The Federal Government and Enugu State Government are working to launch direct cargo flights between Enugu and Guangzhou, China, by December 2026, a move expected to boost trade and position Enugu as a major logistics hub in Southeast Nigeria.
The Federal Government and the Enugu State Government have intensified efforts to establish direct cargo flight operations between Enugu and Guangzhou, China, with the maiden flight targeted for December 2026.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, disclosed this in Lagos during the launch of newly acquired aircraft by United Nigeria Airlines on Thursday.
According to the minister, the initiative forms part of broader efforts to transform the Southeast into a major trade, aviation, and logistics hub while enhancing Nigeria’s connectivity with international markets.
Keyamo revealed that the Federal Government had implemented a structural management overhaul at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, placing the facility under a private-sector operational framework designed to maximise its economic potential.
“One of our prides in the South is the Enugu International Airport. The Enugu governor approached Mr. President, noting that the airport was not maximising its economic potential under standard bureaucratic structures and requested to bring in private investors to run it. Mr. President gave the green light,” the minister said.
He explained that the airport is being repositioned to serve as a dedicated cargo hub for the Southeast, with strong support from the Enugu State Government and private sector partners.
“As I speak with you, Enugu is now fully privately owned and fully supported by state government, with the clear objective of also turning it into a dedicated cargo hub for the entire Southeast,” Keyamo stated.
The minister further disclosed that advanced bilateral negotiations were ongoing to secure direct logistics operations between China and Southeast Nigeria.
“Just two days ago, the Enugu governor and I were actively negotiating the first direct cargo flight from Guangzhou, China, straight into Enugu.
“We are targeting December for the maiden flight. This will allow our Southeast merchants and traders in China to consolidate their goods into unified cargo accounts twice a week, flying straight into Enugu for seamless delivery to hubs like Onitsha and Aba,” he added.
The proposed cargo route is expected to significantly reduce logistics costs and delivery times for importers and traders across the Southeast, strengthening commercial activities in major trading centres.
The development aligns with the vision of Governor Peter Mbah to transform Enugu into a regional aviation, transportation, and logistics powerhouse.
In July 2025, the governor launched Enugu Air as part of the state’s integrated transport master plan aimed at building a modern multimodal transportation ecosystem.
Since its launch, Enugu Air has expanded its fleet from three aircraft to six, with plans for further growth as it prepares to commence regional operations to destinations including Accra, Libreville, and Abidjan in the coming months.
The airline is also expected to begin long-haul international operations before the end of the year, further supporting Enugu’s ambition to emerge as a leading aviation and logistics gateway in West Africa.
Industry stakeholders believe the proposed direct cargo flights between China and Enugu could unlock new trade opportunities, enhance supply chain efficiency, and accelerate economic growth across the Southeast region.
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