Mr Winston Egwuatu, Osubi Airport Manager
Osubi airport in Warri, Delta state, one of the fastest growing airports in the country has continued to attract more domestic airlines as it’s managers intensify efforts on upgrade of facilities.
At least, eight commercial airlines have shown interest to operate flights in and out of the Osubi airports, as disclosed by its manager, Mr Winston Egwuatu.
In an interview recently on the sideline of Stakeholders’ engagement with airstrip owners and operators , organised by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority in Lagos, he disclosed that the airport has one of the best baggage scanning machines adding that its airfield lightings system is currently being upgraded from category Two to Three.
Plans are also in the pipeline to extend the runway to accommodate bigger aircraft to pave the way for upgrading to a full fledged airport..
Recall that Aviation and Aerospace Development Minister, Festus Keyamo had in July 2024, disclosed that government had put plans in place to upgrade the Osubi Airport to international standard.
He said this initiative will enhance the safety of passengers in the airport in particular and the Osubi Community in general.
“We are already working on the expansion of the Osubi Airport to an international standard, it is a process.”, he had said.
Osubi airport, is the only airport in the country that has remained self funded with the internally generated revenue without budget and funding from the government.
On revenue generation, Egwuatu said the airport has continued to wax stronger from zero naira four years ago to N1 billion and close to N2 billion last year.
With 22 staff from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria after resumption four years ago, the airport now boasts of about 150 third party staff as Osubi airport management solely pays their salaries.
Egwuatu further disclosed that with monthly staff bill of about N20 million, the airport remits N16m to FAAN every month
Experts have admitted that there has been significant improvement in infrastructure and operational procedures at the airport.
Egwuatu attributed the growth of the airport to the proper working procedure, including prompt procedure for maintenence as at when due, established by the management .
Egwuatu, who has won several awards, including the 2024 NIGAV most innovative airport manager of the year and most promising airport award, insisted that the airport would not deviate from Aerodrome manual on maintenance , for the airport.
