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Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State, Friday reportedly commissioned the Anambra International Passenger and Cargo Airport, Umueri, for commercial use amidst fanfare by indigenes of the state.

This came as the aviation regulatory authority, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), failed to approve the take-off of two commercial flights that were billed to land at the airport from Lagos and Abuja respectively.

Obiano however thanked the Federal Government stating: “I thank Buhari for approving this Airport, also Sidika for the oversight activities he did here, and also Nuhu of NCAA.

“This airport has been certified and has met all needs for commercial purposes. Unfortunately, the flights that were fully booked for today, both from Abuja and Lagos could not come because the regulatory authorities said the commercial airlines that will operate here will need to have counters here before operations will start.

“The airlines that will operate in this airport include Air Peace, Ibom Air, Dana Air, United Nigeria Air and Anab Jets. They will have to set up their counter before flights will commence, he said

The newly launched airport has a 3.7-kilometers runway and 34.4m meters control tower.

It has been described by the state government as one of the best in Sub-Saharan Africa.

According to him, the inauguration marked the commencement of commercial flight operations in the airport.

The construction of the airport which stretched fifteen months was wholly constructed with the State’s resources. The airport is aimed at easing the sufferings travelers, traders, and other businessmen and women in nearby Onitsha, Nnewi, Awka, and other Anambra towns go through while plying the road.

Ahead of the inauguration, Governor Willie Obiano, thanked various agencies for making the dream come true.

“I thank the management team of the various regulatory agencies including Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and others for their support in making the Anambra airport project a reality”.

“I want to thank the good people of Anambra state who have kept faith with my administration. I am happy that I and my team have been able to deliver on the airport project and in record time. We give all glory to the almighty God. We have once again shown our resilient Anambra spirit.

“I believe that with the commencement of commercial activities at the Anambra International Cargo and Passenger Airport, and soon-to-be-launched 10,000 capacity Anambra International Convention Centre, Anambra state is entering a new era of economic development and prosperity”, he added.