Amidst COVID-19: FG Resume Process To Reopen International Flights
Daily Metro News NG
The Federal Government has begun the process of restarting international flights.
During media briefing on Thursday by the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, the PTF National Coordinator, Dr. Sani Aliyu, said approvals have been given for aviation authorities to begin the process for the resumption of international flights into the country.
Dr. Aliyu said the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and other aviation agencies, as well as airlines, are to come up with a safe process through which international airlines can commence operations soon.
The PTF Coordinator said when international flight operations resume, passengers would have to arrive three hours before their flight time, to ensure that there is no crowding of the airports.
“For international travel, we have made recommendations to the aviation industry to commence the process for reopening international airports provided all existing international and local COVID-19 protocols are in place.
“We have modified the protocol for passenger arrivals at the airports. Domestic passengers arriving at the airports are advised to arrive one hour before their flights and three hours before international flights when this restarts,” Dr. Aliyu added.
Dr. Aliyu’s statement came shortly after President Muhammadu Buhari approved the extension of the second phase of the eased lockdown for another four weeks.
The PTF and President Muhammadu Buhari had met on Wednesday, where they briefed him on the progress made so far in containing the spread of COVID-19, as well as making recommendations on how to retain the current phase of the response, with minor changes to address economic, socio-political, and health concerns.
The major changes being proposed are aimed at achieving the gradual re-opening of international flights within established protocols, re-opening of rail transportation within established protocols, and the granting of permissions to exiting students to resume ahead of their examinations.
The revised guidelines of the eased lockdown which will be maintained in the next four weeks, while the current nationwide curfew from 10pm- 6am still stands.
Also, virtual meetings for government officials and parastatals will continue online.
While the ban on entertainment centers will be maintained, restrictions on recreational parks have been lifted for non-contact physical activities.
Passengers arriving for domestic flights can now arrive at least an hour and a half before flight, and three hours before the flight for international travelers.
Chairman of the PTF, Boss Mustapha on Thursday reemphasized that there is a need for everyone to take responsibility while the nation goes into this extended phase of eased lockdown.
He also urged Nigerians to stop the stigmatization of persons who have contracted, been treated, and have been certified negative for COVID-19 in the society.