Nigeria’s Bayelsa State Acquires Two Aircraft to Launch New Airline
Nigeria’s Bayelsa State has joined the growing list of regional governments seeking to establish their own airlines, following the announcement that it has acquired two aircraft to kick-start commercial operations from Bayelsa International Airport near the state capital, Yenagoa.
In a statement on October 7, Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri confirmed that the government had purchased the aircraft as part of a plan to enhance the airport’s viability and improve air connectivity within Nigeria. While the aircraft types were not disclosed, Diri said they are expected to arrive soon and will operate daily flights between Yenagoa, Lagos, and Abuja—the country’s two busiest aviation hubs.
“The Bayelsa State Government has taken the bull by the horns,” Diri said. “We are expecting two aircraft, which the government has already procured. These aircraft will operate daily flights to Lagos and Abuja to make the airport commercially viable.”
The initiative comes after earlier attempts to partner with private carriers to serve the state failed to materialize. By directly launching its own operations, the government aims to ensure consistent air service while boosting business, tourism, and investment opportunities across the region.
Governor Diri also outlined plans to expand Bayelsa International Airport and develop a “smart city” around it as part of a larger infrastructure and economic diversification strategy. The state government had previously allocated NGN 25 billion (about USD 17 million) toward acquiring aircraft to stimulate traffic at the airport, which opened for commercial flights in 2020.
Currently, United Nigeria Airlines (UN, Enugu) is the only carrier operating scheduled services to Bayelsa International Airport. The addition of a state-backed airline is expected to significantly increase flight frequency and passenger movement, providing a much-needed boost to the new facility.
Bayelsa’s move follows a broader trend among Nigerian states developing their own airlines to enhance regional connectivity. Akwa Ibom State operates Ibom Air (QI, Uyo), Cross River State runs Cally Air (Calabar), and Enugu State recently launched Enugu Air. Other states, including Anambra, Lagos, Ebonyi, and Sokoto, are exploring similar ventures or joint partnerships with existing carriers.
The rise of state-owned airlines reflects Nigeria’s growing focus on using aviation as a catalyst for economic development, job creation, and tourism growth across the country’s regions.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com