Business
Bayelsa Airport Gets NCAA Approval For Commercial Flight Operations
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) on Saturday finally gave approval to the Bayelsa International Airport to commence commercial flight operations.
Nuhu Musa, the NCAA Director-General, presented the approval letter to an elated Governor Douye Diri in Government House, Yenagoa, after the agency’s team completed the mandatory inspection of the airport and its facilities.
Musa said the airport met all airspace standards and is one hundred per cent ready for daytime flight operations.
According to a statement by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr Daniel Alabrah, the NCAA boss explained that the approval was sequel to the report of the agency’s inspection team, which prior to the visit had certified that out of 29 gaps, the airport was able to close 26.
READ ALSO: Cultism: Police Arrest Four Teenagers In Lagos
He noted that other requirements were non-safety related and that work was already in progress to achieve night flight operations.
He said the agency had to limit flight operations to daytime as the runway lights were being installed, noting that once completed, full approval would be granted.
Musa commended the state government for the quality of work done at the airport and the capable personnel from the state that facilitated the issuing of the licence.
Governor Diri, in his response, said issuing of the operational licence was a winding journey that began from the administration of his immediate past predecessor to when he assumed duty over a year ago.
He expressed appreciation to God for making the long-awaited day possible and also commended former Governor Seriake Dickson for his foresight in ensuring that the state had its own airport.
Diri also thanked the Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, the NCAA DG and officials for the approval and promised to do all it takes to get full flight operations.
He averred that all the necessary facilities and equipment were in place and would be installed in no distant time, especially all the runway lighting system.
He said the importance of an airport cannot be overemphasised, particularly in the South-South region that is the centre of oil and gas activities in the country.
The governor said, “Bayelsa State is a major contributor to the oil and gas business in Nigeria. Bayelsa is the centre not only of oil and gas but also other economic activities within the South-South and the South-East.
“So, the Bayelsa airport is critical not only to Bayelsans but indeed the people of the South-South, South-East and by extension the nearby countries. We are at the border with the Gulf of Guinea.”
Send Us A Press Statement Advertise With Us Contact Us
And For More Nigerian News Visit GWG.NG
