Airports

The federal government says adherence to social distancing in the era of coronavirus is only applicable at airports terminals and not in the cabin.

The Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 has warned against perceived neglect of the non-pharmaceutical protocols and other measures aimed at tackling the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in the country.

Following the resumption of international flights in Lagos and Abuja airports from Saturday, investigations by newsmen have revealed that there will be about 15,000 passengers flying into the country weekly.

The Federal Government has relaxed emergency restrictions put in place in the wake of the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic as a way of limiting its spread.

The Comptroller General, Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Mr Muhammad Babandede, has implemented procedures for international flights resumption and visa payment.

The Federal Executive Council on Wednesday approved N13bn for the automation of safety equipment at Lagos, Kano, Abuja and Port Harcourt international airports.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has urged the Federal Government to desist from further contemplation, discussions and arrangements to concession major airports in the country.

Against the backdrop of possible job losses owing to the planned concession of four most prominent airports in the country, aviation unions in the land have vowed to resist the moves.

President Muhammadu Buhari has promised that his administration would deliver world class airport infrastructure to Lagos, Abuja and Kano International Airports to improve socioeconomic development of the country.

Russia has unveiled a device said to be capable of detecting and analysing airborne pathogens like bacteria, toxins and viruses including Covid-19. It alerts of potential danger within seconds, and then pinpoints its source, according to a report in Russian state media RT.

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has alerted airline operators and pilots of occurrence of thunderstorm phenomenon over Nigerian airports since the beginning of the rainy season in the country.

Popular Nigerian rapper, Folarin Falana, popularly known as Falz, has enjoined the federal government to reopen cinemas, restaurants and clubs as their continued closure is stifling the showbiz sector.

Hadi Sirika, the minister of aviation, announced on Monday that the reopening procedure will mirror that of domestic flights where operations began with the Lagos and Abuja airports.

Four Chinese workers abducted from a quarry site in Cross Rivers state have been freed, police said Sunday.

Arik Air says it will commence domestic flight operations with resumption of services to four additional airports - Benin, Jos, Owerri and Asaba.

Nigeria has re-opened 14 airports months after recording more than 40,000 Covid-19 cases and 858 deaths.

The airports are the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos; Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja; Malam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano; Port Harcourt International Airport, Omaguwa; Sam Mbakwe Airport, Owerri.

The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has described as untrue, insinuations in some quarters that Nigerian airports would reopen for international flights in October.