Dipo Olowookere
By Dipo Olowookere
As the nation prepares for the resumption of domestic flight operations at the key airports in Lagos and Abuja on Wednesday, July 8, 2020, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has released the new rules travellers must adhere to going forward.
The agency, in a statement signed by its General Manager in charge of Corporate Affairs, Mrs Henrietta Yakubu, stated that under the “new normal,” air passengers would be required to be at the airports properly kitted with their face masks on.
She said they must also ensure a minimum of 1.5 metres physical distancing, adding that aviation medical/port health personnel would screen each passenger and ensure the use of face masks.
Mrs Yakubu said further that those travelling with pets must get necessary clearance from Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Services, stating that all passengers’ luggage would be disinfected before entry into the departure halls.
She also said passengers would be required to wash their hands as often as possible and that hand sanitizer would be provided for passengers before 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,” she noted.
The spokesperson of FAAN declared that in the new procedural guidelines for air travellers and other airport users, arriving passengers, after disembarking from the aircraft, would be required to observe physical distancing as they board the co-buses, with hand sanitizer provided in the buses.
She stated that physical distancing protocols must be observed at the baggage claim area, where hand sanitizer is also provided.
In addition, disinfected trolleys would be made available for passengers, pointing out 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. If you must speak to anyone around, please speak to a properly tagged Aviation Security (AVSEC) officer, physical distancing would be maintained while waiting to be screened by personnel of Port Health Services, amongst others,” Mrs Yakubu stated.
She said in addition, passengers are required to observe social distancing and make use of the floor markings at the security screening area. They must also comply with all other security guidelines as laid down by officials of the Aviation Security (AVSEC) department.
“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,” Mrs Yakubu, who explained the rules were put in place to curb the spread of COVID-19, said in the statement.
