The planned resumption of international flights in Nigeria has been shifted to September 5 from the August 29 date, Minsiter of Avaition Hadi Sirika announced.
The minister who spoke during the daily briefing of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, on Thursday in Abuja, said the change in date was to allow for appropriate preparation in line with the COVID-19 protocols.
Represented by the Director General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, Capt. Musa Nuhu, Sirika explained that the forms for COVID-19 test and all other preparations for international flights to forestall the spread of the virus had to be fully put in place.
On principle of reciprocity, the minister noted that before the commencement date, clear explanations would be made in that regard.
The principle means all countries that have banned flights from Nigeria will also have planes from their countries banned from entry into Nigeria.
Some of the countries which have already banned flights from Nigeria are in the European Union, EU, as the EU included Nigeria on the banned countries on the first of July when they opened their airspace.
The Ministry of Aviation had stated that about 1,280 passengers would be allowed in on a daily basis in Abuja and Lagos airports, which are scheduled to begin the flights.
Source: NAN
