As domestic flight operations recommence gradually at Nigeria’s local airports effective July 8, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has called for cooperation from stakeholders in a bid to achieve a healthy and safe air travel.
This is even as the authority released new procedural guidelines for air travelers and other airport users.
This latest development was contained in a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) statement released by the General Manager, Corporate Communications, Henrietta Yakubu.
“In the ‘New Normal’, departing passengers must comply with the following guidelines: all passengers must arrive the airport properly kitted with their face mask 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” the statement read.
The statement reeled out additional directives to be adhered to. ‘All passengers’ luggage would be before entering into the departure halls, passengers are required to wash their hands as often as possible, hand sanitizers 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” added the statement.
For arriving passengers, FAAN said the following guidelines must be adhered to when disembarking from the aircraft.
‘Passengers should observe physical distancing as they board the CO-Busses while hand sanitizer would be provided in the buses’
The statement advised that physical distancing protocols should be observed at the Baggage Claim area, where hand sanitizer must also be provided while adding that disinfected trolleys would be made available for passengers.
It stated further that 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 and if they must speak to anyone around, they should speak to a properly tagged Aviation Security (AVSEC) officer. Physical distancing should be maintained while waiting to be screened by personnel of Port Health Services, amongst others”
It added that passengers are required to observe social distancing and make use of the floor markings at the security screening area adding that they must also comply with all other security guidelines as laid down by officials of the AVSEC department.
The statement canvassed the cooperation of all stakeholders in a bid to prevent further spread of the COVID-19 virus.
“We urge all our passengers and other stakeholders to respect and observe these necessary protocols, put in place for our protection.
Our success in achieving healthy and safe air travels is highly dependent on your cooperation in this regard” the statement concluded.
