* Logo source: Nigeria Business News
As the Nigeria prepares to open its airspace on July 8, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has released new procedural guidelines for air travelers and other airport users
The development is coming on the heels of the approval by the Federal Government for flight operations to recommence on that date.
According a statement signed by the General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Mrs Henrietta Yakubu, the new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is aimed at not only protecting stakeholders but to also prevent further spread of COVID-19 pandemic.
The statement added that in the new normal departing passengers must comply with the following guidelines;
- All passengers must arrive 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 and
- All footwear would be disinfected/sanitized by foot mats placed at all entrances to the terminal building, amongst others.
Arriving Passengers
For arriving passengers, the following guidelines must be adhered to:
- On disembarkation 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
- 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.
The statement pointed out that 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.
Passengers, the statement further said must also comply with all other security guidelines as laid down by officials of the Aviation Security (AVSEC) department.
The agency urged passengers and other stakeholders to respect and observe these necessary protocols, put in place for protection.
“Our success in achieving healthy and safe air travels is highly dependent on your cooperation in this regard, the statement said.
FAAN,the statement said is committed to its core values of safety, security and comfort.
Recalled that the Minister of Aviation Senator Hadi Sirika had announced that the domestic flight which was suspended in Nigeria since March 2020 due to the outbreak of COVID-19 would finally resume on July 8, 2020.
Sirika had informed that flights will commence with the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja and the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos.
He also stated that the Port Harcourt, Owerri and Maiduguri airports would reopen to flights on July 11, while other airports across the country would join on July 15.
