United Nigeria Airlines to Begin Cargo Operations at Ekiti Airport in January
United Nigeria Airlines plans to commence cargo operations at Ekiti Airport in January 2027, with daily passenger flights to the state also expected to begin soon.
The airline’s Executive Chairman, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, disclosed this on Monday during the commissioning of Reeve Energy Limited’s aviation fuel tank farm facility at the airport.
Okonkwo said the airline would activate a cargo section of its operations by January, enabling businesses in Ekiti to transport goods to other parts of Nigeria and international destinations.
He pledged that United Nigeria Airlines would be the first airline to lift commercial cargo from the airport once the state was ready for exports.
“As soon as you are ready to start exporting cargo from here, whether it’s to other parts of Nigeria or London, by January, we will be the first to lift your commercial cargo,” he said.
The airline chief also announced plans to introduce daily flights to and from Ekiti, expressing confidence in the partnership with the state government.
Okonkwo said United Nigeria Airlines had not lobbied for the partnership or paid any bribe to secure its operations in the state. According to him, the government conducted due diligence and approached the airline after assessing its fleet and operational capacity.
He added that the airline had sometimes operated flights with 40 passengers instead of 50 during periods of low demand, describing the decision as a sacrifice made in confidence in the partnership.
Okonkwo further disclosed that United Nigeria Airlines was Nigeria’s second-largest consumer of aviation fuel after Air Peace, noting that the new tank farm would support its growing operations.
Meanwhile, Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, pledged continued government support for the airport and private investors.
Oyebanji said the state government was working to complete ongoing airport upgrades by the end of 2026, including improvements to the Instrument Landing System (ILS) and the installation of aerodrome ground lighting infrastructure.
According to the governor, the ground lighting project is costing more than ₦10 billion and would enable the airport to operate round the clock once completed.
He also disclosed that the government was working towards securing an independent power producer (IPP) for the airport to ensure a reliable electricity supply.
The governor commended Reeve Energy Limited for investing in the state and assured other investors of the government’s continued support.
