Hadi Sirika, the minister of aviation, says the federal
government will not allow some countries to operate international flights to
Nigeria.
Addressing journalists at the daily briefing of the
presidential task force on COVID-19 on Monday, Sirika said the government will
not be in a hurry to resume international flights as whatever decisions to be
made would be in the interest of the general public.
He explained that several countries have not opened up for
international flight operations and that Nigeria has not received clearance to
fly to countries who are already receiving foreign visitors.
Sirika explained that Nigeria has taken a similar stance as
the country has not begun to allow international flights.
“On the question about when we are beginning international
travels, certainly you are very aware that so many countries had placed a ban
on countries that we cannot go even from Nigeria.
“Also Nigeria, of course, will place a ban on other
countries that cannot come in here. Everyone is trying to keep safe,” he said.
“These and many other reasons will make us be cautious and
study some more and liaise with stakeholders to decide when we will open
international flights.
“Within the sector, we want to reopen because we are
bleeding and losing money but we have to remain alive first before we make
money. Whatever decision we take has to be in the interest of humanity in
general.”
The minister also said consultations would also have to be
carried out with the World Health Organisation, the Economic Community of West
Africa States (ECOWAS) and other aviation stakeholders.
Several countries across the world imposed travel
restrictions to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
On March 18, the federal government announced restriction of
flights from 13 countries that had more than 1,000 cases of the coronavirus
domestically.
The airports in Kano, Enugu and Port Harcourt were closed on
March 21 and the Lagos and Abuja international flights wing were closed on
March 23.
Domestic flight operations resumed at the Lagos and Abuja
airports on July 8, while Kano, Port Harcourt, Owerri and Maiduguri airports
will reopen on July 11.
Other airports are expected to reopen on July 15.
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