Following five months of lockdown, all appears set for today’s resumption of international commercial flight operations in Nigeria.
The Lagos State government, following last minute inspections of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) yesterday, expressed satisfaction at the preparedness of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to manage travel activities in line with COVID-19 protocols.
According to schedule, a couple of flights will arrive later today, beginning with Middle East Airlines and British Airways airplanes.
Nigeria’s Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) had issued notification to airlines operating within the country, ahead of the planned resumption of international flights.
In a letter signed by NCAA director-general, Musa Nuhu, only the Lagos and Abuja international airports will handle international flights.
All others remain closed to international flights “until a new date is determined and announced,” Nuhu adds.
The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) had also issued a notice to airmen (NOTAM) informing the operators of the restart of international operations.
NAMA Managing Director, Capt. Fola Akinkuotu also confirms the notice adding that, “The NOTAM was issued immediately we received the circular from the NCAA on Wednesday. This takes effect from the hour 0001 UTC on 5th September”
The Nigerian government after easing its national lockdown reopened the airport for domestic flights on July 8 with pressure mounting for the resumption for international flights.