The Ebonyi State Government has announced the temporary closure of the Chuba Okadigbo International Airport Onueke to facilitate the completion of airfield lighting installation on the runway.

The announcement was made on Thursday by the State Commissioner for Aviation and Transport Technology, Dr. (Mrs.) Ngozi M. Obichukwu, following her inspection of the ongoing lighting project.

Obichukwu revealed that the temporary suspension of flights is necessary to allow technicians complete the hookup of the lighting system to the airport’s power chambers without disruption from aircraft movement.

“We want to temporarily hold on flight lifting to enable us to hook up properly to the power chambers. The suspension is very temporary. It may not last up to three weeks,” she said.

She explained that once energised, the airfield lighting will enhance flight operations by enabling aircraft to land and take off at night and during cloudy weather conditions.

 “We have completed the runway traffic lights. This 3.1-kilometer runway will now be fully light, allowing pilots to land or take off safely even in poor visibility,” she said.

Since the commencement of full operations at the airport, over 75 commercial and chartered flights have landed and taken off from the facility, according to the commissioner.

Obichukwu commended Governor Francis Nwifuru for his commitment to ensuring that the airport is equipped with modern technologies that meet international standards.

Explaining further, the commissioner noted that to enhance safety, the government has deployed security operatives including military personnel, police, and specially trained airport guards to patrol the runway and surrounding infrastructure.

“Governor Francis Nwifuru has engaged the services of professional security operatives. The guards are retired military men from Benue, Kogi, and Cross River states, and they are doing marvelously well,” she noted.

She issued a stern warning to criminals and vandals to steer clear of the airport, stressing that any breach would be met with the full force of the law.

In a further development, Obichukwu announced the completion and operational readiness of a Jet A1 bowser with a 12,000-litre capacity, installed for aircraft refueling at the airport.

“This facility ensures that aircraft experiencing fuel shortages can be refilled on-site. It is a renewable project set for an initial six-month period,” she added.

She also noted that the airport continues to attract passengers from surrounding areas such as Ugep, Obubra, Itigidi, Boki, Okigwe, and parts of Abia State, while also serving travelers from Lagos and Abuja, who have praised the facility for its efficiency.