Between January and June 2024, Osubi Airport in Warri, Delta State processed 124,000 passengers and recorded 2,051 aircraft movements, showcasing substantial growth. Mr. Winston Egwuatu, the airport manager, highlighted these figures at the recent Aviation Business Summit and Expo 2024 in Lagos, attributing the boost in passenger traffic to improvements made since the airport’s management transition in March 2021.
The airport’s revenue for the first half of 2024 reached N831,374,521.74, derived from both aeronautical and non-aeronautical sources. Of this, revenue collection amounted to N731,397,265.05, while total expenditure was N676,643,455.27.
Egwuatu praised Osubi Airport’s model as a successful Public-Private Partnership (PPP), noting that the airport, originally not intended for commercial use, has evolved to handle significant commercial activities. He emphasized the need for further infrastructure development and upgrades and assured that the management is committed to fostering a supportive business environment.
In alignment with FAAN’s core values of safety, security, and comfort, Osubi Airport has made significant investments, including a 250kVA static UPS inverter for reliable power supply, a fuel reserve dump to address market shortages, solar-powered street lights for nighttime operations, and additional security measures such as a new police station and perimeter fencing.
Egwuatu also mentioned that the airport has a large expanse of land—approximately 10,764,900 square meters—available for business ventures and additional airline operations. Currently, Airpeace and Arik Air operate daily flights to Lagos and Abuja, with Green Africa, Overland, and United Nigeria Airlines planning to resume flights soon. The airport remains open to more airlines wishing to establish operations.
The ongoing expansion of Terminal One will include a VIP lounge, retail shop, and restaurant, while future upgrades will involve runway extension, apron expansion, a new terminal building, a fire station, and general facility enhancements.
Egwuatu attributed the airport’s progress to a strong partnership with the local community and FAAN’s effective management since 2021, which has helped make Osubi one of Nigeria’s best-maintained airports. His efforts were recognized with the Nigeria Aviation Award for Best Airport Manager in 2023.
