Bayelsa govt launches commercial flight

It was a historic moment as the first of two aircrafts acquired by the Bayelsa State government for daily commercial flight operations arrived in the State. Governor Douye Diri led eminent personalities of the state on the inaugural flight from Abuja to Yenagoa.

The seventy-two passenger and crew aircraft was formally inaugurated at a ceremony held at the Bayelsa International Airport. The ATR 72-600 Bayelsa aircraft with the number 5N/SDD landed at the Bayelsa International Airport at 10.40am from Abuja with Governor Douye Diri, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Oil, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku and officials from the state government, national and state house of assembly members among the first passengers.

Alamieseigha conceived the idea of building an airport – Diri At the epoch making event, Governor Douye Diri said the feat was in fulfilment of the dreams of the first civilian Governor of the State, Chief Diepreye Alamieseigha and his predecessors who conceived the idea of building an airport for the state. The Governor said the second aircraft would arrive soon, noted that it would strengthen the capacity of the aviation sector in the State and expand the economic horizon. He directed Pioneer Airlines Nigeria which is to operate the craft to immediately commence the process for it to be named either Bayelsa Air or Air Bayelsa.

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Oil, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri who promised to patronize the Airline through the hydrocarbon industry, called for the sustenance of the Carrier through professional management and adequate funding. Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Dr Samuel Ogbuku emphasized that the Airline would assist in solving the challenge of logistics and movement across the region. In separate goodwill messages, Chairman of the Bayelsa Elders Council and former Deputy Governor of the State, retired Rear Admiral Gborigbioha John-Jonah, the Senator representing Bayelsa Central, Friday Konbowei-Benson, Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Dr Boladei Igali and the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Mr Abraham Ingobere said the aircraft would ease the transportation difficulties of the people and boost the economy of the State. Managing Director of Pioneer Airlines Nigeria, Captain Henry Ungbuku and the MD of the Bayelsa International Airport, retired Air Vice Marshall Nelson Ebieteli Calmday commended the Governor for the aircraft, stating that it carries the dreams and aspirations of the people of the State.

Source: https://radionigeria.gov.ng/2025/11/26/bayelsa-govt-launches-commercial-flight/

Date: 26Nov25