerodrome Ground Lighting. That project is costing us more than N10 billion, so, by the time we finish that, at least we’ll be able to have 24-hour operation at the airport. This means aircraft can land at any time.”

The governor said round-the-clock operations would enhance the airport’s attractiveness to airlines and businesses, particularly as the state seeks to expand passenger services and develop air cargo transportation.

He also disclosed that the government was pursuing an independent power producer (IPP) arrangement to provide a dedicated electricity supply for the airport.

Oyebanji said securing an independent power source would reduce the airport’s dependence on external electricity supplies and help ensure reliable power for its operations.

“We are also working on getting an IPP for this airport. We cannot be wasting time on that. So, once we have an IPP here, then the airport will be self-sufficient when it comes to electricity,” he said.

The governor commended Reeve Energy Nigeria Limited for investing in the state through the aviation fuel tank farm project, assuring private investors that his administration would continue to support investments capable of creating economic opportunities and strengthening infrastructure.

The planned introduction of cargo operations by United Nigeria Airlines, alongside the proposed daily passenger services and the airport’s infrastructure upgrades, represents a further step in the state’s efforts to establish Ekiti Airport as a gateway for commercial activity.

If implemented as planned, the cargo service could provide farmers, agro-processors and other businesses with another channel for transporting products to markets beyond the state, while increased passenger flight frequencies and extended operating hours could improve access to Ekiti for business and leisure travellers.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Independent Newspapers Limited, registered on July 17, 2001 (RC No: 419927), commenced publication on October 1, 2001. With registered office at 15b, Daranijo Street, off Odusami street, off Wemco road, Ogba, Ikeja