By Francis Ogwo
Flights operations from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and The Netherlands may be suspended by the Federal Government due to the new Covid-19 protocols introduced by both countries for incoming international passengers. NAN reports.
The disclosure was made by the Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Mr. Musa Nuhu, at the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on Covid-19 media briefing on Monday, February 1, in Abuja.
According to Nuhu, both countries recently requested that passengers from Nigeria must carry out PCR tests four hours before departing the country.
Nuhu said: “In addition to the requirements are a requirement for PCR test before passengers depart from Nigeria to their countries.
“They are adding an extra requirement of having a rapid test done four hours before departure or before you board.
“For us, passengers do the test 72 hours before departure and then the PCR test and the PTF recognizes the rights of all countries to put in measures to protect their citizens just like Nigeria has done.
“If they insist on having these additional tests being done, then PTF has decided that their operations will be suspended into Nigeria.”
The NCAA boss had argued that these countries and airlines could not determine for Nigeria, who to approve or how these tests should be done and stated that the government would be discussing with the airlines and countries involved.
Speaking further, Nuhu said: “This will enable the PTF to have a clear and transparent process on determining who will do these tests based on the requirement for accreditation by NCDC, National Laboratory Council, Lagos State Government for Lagos airport and FCT for Abuja airport.” Nuhu concluded.
Recall that Rwandair recently disclosed that the UAE had barred transit flights to Dubai, thereby allowing only passengers on direct flights to Dubai. This means that passengers originating from Nigeria to Dubai through any transit point would not be allowed to enter Dubai.
The Netherlands, in their latest travel advice which applies to all passengers including Dutch nationals and nationals of other EU and Schengen countries, said that if a passenger was unable to present a negative test result, they might not be allowed to travel to the Netherlands and would not be permitted to board the aircraft or ferry while insisting on a self 10-day quarantine.
