Bayelsa Airport begins commercial flights with two new aircraft for daily Lagos and Abuja routes. Governor Diri says expansion will drive smart city vision.
Bayelsa Airport begins commercial flights as the state government officially launches daily passenger services on the Yenagoa–Abuja and Yenagoa–Lagos routes with two newly acquired aircraft.
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The announcement was made by Governor Douye Diri on Monday during a courtesy visit by the Prime Minister of the State of Africa in Diaspora, Dr Tin Louise-George, at Government House, Yenagoa.
The development marks a bold move by the state to revive and commercialise its international airport after months of inactivity.
Governor Diri said the Bayelsa International Airport had previously partnered with private airlines, but the arrangement faltered, rendering the airport nearly idle.
“We have taken the bull by the horns,” Diri declared. “The government has now procured two aircraft to guarantee daily flights to Lagos and Abuja.”
He described the airport as key to the state’s economic growth, adding that consistent flight operations, alongside reliable electricity and water infrastructure, could transform Yenagoa into a prime location for business and development.
The governor also introduced the concept of a “New Yenagoa City”, a smart urban project aimed at driving tourism, innovation, and investment.
He said the airport and the smart city initiative would complement each other as part of the state’s long-term development blueprint.
Earlier, Dr Louise-George commended the airport project and pledged support from the African diaspora. He proposed development aid, funding, and technical cooperation in aviation, education, healthcare, and smart city infrastructure.
The Bayelsa government had initially floated the idea of acquiring aircraft in 2024, following unsuccessful attempts to maintain regular flights in partnership with United Nigeria Airlines and Ibom Air.
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With this fresh commitment and direct state investment in aviation, Governor Diri expressed confidence that the airport will soon become a gateway to regional trade and economic transformation.
