Nigeria’s domestic carriers are set to resume flights on Wednesday, three months after the Federal Government shut down all airports to prevent Coronavirus spread.
Arik Air, AeroContractors, Air Peace, DANA Air, AZMAN Air and Max Air have announced their return but would for now concentrate on the lucrative Lagos – Abuja; Abuja – Lagos and Lagos – Port Harcourt routes.
Their resumption follows their compliance with the safety, health and other guidelines rolled out by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) as preemptive measures against the spread of COVID-19.
The Nation’s checks on their websites on Sunday showed that they would for now concentrate on the lucrative Lagos – Abuja; Abuja – Lagos and Lagos – Port Harcourt routes.
Information gleaned from the websites indicated that passengers would be paying not less than N33,000 for the economy cabin.
Arik Air Managing Director Captain Roy Ilegbodu said in a statement that the carrier will be operating three flights daily from Lagos to Abuja in the first phase of the restart.
He stated that Port Harcourt would be added to the schedule from Saturday when its International Airport in Omagwa is expected to be reopened.
He said: “Passengers have been assured of their safety and well-being at every stage of their flight as the airline has put various measures in place in line with COVID-19 protocols as recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO), International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and the Federal Government.
“Passengers are advised to arrive at the airport three hours before scheduled departure times so as to have ample time to undergo all security and health protocols before flight. Furthermore, all passengers are required to come properly kitted with their face masks