Luggage disinfection, no VIP aides… FAAN publishes reopening guidelines

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has released resumption guidelines for passengers and other airport users as flight operations resume from July 8.

The guidelines were published in a statement signed by Henrietta Yakubu, FAAN general manager for corporate affairs, on Friday.

Passengers were advised to arrive at the airport with their face masks on and maintain a physical distance of 1.5 metres apart.

“Aviation medical or airport health personnel would screen each passenger and ensure the use of face masks; passengers who want to travel with their pets must get clearance from the Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Services,” FAAN said.

“All passengers luggage would be disinfected before entry into department halls; passengers must wash their hands as often as possible; hand sanitizers would be provided for passengers before the entrance, at the waiting halls/lounges and pre-boarding gates.

“All footwear would be disinfected/sanitized with foot mats placed at all entrances to the terminal building; amongst others.”

In what it termed the new normal, FAAN said returning passengers are advised to maintain physical distancing while disembarking from the aircraft, boarding the co-buses and in the baggage claim area.

“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. 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.

“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.”

During an interactive session with the senate committee on aviation, Hadi Sirika, minister of aviation, said aides of VIP passengers will not be allowed into the airport terminals.

“So, anybody coming into the airports this time around, whether as a personality, ministers, or even honourable members and senators, will not be carrying their aides into the airports any longer,” he said.

Domestic flight operations will begin at the Lagos and Abuja airports on July 8, 2020. Kano, Port Harcourt, Owerri and Maiduguri airports will resume on July 11; while other airports will follow suit on July 15.