THE federal government has fixed July 8 for the first phase of resumption of domestic flights. The Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, who made the announcement stated that only the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja and the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos will resume operation on the said date.
According to him, the Kano, Port Harcourt, Owerri, and Maiduguri airports will resume flight operation on July 11, while other Nigerian airports will follow suit on July 15.
Furthermore, the Chairman of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19, Boss Mustapha, hinted earlier that airfare will be increased when the airports are eventually reopened.
According to him, the anticipated increase is informed by factors such as observance of social distancing, aviation fuel, pilots’ salaries and services paid to the aviation institutions.
Beyond that, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigerian (FAAN), has announced a new set of procedural guidelines for air travelers and other airport users.
This is sequel to the announcement by the Federal Government regarding the gradual commencement of domestic flight operations at the nation’s airports with effect from July 8, 2020. The essence of this new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is to protect all stakeholders and curb further spread of the coronavirus disease, especially through our airports.
This was revealed in a press statement by FAAN on Friday, July 3, 2020, and signed by the agency’s General Manager Corporate Affairs, Henrietta Yakubu.
In accordance with the procedures that have been outlined by FAAN, departing passengers must comply with the following guidelines:
~ All passengers must arrive at the airport properly kitted with their face masks on.
~ They must also ensure a minimum of one point five meters (1.5m) physical distancing. Aviation Medical/Port Health personnel would screen each passenger and ensure the use of face masks. Those travelling with pets must get necessary clearance from Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Services.
~ All passengers’ luggage would be disinfected before entry into the departure halls.
~ Passengers are required to wash their hands as often as possible, hand sanitizer would be provided for passengers before entrance, at the waiting halls/lounges and pre-boarding gates.
~ All footwear would be disinfected/sanitized by foot mats placed at all entrances to the terminal building, amongst others.
For arriving passengers, the following guidelines must be complied with:
~ On disembarking from the aircraft, passengers would observe physical distancing as they board the Co-Buses. Hand sanitizer would be provided in the buses.
~ Physical distancing protocols must be observed at the baggage claim area, where hand sanitizer is also provided, and disinfected trolleys would be made available for passengers.
~ All Covid-19 protocols must be observed while undergoing customs check. Passengers would exit the halls and head straight to the car park for pick up.
~ If you must speak to anyone around, please speak to a properly tagged Aviation Security (AVSEC) officer. Physical distancing would be maintained while waiting to be screened by personnel of Port Health Services, amongst others.
In addition to the above guidelines, passengers are required to observe social distancing and make use of the floor markings at the security screening area.
They must also comply with all other security guidelines as laid down by officials of the Aviation Security (AVSEC) department. FAAN has requested all passengers and stakeholders to observe these new protocols that have been put in place for their protection.