As international flights resume on September 5, the Federal
Government says only approved airlines will be allowed into the country’s
airspace.
Speaking on Thursday during a briefing of the Presidential
Taskforce on COVID-19 at the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja, the
Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, said only the NAIA and the Murtala Muhammed
International Airport, Lagos, would reopen for international travels.
He listed Egyptair, Virgin Atlantic, Turkish Airlines, AWA,
Kenya Airways and Middle East Airlines as airlines permitted to operate into
the Lagos airport.
The minister also listed British Airways, Emirates,
Ethiopian, AWA, and Middle East Airlines as airlines allowed to operate into
the Abuja airport.
However, Sirika said Air France, KLM, Lufthansa, Etihad
Airways, Angolan TAG, Air Namibia and Royal Air Maroc are not approved to
operate flights into the country.
The country’s airspace and airports had been shut to flight
operations in March to curb the spread of the lethal coronavirus disease which
as of Thursday has killed over 1,000 people in Nigeria.
The FG subsequently approved the restart of domestic flights
from July 8, adding that effective September 5, international flights would
resume with the two airports.
Giving an update on Thursday, the minister said there would
be sanctions for non-compliance with the guidelines on the part of the airlines
and the passengers.
He said passengers who fail to comply with the Covid-19
protocol put in place to curb the importation of the virus would be suspended
from travelling for six months while airlines that fail to comply would pay a
fine of $3,500 per passenger.
Sirika said, “Now, at this point, it is important that we
announce the airlines that are allowed for operations into the country. The
ones not approved are Air France. Middle East Airlines is approved for only
Lagos (airport). British Airways (is) approved – allowed entry under Covid-19
protocol.
“The reason for Air France is that tourists business holders
are not allowed entry. KLM not approved for the same reason as Air France.
Delta Airlines, no restrictions – USA, we have an Open Skies with them and they
also allow us in.
“Qatar Airways are allowed and approved under Covid-19
protocol. Etihad, not approved. Ethiopian Airlines allowed entry under Covid-19
protocol. Egyptair approved, allowed entry under Covid-19 protocol.
“Rwandair not approved. Air Peace, not applicable, they are
our own carrier in Nigeria, we thank them. Virgin Atlantic, approved, allowed
entry under Covid-19 protocol. Air Namibia, not approved. Asky, approved. Royal
Air Maroc, not approved. African World Airways, Ghana, approved.
“Air Cote d’Ivoire, approved. Lufthansa, not approved. Kenya
Airways approved. Emirates Airlines, approved. Turkish Airlines, approved. Cabo
Verde not applicable as international flights are not resumed. Angolan TAG, not
approved. South African Airways not applicable as international flights are yet
to resume.”
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