Overland Airways, Nigeria’s longest-serving private domestic airline, has officially resumed flight operations to Warri (Osubi Airport), Delta State, from Lagos and Abuja.
This strategic move, which marks a significant step toward revitalising regional air connectivity, was unveiled during a press briefing held at the Osubi Airport on Tuesday, May 20.
Speaking at the event, Chief Operating Officer of Overland Airways, Mrs. Aderonke Emmanuel-James, said the airline’s return to Warri is in response to persistent calls from passengers for reliable and consistent air services linking Delta State to Nigeria’s major cities.
“This flight will support important economic and social linkages between the people of Delta State and other parts of Nigeria,” she noted.
Overland Airways will operate thrice-weekly flights on the Warri-Lagos-Warri and Warri-Abuja-Warri routes every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.
The flight schedules are designed to support morning arrivals and departures: Lagos to Warri departs at 8:15 a.m., Warri to Lagos at 12:30 p.m., Warri to Abuja at 9:25 a.m., and Abuja to Warri at 11:05 a.m.
The airline is deploying its new 88-seater Embraer E175 jet on the Warri route, offering both Premium and Economy Class cabins.
Known for its comfort and cutting-edge technology, the Embraer jet underscores Overland’s evolution from an all-turboprop fleet to a modern, mixed fleet.
To stimulate demand and boost air travel from Warri, Overland Airways has introduced attractive fare discounts and enhanced passenger services.
“We are launching with incentives that make flying more accessible, while maintaining our premium onboard experience,” Mrs. Emmanuel-James stated.
She further emphasised that the decision to scale operations up to daily flights will be based on passenger demand.
“We express our appreciation to the Management and Staff of Osubi Airport for their support and assure our customers of the consistent and reliable flight services that Overland Airways is known for,” she added.
Osubi Airport Manager, Mr. Winston Egwuatu, who also addressed journalists at the event, reaffirmed the airport’s readiness for full-scale operations.
He highlighted the partnership with Overland Airways as a step forward in strengthening Delta State’s air travel infrastructure and economic outlook.
Overland Airways’ recent expansion also includes restored services to Jalingo, Taraba State, and new routes to Minna, Niger State, as part of its broader domestic growth strategy.
The airline, established in 2002, recently renewed its IOSA (IATA Operational Safety Audit) certification for the fifth consecutive time, solidifying its status as one of Africa’s safest carriers.
Mrs. Emmanuel-James concluded by affirming the airline’s willingness to collaborate with the Delta State Government and other stakeholders to ensure that Warri becomes a major hub for regional air travel in Nigeria.
