Domestic flights resumed yesterday, 8th July, 2020 after 3 months of lockdown.
The only authorised airports at this stage are the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport and the Murtala Muhammed Airport.
There was however, a low turnout of passengers. COVID19 protocols were largely adhered to with passengers wearing face masks, observing social distancing. At the waiting lounge, seats were well spaced out as well.
Many customer facing desks at the ticketing section were seen with front desk shields between passengers and ticketing officers. These were put in place by the aviation operators to protect both passengers and staff from the viral spread of the disease.
The measure was not common in the past, but it appears to be the standard practice implemented prior to resumption of operations.
Prior to reopening the airports for domestic flights to resume, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria issued guidelines for airport operations through the General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Henrietta Yakubu.
The guidelines:
“Following the approval that flight operations recommence gradually at the nation’s airports effectively July 8, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria has released new procedural guidelines for air travelers and other airport users.
“The new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is aimed at protecting all stakeholders and preventing further spread of the virus.
“In the ‘New Normal’, departing passengers on domestic flights must comply with the following guidelines:
“Departing passengers-
- All passengers must arrive the airport properly kitted with their FACE MASKS ON
- They MUST ensure a minimum of one point five meters (1.5m) PHYSICAL DISTANCING
- Aviation Medical/Port Health personal would screen each passenger and ensure the use of FACE MASKS
- Those traveling with pets MUST get necessary clearance from Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Services
- All passenger luggages 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
- All footwear would be DISINFECTED/SANITIZED by FOOT MATS placed at all entrances to the terminal building, amongst others
“Arriving passenger –
On disembarkation from the aircraft, the following guidelines MUST be adhered to:
- Passengers would observe PHYSICAL DISTANCING as they board the Co-Buses
- Hand Sanitiser would be provided in the buses
- PHYSICAL DISTANCING protocols MUST be observed at the BAGGAGE claim area where HAND SANITIZER is also povided
- DISINFECTED trolleys would be made available for passengers”
The guidelines also adds that:
“All covid19 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. PHISICAL DISTANCING would be maintained while waiting to be screened by personnel of PORT HEALTH SERVICES amongst others.
“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. They must also comply with all other security guidelines as laid down by officials of the Aviation Security (AVSEC) department.
“We urge all passengers and other stakeholders to respect and observe these necessary protocols, put in place for our protection.
“Our success in achieving healthy and safe air travels is highly dependent on your cooperation in this regard”
Airport authorities spoken to say that only 5 airlines are authorised to fly for now.