NCAA Approves Domestic Operations For Enugu Air

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has granted approval for the commencement of domestic flight operations by Enugu Air, marking the official entry of the new airline into Nigeria’s aviation space.

This was disclosed in a statement signed on Monday by the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, who noted that the approval aligns with the Federal Government’s efforts to boost indigenous airline operations.

Naijaonpoint reports that Enugu Air was officially unveiled on Monday, July 7, 2025, by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, at a launch ceremony attended by the Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah.

The airline began operations with three Embraer 170 aircraft, each with a seating capacity of approximately 76 passengers.

However, the airline is currently operating under an interim arrangement with XEJet, which has been authorised to fly on its behalf until Enugu Air completes its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) process.

According to the NCAA, the approval allows Enugu Air to leverage XEJet’s existing operational framework through a completed variation process that incorporated the Embraer 170 aircraft into XEJet’s Operations Specifications (OpsSpecs).

“Enugu Air has designated XEJet as its operational partner pending the conclusion of its AOC process,” the NCAA said.

“XEJet has completed a full variation process to integrate the EMB 170 aircraft into its OpsSpecs in accordance with NCAA’s five-phase certification procedure.”

Ticket bookings for Enugu Air flights are currently being managed through the XEJet platform, with a redirection link available on Enugu Air’s official website.

The NCAA said the licensing move is in line with the Minister of Aviation’s 5-Point Agenda, which seeks to promote the growth of indigenous airlines, ease of doing business, and sustained reform in the aviation sector.

“The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) approves the commencement of domestic flight operations by Enugu Air, in line with the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development’s 5-Point Agenda aimed at promoting the growth of indigenous airlines,” the statement read in part.

The Authority reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining high standards of safety, security, and consumer protection while fostering fair competition among operators.