THE AFRICAN COURIER. Reporting Africa and its Diaspora! The African Courier is an international magazine published in Germany to report on Africa and the Diaspora African experience. The first issue of the bimonthly magazine appeared on the newsstands on 15 February 1998. The African Courier is a communication forum for European-African political, economic and cultural exchanges, and a voice for Africa in Europe.
Regular operations have resumed at Nigeria’s two leading airports after a break of three months due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Domestic flights recommenced at the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos and the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport in Abuja on Wednesday, 8 July.
However, the turnout of passengers was low as Channels Television monitored activities at the domestic wing of the Murtala International Airport, Lagos.
Passengers were seen wearing face masks, observing social distancing and adhering to other COVID-19 protocols, introduced by government to ensure safety of passengers and workers.
According to reports, passengers in Abuja were seen waiting to enter the airports using markings on the floor to observe social distancing.
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Other safety measures in place at both airports include airport workers taking the temperature of passengers and spraying bags with decontamination fluids. Handwashing facilities have also been installed outside airport buildings.
Only five airlines have been given approval to fly.
On 1 July, the Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, announced that the Abuja and Lagos airports will resume domestic operations on 8 July, while the Kano, Port Harcourt, Owerri and Maiduguri airports would resume on the 11 July.
Other airports are also expected to resume operations on the 15th.
The resumption of flights is the latest step by the government to reopen Africa’s biggest economy, which has also been hit hard by low oil prices.
No date has been given for the resumption of international flights.
Kola Tella
