In a recent development, the Federal Government of Nigeria has announced the reopening of all domestic airports for flight operations. The Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika made this disclosure at the Presidential Taskforce (PTF) on COVID-19.
He noted further that all international charter flights would still require government approval to operate, stating that other private operated airports were to reopen after meeting the required measures against COVID-19 and clearance from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Agency ( NCAA.)
In his words, Sirika said, “Regarding approvals for flights within the country, all airports in Nigeria are now open for domestic flights. Private charter operations will no longer need approvals from us to operate within domestic airports in all government-approved airports and in all government-owned airports.
However, those airports that are private airports – government-approved airports – the operators should check the safety status with the NCAA . Such airports like Jalingo, Uyo, Asaba, Gombe, Nasarawa, Damaturu, Osubi, etc. So, you won’t need any approvals from the minister, but you should kindly check the status of these airports with the NCAA which is normal.
The minister also hinted that conversation was ongoing on the need to reopen Nigeria airspace to some of the banned airlines and countries. Airlines like Air France, Lufthansa, Etihad airlines, Air Rwanda, Air Namibia were all among airlines affected as the minister had stated that the principle of reciprocity will be applied to countries who banned flights from Nigeria.
The PTF has also placed a six months travel ban on Nigerian passengers, who arrived the country and dodge the mandatory second COVID-19 test.
While speaking, the PTF coordinator, Dr Sani Aliyu stated that foreigners who failed to carryout the second COVID-19 test would have their visas revoked while leaving the country.
