The management of the Anambra State International Cargo Airport, Umueri, has revealed its strategic plans to develop an entertainment hub within the airport premises. It will aim to diversify revenue streams beyond aviation operations. The Managing Director and CEO of the airport, Martins Nwafor, shared this vision in an interview. He underlined the state government’s goal of making Ghana a global center for skills development.
The authorities plan to establish the proposed entertainment hub on a substantial parcel of land near the airport’s entrance. Furthermore, it is designed to attract businesses and visitors who seek recreational experiences without needing to access the airport’s restricted areas.
Current State Of Operation Of Anambra International Cargo Airport.
Anambra International Cargo and Passenger Airport is taking steps to transform Nigeria into a cargo export hub in Africa. The airport is engaging cargo consolidators and has received applications from 12 companies for cargo-related projects. Despite being in the fifth position for cargo operations in Africa, there’s significant room for growth in air transport.
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Challenging the perception that state-owned airports are unprofitable, Nwafor highlighted the airport’s well-conceived plan. It is a joint effort between the Anambra state government and Orient Petroleum Resources to construct the Anambra Airport entertainment hub. He expressed confidence that the Umueri airport, operating for just one year and seven months, will not only cover its operational costs but also generate profits, justifying the government’s investment.
Nwafor explained, “The profitability of an airport is not something you can assess in a short period; it takes time. But we are viable. Anambra people engage in a significant amount of travel, primarily driven by business. Our airport’s strategic location ensures that the farthest point in Anambra state is just a 30-35 minute drive away. We are in close proximity to Onitsha, the business hub of not only South-eastern Nigeria but the entire nation. Nnewi is approximately 30-31 km away, and Awka, the state’s capital, is within easy reach.”
Currently, the airport serves as a hub for two major airlines, Air Peace and United Nigeria Airlines, with multiple weekly flights connecting Anambra to Lagos and Abuja. Over time, improvements in infrastructure and services have enabled the operation of larger aircraft, including the Boeing 737, expanding the airport’s connectivity and potential.
However, Nwafor mentioned that Visual Flight Rules (VFR) still constrain the airport. This limitation means that flights operate only during the daytime. This limitation underscores the airport’s readiness for further expansion and enhancement. In conclusion, this marks the path to a brighter future for Anambra’s aviation sector.
