As Nigeria prepares to resume international flights, the Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, says the country will apply the principle of reciprocity.
Speaking at the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 daily briefing on Thursday in Abuja, the minister explained that this principle meant carriers from all countries that banned flights from Nigeria would also not be allowed to fly into Nigeria.
Sirika was represented at the briefing by the Director General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Musa Nuhu.
Flights from Nigeria are among those banned by the European Union (EU) countries when they opened their airspaces on July 1, 2020.
Speaking on the preparation for international flights resumption, Sirika said: “We are almost there. Just a few things to be done but we will be ready in the coming days.
“By Monday, we will have comprehensive details for the resumption.”
Sirika also noted that about 1, 280 passengers would be allowed in on a daily basis in Abuja and Lagos airports, which had been billed to commence first.
NAN recalls that the PTF had earlier revealed that international flights would resume on August 29, 2020.
The minister had said Nigeria’s preparation had reached advanced stage for the resumption of international flight operations.
He also stated that four flights each would come into Abuja and Lagos airports on a daily basis.
Emphasis, he stated, would be placed on the observation of all the safety and technical guidelines as prescribed by global and health authorities which would be communicated in due course.
Meanwhile, in a revised quarantine protocol, the Federal Government has taken a decision to withhold passports of persons arriving from abroad for two weeks, as airports reopen. The returnees must also provide COVID19 negative certificate; and must still undergo two-week isolation period.
It states further, “If not resident in Lagos, passengers shall make arrangements for accommodation at their own cost. Please note that the federal government will not be responsible for providing accommodation or transportation to the place of abode.
“Passengers will be cleared through the Nigeria Immigration Service System’s Migrant Identification and Data Analysis System and their passports retained until after successful completion of 14 days self-quarantine, except diplomatic passport holders.”
“Passengers arriving/returning to Nigeria must have tested negative for COVID-19 (pre-boarding PCR test in country of departure). PCR test must be within two weeks before departure and preferably not less than five days pre-boarding.
“Tests done more than two weeks before departure are not valid and persons will not be allowed to board; but for the five days minimum, this advisory will not preclude boarding.
“On board, passengers are required to fill in the health declaration/self-reporting form and the sample collection time allocation form.
“Passengers should ensure that the information/contact details provided on the form are correct, verifiable and they can be reached on the phone number and address provided.
“They will be given an appointment time and date to present themselves at the Sample Collection Centre located in Lagos or Abuja for a repeat COVID-19 PCR test within 72 hours of arrival.
“Passengers must provide their full and correct address and phone number before exiting the airport. They must comply with self-isolation/quarantine guidelines and ensure that they can be reached/can be located during the period”.
- Additional reporting by NAN
