BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
Nigeria’s aviation regulator, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), has granted an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) to Enugu Air, paving the way for the state-owned carrier to commence scheduled flight operations.
The certificate was formally presented on March 10, 2026, at the regulator’s headquarters in Abuja during a brief ceremony attended by officials of the aviation authority, airline executives and representatives of the Enugu State government.
Presenting the certificate, the Director-General of Civil Aviation, Chris Najomo, described the approval as another milestone for the Nigerian aviation industry, noting that the Authority had continued to streamline the certification process while maintaining strict safety and operational requirements.
While congratulating the airline on successfully completing the rigorous certification process, he urged its management to remain committed to the highest standards of aviation safety and regulatory compliance.
Najomo also commended both the NCAA technical teams and the airline’s management for their dedication throughout the process, which involved extensive operational demonstrations, documentation assessments, and multiple evaluation stages before approval was granted.
Responding on behalf of the airline, the Accountable Manager of Enugu Air, Tolu Ita, described the certification as a major milestone for the airline and the people of Enugu State.
“This is truly a dream come true for us. We are grateful to the NCAA for its professional guidance and oversight throughout the painstaking certification process,” she said.
Also speaking at the ceremony, the Commissioner for Transportation in Enugu State, Obi Ozor, said the establishment of the airline was part of the state government’s broader vision to improve connectivity and stimulate economic activities.
According to him, the airline is expected to enhance travel options for business and leisure travellers while strengthening Enugu’s position as a growing commercial hub in the South-East region.
The Chairman of the Board of Enugu Air, Richard Agu, assured the NCAA that the airline would remain fully committed to maintaining strict adherence to aviation safety regulations and operational standards.
He stressed that sustaining the high standards required to retain the certification would remain a top priority for the airline’s management.
The ceremony was attended by several members of the Enugu Air management team as well as senior officials of the aviation regulator.
Among the NCAA officials present were the Director of Airworthiness Standards, Balang Godwin; the Director of Licensing and Training Standards, Donald Spiff; the Director of Air Transport Regulation, Babaoye‑Iriobe Olayinka; and the Director of Finance and Accounts, Olufemi Odukoya.
The issuance of the Air Operator Certificate signals the regulator’s confidence in the airline’s operational readiness and marks the final regulatory clearance required for Enugu Air to begin commercial flight operations within Nigeria’s domestic aviation market.
Olapeju is a journalist and aviation reporter.
