Popular Nigerian businessman and socialite, Obinna Iyiegbu, widely known as Obi Cubana, has called for more flight frequency to Osubi Airport in Warri, Delta State, to meet the increasing travel demand in the region.
Obi Cubana made the appeal on Monday during United Nigeria Airlines’ official resumption of scheduled operations on the Abuja–Warri route. The inaugural flight from Abuja to Osubi Airport was marked with a ceremonial water salute and a red-carpet reception on arrival. The resumption comes after a period of suspension of services on the route.
Speaking on board the inaugural return flight to Abuja, Cubana commended United Nigeria Airlines for restoring operations to Osubi Airport, stressing that the development will ease travel burdens for people living and doing business in Delta State and its surrounding areas. He noted that he had initially planned to travel through Benin-City or Asaba, but upon learning of the resumed Osubi flight, he adjusted his plans to take advantage of the service.
“I was on my way from Oghara and had planned to travel through Benin or Asaba. But when I saw the advert that United Nigeria Airlines had resumed operations into Osubi, I immediately changed my plans. As a customer, I am proud of this moment, and I strongly encourage the airline to increase its frequency to meet the growing demand,” Obi Cubana said.
Other passengers on the flight also expressed excitement at the airline’s return, highlighting the importance of consistent operations to address the region’s travel challenges. Many urged the airline to maintain stability and reliability to ensure the service benefits both business and leisure travellers.
The Osubi Airport Manager, Winston Egwuatu, described the development as a major milestone for Warri and its surrounding communities. He explained that the resumption of services by United Nigeria Airlines would not only make travel more convenient but also boost local commerce, business growth, and social engagement.
“We are delighted to welcome United Nigeria Airlines back to Osubi Airport. Their return is not just about the resumption of flights; it represents the reopening of Warri to greater business opportunities, commerce, and social activities. We encourage the airline to remain consistent on this route to sustain and grow these benefits,” Egwuatu stated.
United Nigeria Airlines also operated successful return flights on the Lagos–Warri–Lagos and Abuja–Warri–Abuja routes after the inaugural service. The airline reaffirmed its commitment to safe, seamless, and reliable connectivity for travellers in the South-South and across Nigeria.
The reopening of Osubi Airport to scheduled flights is expected to ease the pressure on travellers who often have to connect flights through Benin-City or Asaba. Aviation stakeholders believe that consistent flight services will enhance Warri’s status as a commercial hub, strengthen investor confidence, and improve access to surrounding oil-producing communities.
With increasing passenger traffic in the South-South, aviation experts say more airlines may be encouraged to add Osubi Airport to their routes. For now, the call by Obi Cubana and other passengers has placed United Nigeria Airlines under pressure to expand its operations and possibly increase daily frequencies to satisfy demand.
