United Nigeria Airlines Commences Commercial Flights at Bayelsa Airport

An aircraft operated by the United Nigeria Airlines (UNA) landed at the Bayelsa State International Airport on Wednesday to indicate the commencement of commercial flight operations at the airport.

The aircraft, which touched down about 3:45 pm, took off from the Murtala Mohammed Airport 2 (MMA2) in Lagos at 3 pm.

Those onboard were the state governor, Douye Diri, the airline’s chairman, Obiora Okonkwo, Tokyo Olympics Silver medallist in wrestling, Bayelsa-born Blessing Oborududu, King Alfred Diete-Spiff, Ambassador Boladei Igali, members of the Bayelsa National Assembly caucus as well as the state House of Assembly members and commissioners among other dignitaries.

Governor Diri announced that a full commercial flight would begin in two weeks based on bookings made.

He noted that with commercial flights into and out of Bayelsa, economic activities would begin to boom in the state.

“This significant event is the culmination of the aspirations that was birthed by late Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, former governor of the state, which was eventually built by Senator Seriake Dickson, my predecessor. And it is under my administration that this project was crystallised. This is a demonstration that teamwork truly works.

“I am happy to report to you that the pilot of the United Nigeria Airlines said our runway is one of the best in Nigeria. It is our determination to make Bayelsa truly the Glory of All Lands and we are making Bayelsa a construction site,” Diri said.

The governor also commended his deputy, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo and his team whom he said worked tirelessly to bring the project to fruition.