The Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika has announced the decision of the
Federal Government to resume international operations from Kano,
Port-Harcourt and Enugu Airports before Christmas celebrations.
Sirika confirmed the development in a statement issued by Mr James
Odaudu, the ministry’s Director, Public Affairs, in Lagos on Tuesday.
“All international airports in the country may resume international
flights before the end of the year, as the ministry is working with the
Federal Ministry of Health.
“The ministry is also working with the Presidential Task Force on
COVID-19 and other relevant bodies to ensure that the airports meet all
the safety and health requirements and protocols.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the international airports
that are yet to be cleared to resume operations are the Port Harcourt
airport, the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport, and the Akanu Ibiam
International Airport Enugu.
Sirika said that all hands are on deck to ensure that all logistic and
policy necessities would be put in place to address the difficulties
encountered by international travelers, especially with the impending
yuletide season.
The minister expressed satisfaction over the understanding and
cooperation of aviation stakeholders in ensuring the smooth reopening of
the nation’s airspace.
In a related development, Sirika said the federal government had lifted
the flight ban on Lufthansa, KLM, and Air France.
He said this development had paved the way for them to resume their
operations in and out of the country.
The minister added that Qatar Airways had also been granted approval to
start operations at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja.
“This follows the approval of their respective flight plans and
schedules submitted to the Ministry.
“In granting the approvals, the ministry has emphasised the need for
airlines operating in the country to employ international best practices
in handling Nigerian passengers.
“This is because the government will not tolerate any form of
maltreatment of its citizens by any airline,’’ he said. (NAN)