The Federal Government announced the reopening of all domestic airports for operations on Monday.
This was disclosed by the Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika at the briefing of the Presidential Task Force on Control of COVID-19.
The Minister said all chartered flights would still require approval, stressing that private-operated airports were to reopen after meeting the required measures against COVID-19 and obtaining clearance from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Agency (NCAA).
“Regarding approvals for flights within the country – domestic approvals. All airports in Nigeria are now open for domestic flights. Private chartered operations will no longer need approvals from us to operate within domestic airports in all government-approved airports and in all government-owned airports.
“However, those airports that are private airports – government-approved airports – the operators should check the safety status with the NCAA (Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority). Such airports like Jalingo, Uyo, Asaba, Gombe, Nasarawa, Damaturu, Osubi, etc.
“So, you won’t need any approvals from the Minister but you should kindly check the status of these airports with the NCAA which is normal.
“However, all flights out of the country and into the country that are private charter will still need approvals for those kinds of flights including technical stops,” he said.
Also speaking, national coordinator of the Presidential Task Force, Dr Sani Aliyu, said the government has placed a six-month travel ban on Nigerian passengers who arrive the country and dodge the mandatory second COVID-19 test.
Sani said foreigners, who fail to carry out the second COVID-19 test. would have their visas revoked while leaving the country.
He further said that over 9000 passengers have registered with the new hub while over 5,000 have made payments, which is an indication that the hub was working well.
Dr Sani said young children would be excluded from COVID-19 test, stressing that those with diplomatic passports would also be excluded.
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