Five Nigerian States Back North-East Air Shuttle Launch
Five state governments in northeastern Nigeria are moving ahead with plans to launch a new regional carrier, North-East Air Shuttle, aimed at improving connectivity and stimulating economic growth across the sub-region. Gombe State has approved NGN 5 billion (USD 3.5 million) as its equity contribution toward the acquisition of two aircraft, joining four other states in a broader NGN 30 billion (USD 21 million) funding programme first conceived in 2020.
The approval was announced by Gombe’s Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development, Muhammad Gambo Magaji, following the state’s 51st Executive Council meeting on December 31. The announcement was widely reported by Nigerian media, including The Nation, Business Day, The Guardian, and Daily Trust.
According to Magaji, the other participating states—Adamawa State, Bauchi State, Borno State, Taraba State, and Yobe State—have each committed NGN 5 billion to the project. He said the funds would be released promptly to meet agreed timelines, adding that the airline is designed to improve intra-regional links, strengthen connections between northeastern Nigeria and other parts of the country, and support trade, mobility, and job creation.
While operational details remain limited, North-East Air Shuttle is expected to serve routes within and beyond the sub-region, addressing long-standing transport challenges in an area where road travel can be slow and insecure. However, specifics on aircraft types, fleet size beyond the initial two units, and launch timelines have not yet been disclosed.
Regulatory progress also appears to be at an early stage. In response to enquiries, a spokesperson for the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) said the agency has not yet received any licence applications from North-East Air Shuttle.
Separately, momentum is also building for state-backed aviation initiatives elsewhere in Nigeria. In southeastern Nigeria, Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru announced that three aircraft have already been procured for the planned launch of Ebonyi Air, with deliveries expected in January 2026. In his New Year address, Nwifuru framed the airline as an economic tool rather than a prestige project, linking it to his administration’s People’s Charter of Needs and arguing that improved air access would attract investment, boost tourism, lower travel costs, and create jobs.
If launched, Ebonyi Air would become the fifth Nigerian state-owned airline, following Ibom Air, Cally Air, Enugu Air, and Air Bayelsa—highlighting a growing trend of sub-national governments turning to aviation as a catalyst for regional development.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com