The Federal Government has approved the resumption of 14 airports across the country for domestic operations following the temporary suspension of aviation services occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, who disclosed this via his Twitter handle @hadisirika, said ministerial approvals in and out of those airports are not required.
“Glad to announce that the following airports are open for full domestic operations, hence ministerial approval in and out of them is not required. This includes private and charter operations. We will keep you informed on the remainder airports in due course,” he tweeted.
According to the Aviation Minister, Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano; Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa; Sam Mbakwe Airport, Owerri; and Maiduguri Airport, Maiduguri, were approved for resumption of operations on July 11.
Victor Attah Airport, Uyo, opened on July 15, while Kaduna Airport, Kaduna; Yola Airport, Yola; Margaret Ekpo Airport, Calabar; and Sultan Abubakar Airport, Sokoto, were approved for resumption of operations on July 19.
Birnin Kebbi Airport resumed operations on July 20, while Yakubu Gowon Airport, Jos; and Benin Airport, Benin were given approvals to resume operations on July 24.
The Minister had, on July 8, announced that the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja were approved for domestic operations.
Sirika noted that inspection has been completed at the listed airports hence the approval of resumption of operations.
However, international flights remain suspended owing to the coronavirus pandemic.