NCPC to lift Israel pilgrims from Ebonyi airport February — Commissioner

The Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC) has announced plans to airlift pilgrims to Israel through the Chuba Okadigbo International Airport in Ebonyi State by February 2025.

The Commissioner for Aviation and Transport Technology, Dr. Ngozi Obichukwu, made this announcement during a visit by the NCPC delegation to the Chuba Okadigbo International Airport.

Obichukwu highlighted that, within less than one month of commencing flight operations at the airport, it has recorded the safe landing of twenty-two flights.

She expressed gratitude to the former governor, David Umahi, for establishing the airport, and to the current state governor, Francis Nwifuru, for rehabilitating the airport runway to meet international standards. According to her, these efforts have facilitated the safe landing of 22 flights in the state.

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She said:
“The truth must be said— all the regulatory bodies in aviation have attested that the Chuba Okadigbo Airport is the best and safest airport in Nigeria.”

She continued:
*”We are here to express our gratitude. The six hundred staff members you employed, including guards and cleaners, are all thankful.

“Our promise is to maintain the safety standards of the airport. You will not see us acting recklessly. However, we kindly request your support to enable night flights.

“Between November 24 and December, we recorded the safe landing of twenty-two flights. We are pleading for your assistance in securing the necessary approval for extended operations. Currently, we are approved to operate from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily.

“As of now, we have a world-class international airport. The national pilgrimage delegation recently visited the airport and promised to airlift pilgrims to Israel in February 2025. Pilgrims from Abia and Ogoja will also depart from the Ebonyi airport.”