Domestic flights to resume Wednesday, July 8 – FG

The Federal Government has approved Wednesday, July 8 for the resumption of domestic flights.

This was disclosed by the Minister of Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika on Wednesday in Abuja. He revealed that domestic flights that had been suspended since March 20 would resume fully on the day.

Sirika announced this in a statement signed by Mr James Odaudu, the Director of Public Affairs, in the ministry.

Further, he revealed that the domestic flights would commence at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja; as well as the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos. However, the Port Harcourt, Owerri, Maiduguri and Kano airports will reopen to flights on July 11; while other airports across the country will join on July 15.

Meanwhile, Sirika said passengers looking to travel out of the country would have to wait a bit longer. He revealed that the dates for the restart of international flights into and out of the country would be announced later.

The Minister expressed gratitude to Nigerians and other stakeholders for their patience and cooperation; even as he reiterated the need to observe health and safety guidelines against COVID-19 when flying.

“I thank stakeholders in aviation industry and Nigerian public who have to cope with the adverse effects of flight suspension for their perseverance and cooperation in ensuring a successful return of operations at the nation’s airports.

“Passengers are highly advised to follow all the safety guidelines and protocols put in place to ensure that the airports don’t become channels of infection for the dreaded coronavirus.

“Government will do all within its powers to ensure a rapid recovery of the aviation industry,” the minister assured.