TheCable

The Bayelsa state government says its international airport will commence commercial flight operations beginning from July 2021.

In a statement on Wednesday, the state government said this follows a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed with United Nigeria Airlines.

In April 2021, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) gave approval to Bayelsa for the state-owned airport to commence flight operations.

The following month, the state government announced that it had entered partnership discussions with Akwa Ibom state on the use of Ibom Air regarding starting flight operations at its international airport.

According to the statement, Douye Diri, governor of Bayelsa, said the signed agreement with United Nigeria Airlines signalled the commencement of flight operations at the airport, adding that it will open the state to the world and a lot of opportunities.

Diri expressed happiness, saying the first airport in the heart of the Ijaw nation was a dream come true for the founding fathers of Bayelsa.

“I like to thank God today. We have been looking forward to this day that the Bayelsa State International Airport would come on stream for commercial flights like every other airport in Nigeria,” the governor said.

“Today marks the end of our search for a partner that would move this state to its desired place in the aviation sector.

“I want to announce to you that the state government has been searching for partners in terms of the MoU we have just signed. One of such partners that has agreed to join hands with the state government is the Nigeria Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB).”

Diri commended Seriake Dickson, former governor of Bayelsa, for the initiative to embark on the construction and completion of the airport.