The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) to Enugu Air, officially authorising the airline to commence scheduled commercial flight operations in Nigeria’s domestic aviation market.
The certificate was presented on March 10, 2026, during a brief ceremony held at the Authority’s corporate headquarters in Abuja, marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to expand air transport capacity and enhance connectivity across regions.
Presenting the certificate, the Director-General of Civil Aviation, Chris Najomo, described the development as an important step in strengthening Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem. He noted that the regulatory authority has continued to refine and improve the airline certification process to ensure efficiency while maintaining the highest levels of safety and regulatory compliance.
Najomo commended the management of Enugu Air for successfully navigating the rigorous certification process, emphasising that the granting of an AOC reflects the airline’s ability to meet stringent operational, safety and technical standards established by the NCAA.
According to him, the certification exercise involved an extensive series of evaluations carried out by the Authority’s technical teams. These included operational demonstrations, detailed documentation reviews and multiple inspection stages designed to verify the airline’s readiness to conduct safe and reliable commercial operations.
While congratulating the airline, the NCAA chief urged its management to remain committed to strict adherence to aviation safety regulations and operational best practices.
“The Authority has continued to work towards making the certification process more efficient without lowering the benchmarks required of airline operators,” Najomo said, adding that the success of the process demonstrated the collaborative efforts between the regulator and the airline’s management team.
Responding on behalf of the airline, the Accountable Manager of Enugu Air, Tolu Ita, described the issuance of the AOC as a major achievement and a defining moment in the airline’s journey.
He expressed appreciation to the NCAA for its guidance, professionalism and oversight throughout the complex and painstaking certification process. Ita noted that the airline remains committed to maintaining the high operational standards required to sustain the certification and deliver safe services to passengers.
Also speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Transportation of Enugu State Government, Obi Ozor, said the airline project was conceived as part of the state’s strategic plan to improve connectivity and stimulate economic growth.
According to him, the establishment of Enugu Air is expected to facilitate easier movement for businesses, investors and travellers, while strengthening the South-East region’s access to major commercial centres within Nigeria.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Enugu Air Board, Richard Agu, assured the aviation regulator that the airline would remain steadfast in complying with all applicable aviation regulations.
He stressed that sustaining operational excellence and maintaining strict safety standards would remain top priorities for the airline as it prepares to commence operations.
The certification ceremony was attended by members of Enugu Air’s management team as well as senior officials of the NCAA.
Among those present were the Director of Airworthiness Standards, Engr. Balang Godwin; the Director of Licensing and Training Standards, Capt. Donald Spiff; the Director of Air Transport Regulation, Mrs Babaoye-Iriobe Olayinka; and the Director of Finance and Accounts, Mr Olufemi Odukoya, alongside other staff of the Authority.
Industry observers say the entry of Enugu Air into Nigeria’s aviation space could help expand domestic flight options and deepen connectivity to the South-East, particularly through the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu.
With the issuance of the AOC, Enugu Air now joins the ranks of certified Nigerian carriers authorised by the NCAA to operate scheduled passenger services, a development expected to encourage competition and improve service delivery across the country’s domestic air transport market.
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