The Federal government announced on Thursday been the 7th day in August 2020 that the airports would be reopened for international flights in weeks and not in months.
The prolonged ban on international travels was mandatory to keep Nigerians within and outside the country safe from the spread of coronavirus infection.
The Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, disclosed this in Abuja during an answer session at the briefing of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19.
The Minister reiterated on the need for Nigerians to understand that closing the airports wasn’t entirely an aviation function, but a huge task for Mr President as the health of Nigerians was his priority amidst the coronavirus outbreak.
The Aviation sector too wouldn’t hesitate to reopen and begin operations as most workers have lost their jobs while others haven’t received salaries since the beginning of the global pandemic.
The Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 has also set up a technical committee where all hands must be on the desk for a smooth resumption while all parties involved from the immigration, policemen, customs to civil defence to ensure the safety of all passengers.
Sirika urged Nigerians not to blame government officials for the ban on international flights but the COVID19.
The PTF National Coordinator said the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria and other agencies, as well as airlines will commence the process for the resumption of international flights.
According to Aliyu, Domestic passengers will have to arrive at the airports one hour before their flight and three hours for international passengers once the ban is lifted which will hopefully be in weeks but not in months.
