As Nigeria looks forward to the commencement of domestic flight operations, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) , has released new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for all air travelers and other airport users.
The new SOP, released via a statement by Henrietta Yakubu, General Manager, Corporate Affairs of FAAN, specifies guidelines to be observed by all airport users and workers.
While announcing the commencement of airport operations, Aviation Minister, Hadi Sirika, said that Abuja and Lagos airports would resume operations on July 8. Kano, Port Harcourt, Owerri and Maiduguri would resume on July 11 while other airports would resume on July 15.
According to the statement by Henrietta Yakubu, “in the new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), departing passengers must comply with the following guidelines: All passengers must arrive the airport properly kitted with their FACE MASKS ON.
“They must also ensure a minimum of one point five meters (1.5m) physical distancing, Aviation Medical/Port Health personnel 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 passengers luggage would be disinfected before entry into the departure halls, Passengers are required to wash their hands as often as possible, hand sanitiser would be provided for passengers before the 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.
“For arriving passengers, the following guidelines MUST be adhered to; On disembarkation from the aircraft, passengers would observe PHYSICAL DISTANCING as they board the Co-Buses (Hand Sanitizer would be provided in the buses).
“Physical distancing protocols must be observed at the baggage claim area, where hand sanitizer 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.
“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.”
The statement added that all “passengers have been advised not to speak to anyone when departing the airport, asides persons tagged Aviation Security (AVSEC) officers.”
Flights resume July 8, 2020 as approved by the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19.