Precious Nwonu, Enugu
Enugu State-owned airline, Enugu Air, is set to expand into international operations with the launch of direct commercial flights between Enugu and Douala, Cameroon, on September 23.
The new route will mark the airline’s first international service and is expected to strengthen air connectivity between South-East Nigeria and Cameroon while providing a faster travel option for passengers travelling between the two countries.
The airline’s Chief Operating Officer, Ugonna Agubuokwu, said the service was designed to connect businesses, families and opportunities across Nigeria and Cameroon.
“This is more than the introduction of a new route. It is about creating stronger connections between Nigeria and Cameroon and making regional travel more accessible, convenient and seamless for our passengers,” Agubuokwu said.
The service is scheduled to operate twice weekly, on Mondays and Wednesdays.
Flights from Enugu are expected to depart at 12:45pm and arrive at Douala International Airport at 1:45pm. The return flight will leave Douala at 2:30pm and arrive in Enugu at 3:30pm.
The schedule is also designed to allow passengers travelling from Lagos and Abuja to connect to the Cameroon-bound flights through Enugu.
The new service is expected to particularly benefit business travellers and traders who move between South-East Nigeria and Cameroon.
According to reports, a significant number of Cameroonian traders travel to commercial centres such as Aba and Onitsha, while travellers from the South-East also maintain business and family links with Cameroon. The direct flight is expected to reduce the time and logistical challenges associated with connecting through other airports.
Enugu Air’s expansion comes months after the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority granted the airline an Air Operator Certificate to commence scheduled flight operations.
The NCAA issued the certificate to Enugu Air in March 2026 after the airline completed operational demonstrations, documentation reviews and other regulatory evaluations.
NCAA Director-General, Chris Najomo, at the time urged the airline to maintain compliance with safety and operational standards.
The airline currently operates domestic services from its Akanu Ibiam International Airport hub, connecting Enugu with destinations including Lagos and Abuja. Its expansion into Cameroon represents a further step towards its stated ambition of developing Enugu as a regional aviation hub.
The development also comes against the backdrop of efforts to reposition Akanu Ibiam International Airport as a major gateway for the South-East.
In June, the Federal Government formally handed over the management of the airport to Aero Alliance Limited under a public-private partnership arrangement for its rehabilitation, expansion, operation and management.
The concession is expected to improve the airport’s infrastructure and strengthen its capacity to serve as a regional aviation and logistics hub.
With the commencement of the Enugu-Douala service, Enugu Air is expected to provide a direct air link between the South-East and one of Central Africa’s major commercial centres.
The airline said the new route would further its objective of making regional travel more accessible while creating opportunities for trade, tourism, family connections and business across the borders.
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