Enugu Air has commenced its first international flight operations with the launch of a direct service between Enugu and Douala, Cameroon.
The inaugural flight departed from Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, marking a major expansion of the state-owned airline beyond Nigeria’s domestic market.
The new route establishes a direct air connection between South-East Nigeria and Douala, Cameroon’s major commercial centre, with stakeholders describing it as an opportunity to strengthen trade, tourism, investment and people-to-people relations between both countries.
The service is scheduled to operate twice weekly, on Mondays and Wednesdays. Flights from Enugu are scheduled to depart at 12:45 p.m. and arrive in Douala at 1:45 p.m., while return flights leave Douala at 2:30 p.m. and arrive in Enugu at 3:30 p.m.
Enugu Air’s Chief Operating Officer, Ugonna Agubuokwu, said the new route would make regional travel more accessible while bringing businesses, families and opportunities in Nigeria and Cameroon closer together.
“This is more than the introduction of a new route; it is about creating stronger connections between Nigeria and Cameroon,” Agubuokwu said.
Governor Peter Mbah, who flagged off the maiden international service, described the development as part of his administration’s plan to position Enugu as a major aviation, business and investment hub.
Mbah said the Enugu-Douala service was the beginning of the airline’s planned expansion into other international destinations, adding that Enugu Air was established as part of a broader strategy to connect the state with markets and opportunities across Africa and beyond.
The Chief Executive Officer of Enugu Air, Capt. Tolu Ita, said the airline was entering a new phase, with the international route marking the beginning of its ambition to build a stronger regional network across Africa.
She said the airline had initially strengthened its domestic network by connecting Enugu with cities including Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano, Owerri, Asaba, Benin City and Warri.
According to her, the Enugu-Douala route represents the airline’s first major step beyond Nigeria, with plans to progressively expand into wider international markets.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria also described the inaugural flight as a significant step toward strengthening Akanu Ibiam International Airport’s role as a regional aviation hub.
The new service is expected to provide a more direct travel option for passengers from South-East Nigeria travelling to Cameroon, while passengers from Lagos and Abuja can also connect to Douala through Enugu.