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United Nigeria Airlines plans to begin cargo operations at Ekiti Airport in January 2027 and introduce daily passenger flights.
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Ekiti State is investing over N10bn in aerodrome ground lighting and upgrading its instrument landing system.
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Governor Abiodun Oyebanji targets round-the-clock airport operations by the end of 2026.
October 21, (THEWILL) – United Nigeria Airlines plans to commence cargo operations at Ekiti Airport in January 2027, with daily passenger flights expected to follow as the state upgrades aviation infrastructure to support commercial activities.
The airline’s Executive Chairman, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, disclosed this on Monday at the commissioning of Reeve Energy Limited’s aviation fuel tank farm facility at the airport.
Okonkwo said the planned cargo service would enable businesses to transport goods from Ekiti to other Nigerian destinations and international markets, including London.
“By January, we will activate a cargo section of our flights, so that we can work out a deal. As soon as you are ready to start exporting cargo from here, whether it is to other parts of Nigeria or London, we will be ready”, he said.
He also announced plans to introduce daily passenger flights to and from the state, saying improved air connectivity would support commercial activities and provide businesses with access to wider markets.
Airport upgrades target 24-hour operations
The planned services depend partly on improvements to the airport’s operating infrastructure.
Ekiti State Governor Abiodun Oyebanji said the government was upgrading the airport’s Instrument Landing System and completing an aerodrome ground lighting project valued at more than N10bn. He said the projects were expected to enable round-the-clock operations by the end of 2026.
According to the governor, the Instrument Landing System upgrade had been certified, while the government was working to complete the remaining infrastructure improvements.
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The state is also pursuing an independent power producer arrangement to provide a more reliable electricity supply and reduce the airport’s dependence on external power sources.
Oyebanji commended Reeve Energy Nigeria Limited for investing in the state and pledged continued support for private-sector participation in aviation infrastructure.
Fuel supply and cargo capacity
Okonkwo described United Nigeria Airlines as Nigeria’s second-largest consumer of aviation fuel after Air Peace, saying the new tank farm would help provide a more reliable supply for its operations.
He also defended the airline’s partnership with the state government, saying it neither lobbied for the arrangement nor paid a bribe to secure it. According to him, the government approached the airline after assessing its fleet and operational capacity.
He added that the airline had continued operating some flights despite weak demand, at times carrying 40 passengers instead of 50.
The proposed cargo service could provide agricultural producers and other businesses in Ekiti with additional routes to domestic and international markets. However, the scale of the opportunity will depend on export volumes, cargo-handling arrangements, flight frequency and demand from businesses.
The airline did not disclose its planned cargo capacity, expected shipment volumes, or the projected frequency of cargo flights. These details will be important in determining how quickly the service can support commercial exports once operations begin.
Ogochukwu Onwaeze is a writer specializing in business and economic journalism. At THEWILL News Media, she translates market trends, financial developments, and policy shifts into clear and engaging stories.
