COVID-19: FG issues update on international flights resumption

The minister of aviation, Hadi Sirika, on behalf of Federal Government of Nigeria has revealed that he will announce the resumption of international flights amid COVID-19 when due.

Sirika made this known while speaking during the daily briefing of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 on Monday, July 13.

Onyxnews Nigeria gathered that the minister said any decision taken would be in the interest of Nigerians.

He said that many countries have not opened up for international flight operations and that Nigeria has not received clearance to fly to countries who are already receiving foreign visitors.

Sirika made this statement: “Everyone is trying to keep safe. These and many other reasons will make us be cautious and study some more and liaise with stakeholders to decide when we will open international flights.

“Within the sector, we want to reopen because we are bleeding and losing money but we have to remain alive first before we make money. Whatever decision we take has to be in the interest of humanity in general.”

He also said that the World Health Organisation, the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) and other aviation stakeholders would be consulted, before any announcement is made.

Onyxnews Nigeria recall that food will no longer be served on domestic flights when operations resume, Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika said on Monday, July 6.

The minister made this known during the Presidential Taskforce, PTF on COVID-19 briefing in Abuja

The minister also said the decision was part of efforts to control the spread of the deadly pandemic on flights.

“For this domestic operation, there will be no food. No food will be given to reduce contamination level and we will allow you to come with your mask.

“Like the MD of FAAN had said the other day, we see it as your private thing. So it is you bring your mask, they don’t have to be the fancy ones,” he said.