NCAA: Bayelsa Airport Approved for Commercial Flights

NCAA: Bayelsa Airport has been approved for commercial flights; The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has decided that Bayelsa airport can commence with commercial flight operations.

NCAA director-general, Nuhu Musa,  presented the approval letter to Douye Diri, Bayelsa state governor, on Saturday the 17th of April, 2021, after inspection of the airport and its facilities was carried out.

Musa stated that the airport met all airspace standards and is ready for daytime flight operations.

The NCAA DG said the approval was a follow-up of the report by the agency’s inspection team which, prior to the visit, had certified that out of 29 gaps, the airport had been able to close 26.

He also stated that other requirements were not safety-related and that things are being put in place to achieve night flight operations.

The DG  explained that the agency had to limit daily flight operations to daytime because the runway lights were still being installed.

Musa applauded the state government for the quality of work done at the airport.

On his part, the Bayelsa state governor commended his predecessor, Seriake Dickson, for bringing the project to life, after it had been on the drawing board of past administrations.

The governor said his administration was determined to ensure flight operations began as he set the proper tools in motion to get the NCAA approval.

He said: “This is a dream come true for our state and our people. I am grateful to God Almighty because this journey had been a winding one from my immediate past predecessor and I have been in the saddle for over a year waiting for this license. Today, God has made it a reality.

“I also thank Sen. Seriake Dickson, my predecessor. This airport had been on the drawing board, but he took the bull by the horns by starting the airport and virtually finishing it. May I, on behalf of this government and the people of Bayelsa, appreciate him.

The governor also said that as he came on board, having seen what his predecessor had done, his administration had to cross the Ts and dot the Is.

“Having been briefed on some specific requirements, I wasted no time in approving what was necessary to ensure that the airport was operational. Today, we have the approval for the airport to begin commercial flight operations.”

Diri promised to do all it takes to commence full flight operations, adding that the necessary facilities and equipment were in place and will soon be installed.

The governor added that the airport is significant to the south-south region.

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