The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) on Thursday said
the resumption of international flights has now been shifted to September 5.
The earlier date had been August 29.
Director-General of the NCAA, Musa Shuaibu Nuhu, revealed the
news during a Presidential Task Force COVID-19 briefing in Abuja.
He said while airlines and airports were ready to operate,
other non-aviation logistics prompted the one-week extension.
“We have other non-aviation logistics we are still working
on, mostly the COVID-19 protocol tests and online platform,” he said. “We need
to get this ready.”
Mr Nuhu described September 5 as a “sacrosanct date”, noting
that “the initial announcement was anytime from the 29th.”
“In due course, we will be announcing the protocols for the
resumptions and we will be giving further details,” he said. “Hopefully early
next week, we will release this.”
Nigeria started to restrict international flights in March as
part of efforts to restrict the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
The shutdown, which included inter-state travel and closure
of public places and schools, contributed to the decline of the country’s
economic growth.
In July, the country resumed domestic flight operations with
international flights scheduled to follow.
The PTF Chairman, Boss Mustapha, during the briefing on
Thursday, said he hopes the reopening of international flights will help to
re-open the economy.
