The Managing Director of Chinua Achebe Airport, Umueri, Anambra State, Martin Nwafor, has called on airline operators to review ticket prices on the route, warning that the high fares are discouraging passengers from using the airport.
Nwafor made the call in an interview in Umueri, Anambra East Local Government Area, where he identified what he described as discriminatory ticket pricing as a major factor responsible for low passenger patronage.
According to him, while a ticket to a nearby airport could cost about ₦115,000, fares from Chinua Achebe Airport could rise to as much as ₦200,000.
He said the price disparity was making passengers opt for competing airports, thereby affecting the number of flights operating from the facility.
Nwafor disclosed that the airport currently handles about eight scheduled flights daily operated by two service providers, adding that flight activity could increase with the arrival of non-scheduled private jet operations.
He appealed to passengers from Anambra and neighbouring states to patronise the airport, describing it as a fully functional and aeronautically complete facility.
The airport manager, however, noted that some ancillary facilities, including hangars, shops and malls, are still required, urging private investors to explore opportunities around the airport.
Nwafor said the airport was already over 90 per cent complete when it commenced commercial flight operations, adding that management had continued to address operational limitations through ongoing improvements.
He expressed optimism that increased passenger patronage, more competitive ticket prices and additional flight operations would strengthen the airport’s revenue base and support further development.
