BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
The management of Alfred Diete-Spiff Airport, commonly known as Osubi Airport in Warri, Delta State, has credited the surge in airline activity at the facility to its strict adherence to maintenance protocols.
According to Egwuatu, who was represented at the summit by the airport’s accountant, Mr. Salifu Adama, the airport has witnessed increased airline patronage, with Overland Airways and Arik Air now operating regular flights into Osubi.
In his presentation at the Airport Business Summit and Expo 2025, held in Lagos, the Airport manager, Mr Winston Egwuatu, revealed that patronage by airlines have increased with Overland, Arik and Rano Air operating conviniently into the airport while, Airpeace and United Nigeria Airlines will soon resume operations into the Airport.
He also disclosed that other carriers, including Rano Air, Air Peace, and United Nigeria Airlines, are in advanced stages of resuming operations.
Additionally, Egwuatu revealed that Green Africa Airways is currently managing Chevron’s operations at the airport, while UMZA Air has completed all required payments and is set to commence commercial services.
He noted that discussions are ongoing with Enugu Air to attract their services to the airport. “We are also encouraging the Delta State Government to consider floating its own airline,” Egwuatu added.
On the airport’s financial trajectory, Egwuatu announced an ambitious revenue projection of N3 billion by the end of 2025, with targets of N3.3 billion in 2026 and N3.6 billion in 2027.
The airport, which is 55% owned by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and 45% by Shoreline Services, recorded N1.9 billion in revenue in 2024.
He emphasized the airport’s commitment to public-private partnerships (PPPs) as a vehicle for infrastructure development and investment expansion.
Recent upgrades include the installation of modern baggage carousels, restoration of the airfield lighting system, construction of a modern police station within the vicinity, and establishment of a fuel dump facility.
As part of its strategic expansion, Egwuatu said the airport is shifting focus toward non-aeronautical revenue streams.
“We are seeking investors for the establishment of an Osubi Airport Staff Primary and Secondary School, hotels, and an aviation clinic,” he stated.
Highlighting the airport’s security structure, Egwuatu assured that the facility is well-protected with the presence of multiple security agencies, including the Nigerian Police Force, a detachment of the Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Immigration Service, and the Department of State Services (DSS).
On power infrastructure, he disclosed that the airport enjoys primary supply from the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) and is backed by two secondary generators (800KVA and 810KVA CAT), a 250KVA static UPS with a two-hour backup window, as well as solar inverter systems, 5KVA for the control tower and 15KVA for check-in counters.
“The airport’s location is strategic, right in the heart of Warri, and is poised to attract business due to its high traffic potential,” Egwuatu said.
“Its catchment area includes Warri, with over one million inhabitants, and the Western Delta region with approximately two million residents. There’s a four-leg power supply system that ensures 24-hour uninterrupted electricity at the airport.”
On community engagement, Egwuatu praised the cordial relationship with host communities. He said traditional rulers—the Olu of Warri, the Orodje of Okpe, and the Ovie of Uvwie—have remained strong allies, consistently defending the peaceful operations of the airport during crucial times.
Crowning its recent accomplishments, the airport recently celebrated achieving its “Goal Zero” safety target for the first half of 2025. This includes recording zero bird strikes, zero accidents or incidents, zero runway incursions or excursions, zero passenger discomfort, and zero security breaches.
“These milestones are a testament to the effectiveness of our operational procedures and the professionalism of our team,” Egwuatu concluded.
