Bayelsa Launches Commercial Aviation Partnership with Pioneer Airlines

Bayelsa State has started non-scheduled flight operations through a new partnership with Pioneer Airlines, with the first flight taking place on Monday 25 May 2026.

The flight used an ATR 72-600 aircraft acquired by the Bayelsa State government and operated by the private airline. 

It was said to have departed Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja at 11:00hrs and took off at 11:10hrs after clearance from the control tower, heading for Bayelsa International Airport.

The aircraft was flown by Captain M Ibrahim and First Officer Joyce, a female co-pilot.

On board as Passenger 1A was Bayelsa State Governor, Sen Douye Diri. 

He was joined by former House of Representatives member Hon Gabriel Onyenwife, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters 1, High Chief Collins Cocodia, and five of the governor’s aides.

READ ALSO: Bayelsa Launches Commercial Air Service with Inaugural Flight

The plane landed at Bayelsa International Airport at 12:15hrs after a flight time of one hour and five minutes.

Governor Diri said he was impressed with the operation and echoed confidence in the airline’s ability to deliver quality services. 

According to him, he looked forward to a robust and rewarding partnership between the airline and the state.