NCAA Approves Commencement Of Domestic Flight Operations By Enugu Air

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has given approval for Enugu Air to kick off its domestic flight operations.

This move supports the aviation reform agenda led by Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.

The minister’s 5-Point Agenda aims to boost the growth of local airlines and improve overall efficiency in the aviation sector.

Enugu Air was launched on Monday, July 7, 2025, during a ceremony attended by Keyamo and Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah.

The airline began commercial services using three Embraer 170 aircraft, each seating about 76 passengers.

However, since Enugu Air is still in the process of securing its full Air Operator Certificate (AOC), the NCAA has granted temporary approval for it to operate through a partnership with XEJet.

This means Enugu Air flights will be conducted under XEJet’s existing license and operating systems for now until the airline completes its certification.

In a statement on Monday, NCAA spokesperson Michael Achimugu stated that the partnership meets all regulatory requirements.

“The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) approves the commencement of domestic flight operations by Enugu Air, in line with the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development’s 5-Point Agenda aimed at promoting the growth of indigenous airlines, the DGCAs mantra, enhancing ease of doing business, and deepening sectoral reforms.

“Enugu Air has designated XEJET as its operational partner pending the conclusion of its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) process.

“Pursuant to this partnership, XEJET has completed a full variation process to integrate the EMB 170 aircraft into its Operations Specifications (OpsSpecs), in accordance with NCAA’s five-phase certification procedure. As such, XEJET is duly authorised to operate scheduled commercial flights on behalf of Enugu Air under current NCAA guidelines.

“The NCAA remains committed to enabling a supportive regulatory environment for indigenous carriers, ensuring fair competition, and upholding the highest standards of safety, security and consumer protection in Nigeria’s air transport industry,” the statement said.

KanyiDaily recalls that Festus Keyamo previously dismissed a report that suggested the government had finalized the concession period for the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu.