The Ministry of Aviation has said it is working with the Federal Ministry of Health, the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 and other relevant bodies to ensure that all nations’ airports meet all the safety and health requirements and protocols and may resume operations before the Yuletide season.

The Minister of Aviation Senator, Hadi Sirika, through the Director, Public Affairs of the ministry, James Odaudu in a press statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja assured that all hands are on deck to ensure that all logistic and policy necessities will soon be in place in order to address the difficulties encountered by international travellers, especially with the impending yuletide season.

Just-In: Supreme Court Strikes Out Suit Against Bayelsa Governor, Diri

He expressed appreciation for the understanding and cooperation of aviation stakeholders in ensuring the smooth reopening of the nation’s airspace.

In a related development, the federal government lifted the flight ban on Lufthansa, KLM and Air France,  paving the way for them to resume their operations in and out of the country. Qatar Airways has also been granted approval to start operations at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja.

This follows the approval of their respective flight plans and schedules submitted to the Ministry.

In granting the approvals, Senator Sirika emphasised the need for airlines operating in the country to employ international best practices in handling Nigerian passengers, as government will not tolerate any form of maltreatment of its citizens by any airline.

The international airports that are yet to be cleared to resume operations are the Port Harcourt airport, the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport and the Akanu Ibiam International Airport Enugu.