The Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has released new guidelines for travelers as the country plans to safely reopen its airspace and airports to local flights without risking the health of travelers.
Henrietta Yakubu, FAAN’s General Manager, Corporate Affairs in a report said, “the new Standard Operating Procedure is aimed at protecting all stakeholders and preventing further spread of the Covad-19 virus.”
Yakubu said that of the guidelines stipulates that every passenger must mandatorily wear face masks and maintain a physical distancing of not less than 1.5m.
The authority stated that all passengers would be screened by trained aviation and Port health personnel to ensure strict compliance with the use of face masks and physical distancing.
The report read in part, “Those travelling with pets must get the necessary clearance from Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Services.
“All passengers’ luggage would be disinfected before entry into the departure halls.
“Passengers are required to wash their hands as often as possible. Hand sanitisers would be provided for passengers before entrance at the waiting halls/lounges and pre-boarding gates.
“All footwear would be disinfected/sanitised by foot mats placed at all entrances to the terminal building, amongst others.
“Physical distancing protocols must be observed at the baggage claim area, where hand sanitiser is also provided. Disinfected trolleys would be made available for passengers.
“All Covid-19 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 officer.”
FAAN urged adherence to floor markings at security screening area and abide by all stipulated safety protocols.
In the same vein, Boss Mustapha Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Covid-19, counseled passengers to “strictly abide” with the new protocols.
Mustapha, who doubles as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, had said in a media chat on Thursday in Abuja, “Following the announcement of phase two and some new measures on Monday, the aviation sector has announced the 8th, 11th and 15th of July as dates for the gradual resumption of domestic flights.
“We thank Nigerians for their patience and understanding and we urge them to strictly abide with the new airport protocols.
“In the aviation industry, safety and security are paramount and there is only one global aviation standard,” he said.
The country’s airspace and airports had been shut to flight operations in March to curb the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.