The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) says the resumption of international flights has been shifted from the earlier date of August 29 to September 5.
Director-General of the NCAA, Musa Shuaibu Nuhu, announced this 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. We need to get this ready”, he said.
Nuhu who described the September 5 date as sacrosanct said, “in due course, we will be announcing the protocols for the resumptions and we will be giving further details. Hopefully early next week, we will release this.”
The PTF Chairman, Boss Mustapha, had during the briefing, said he hopes the reopening of international flights will help to re-open the economy.
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.