Nigeria and Ghana the two African nations ready to resume international flights. Nigeria is set to resume international flight on August 29th after the Federal government of Nigeria announced on the 7th day in August 2020 that it will resume in weeks and not months. Ghana plans to allow inbound travellers starting from September 1st.
Both nations airports were closed down as a result of COVID-19 pandemic that almost crippled the aviation sector and left so many workers being relieved from works.
As at that time the top priority of both nations was the health of its citizens amidst the coronavirus outbreak.
Both countries plan to resume international flights since the COVID-19 situation is minimal and stabilised. However, Nigeria has set up a technical committee through the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 to see that there is a smooth resumption with airline workers ready to adhere to safety measures for all passengers on board. Ghana has also put safety measures in place to accommodate the influx of traffic at the airport once operations begin.
In Nigeria, domestic had resumed on the 8th of July 2020. Internation flight, on the other hand, will resume when all safety measures are all in place. Aviation Miniter Sirika disclosed yesterday that Lagos and Abuja would receive international flights first with four flights landing at each city daily.
Details on the exact protocols and procedures are yet to be disclosed
According to the statement by the Ghanaian President on Sunday, that entry points are to reopen next month, though dependent on the readiness of the airports to begin international tourists.
The Ministry of Health, Ministry of Aviation, the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority and the Ghana Airports will collectively make this decision as to when international flights will reopen.
In Akufo-Addo words:
“I want to ensure that we are in a position to test every single passenger that arrives in the country to avoid the spread of the virus. The outcome of that exercise will show us the way, and determine when we can reopen our border by air. I am hoping that we will be ready to do so by September 1st.”
COVID-19 cases under control
The decision to reopen to international flights came as a result of thorough assessment being carried out by both nations on the current situation of COVID-19 which has decreased significantly since the beginning of August.
Other nations reopening borders
So far, Rwanda has fully compliant with International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) global standards on global biosafety framework for the safe restart of the aviation sector.
