As airlines in Nigeria are set to return to the sky on Wednesday, July 8, 2020, after more than four months of hiatus as a result of COVID-19 lockdown, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has rolled out new procedural guidelines aimed at protecting air travellers, port users and the airlines and preventing further spread of the COVID-19 virus.
According to the FAAN, all passengers must arrive at the airport properly kitted with their face masks on and must also ensure a minimum of one point five meters (1.5m) physical distancing just as aviation medical and port health personnel would screen each passenger and ensure the use of face masks.
It noted that all passengers’ luggage would be disinfected before entry into the departure halls as passengers are required to wash their hands as often as possible and hand sanitizer would be provided for them before entering at the waiting halls/lounges and pre-boarding gates. It added that all footwear would be disinfected/sanitized by foot mats placed at all entrances to the terminal building, amongst others.
For passengers travelling with pets, FAAN said they must get necessary clearance from Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Services.
FAAN maintained that passengers arriving on disembarkation from the aircraft would observe physical distancing as they board the co-buses and hand sanitizer would be provided in the buses.
According to FAAN, physical distancing protocols must be observed at the baggage claim area, where hand sanitizer is also provided, disinfected trolleys would be made available for passengers, 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.
FAAN advised that 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.
‘’In addition to the above guidelines, 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,’’ said FAAN.
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