29 September 2026

Enugu Air Operates First International Flight from Enugu to Douala

Enugu Air has operated its first international flight, from Akanu Ibiam International Airport to Douala, flagged off by Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah on 23 September 2026. The aircraft returned to Enugu the same day.

The Governor of Enugu State speaks into a microphone at a green lectern carrying the seal of the Governor of Enugu State, with a police officer standing behind him to the left and an Enugu Air aircraft on the apron behind them, its titles partly visible. — Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has flagged off the first-ever international service by Enugu Air. [Enugu State Government]

Edited by:

African Pilot Newsdesk

Why this article matters
The Douala service takes Enugu Air beyond its Nigerian domestic network for the first time, establishing a direct connection between South-East Nigeria and Cameroon and giving traders, manufacturers and other travellers an alternative to more complex transit routings into Central Africa.

The international expansion also links the state-owned airline more directly to Enugu State’s wider economic programme, which targets a $30 billion economy. Douala is intended as the first stage of a broader regional African network, with Enugu Air planning progressively to expand into wider international markets.

Of Interest
- Enugu Air has operated its first international flight, from Enugu to Douala.
- The flight was flagged off by Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah on 23 September 2026.
- It departed Akanu Ibiam International Airport and landed at Douala International Airport.
- The aircraft returned to Enugu the same day.
- The airline’s domestic network is given as Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano, Owerri, Asaba, Benin City and Warri.

Enugu Air has launched its first international service, connecting Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu with Douala International Airport in Cameroon as Enugu State expands the airline and aviation infrastructure supporting its wider economic development plans.

Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah flagged off the inaugural flight on 23 September. The international service follows the development of Enugu Air’s domestic network, which connects Enugu with Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano, Owerri, Asaba, Benin City and Warri.

The state-owned airline forms part of Mbah’s plans to improve connectivity as his administration works towards growing Enugu State’s economy to $30 billion. The Governor has also identified aviation as part of efforts to position Enugu for increased investment, business and tourism.

Enugu Air Chief Executive Officer Capt. Tolu Ita said the Douala service represented the airline’s first major expansion beyond Nigeria and was part of plans to develop a regional African network before progressively expanding into wider international markets.

The route also provides a direct air connection between South-East Nigeria and Cameroon. Enugu State Commissioner for Trade, Investment and Industry Dr Sam Ogbu-Nwobodo said traders, manufacturers and entrepreneurs seeking access to Central African markets had previously relied on more complex transit routes.

Federal aviation agencies were represented at the launch, including the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

FAAN Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Olubunmi Onabanjo-Kuku, represented by Onyeka Udenze, said the authority would continue to provide the infrastructure, safety standards and support required for operations at Akanu Ibiam International Airport.

The NCAA said the direct Enugu-Douala connection had the potential to support trade, investment, tourism and passenger movement between Nigeria and Cameroon.

The inaugural flight departed Akanu Ibiam International Airport for Douala during the afternoon, where it was received by Cameroonian authorities before returning to Enugu.