The Airport Manager of Osubi Airport, Mr Winston Egwuatu, has reaffirmed his management team’s commitment to sustaining efficient and affordable air travel services for passengers using the airport.
Egwuatu gave the assurance when executives of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, DBS Warri Chapel, paid a courtesy visit to the airport management in Osubi, Delta State.
Receiving the delegation in his office, the airport manager disclosed that the facility was largely inactive when he assumed office, a situation that compelled travellers from Warri, Uvwie, Ughelli and neighbouring communities to rely on airports in Asaba, Benin City and Port Harcourt to board flights.
“When I took over here, the airport was almost dormant. Many travellers from Warri and surrounding towns had to drive long distances to other cities to catch a flight,” Egwuatu said. “We knew that situation had to change.”
He explained that the management team immediately began engaging critical aviation stakeholders and airline operators to revive activities at the airport and restore public confidence.
“Through deliberate engagement and persistence, we have been able to reposition Osubi Airport. Today, the airport has regained the confidence of travellers and airline operators,” he added.
According to Egwuatu, the airport has recorded remarkable growth and now ranks among the busiest in the country, with several airlines operating regular commercial flights to major destinations.
“We currently have more than seven airline operators flying from Osubi to different destinations across the country. This has transformed the airport into one of the busiest hubs in Nigeria,” he stated.
He also revealed that the airport offers some of the most competitive fares in the country, especially on the Warri–Lagos route.
“Passengers who book early can fly from Warri to Lagos for as low as ₦95,000. Our goal is to ensure that people can travel conveniently without paying excessively high fares,” Egwuatu said.
The airport manager urged residents of Warri, Uvwie, Ughelli and nearby communities to take advantage of the improved services and shorter travel times available through the airport.
Egwuatu further disclosed that plans were underway to expand the airport’s runway to enhance operational capacity and support the growing number of airline operators using the facility.
He commended Delta State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo (SAN), for their support toward the development of aviation infrastructure in the state.
“We appreciate the support of the Delta State Government, the Minister of Aviation and the host communities. Their cooperation has played a critical role in ensuring the airport continues to operate efficiently,” he noted.
Egwuatu also assured the visiting journalists of sustained collaboration between the airport authority and the media.
Earlier, Chairman of the DBS Warri Chapel of NUJ, Comrade John Glover, said the visit was aimed at strengthening partnership and appreciating the innovations introduced by the airport management.
“We came to commend the airport manager for the transformation we are witnessing here and to explore areas where the media and the airport can work together for the benefit of the public,” Glover said.
Other members of the chapel’s executive council accompanied the chairman on the visit.
