As domestic flights resume, what you need to know

It is no longer news that some domestic flights will resume July 8, 2020, after over three months of shutdown.

Based on the announcement by the Ministry of Aviation, the flights will commence with the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja, the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos and the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano.

• Domestic Flights resume in Lagos, Abuja
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Flights from Port Harcourt, Owerri and Maiduguri airports will reopen on the 11th of July, while other airports across the country will join on the 15th of July.

There are a few protocols that are key for all intending passengers to comply with before and during the flight duration.

Failure to comply could cost you your flight as the Authorities are strict on maintaining safe protocols to avoid the spread of COVID-19 at the airports.

The below prescription might make your travel experience less traumatic.

1. As a ground rule, avoid touching surfaces as much as you can. Also, avoid physical contacts with airport workers as much as possible.

2. Arrive at the airport three hours ahead of any domestic flight. The protocols take a bit of time to complete.

3. Wear your face mask and/or face shield at all times – at the airport and inside the aircraft.

4. Stand on marked areas at all times. The marked areas are 1.5 meters apart. That’s the safe protocol.

5. Proceed to disinfect your bag(s) at the designated point close to where the wash hand baths are.

6. Wash your hands or use the hand sanitizers to disinfect your hands.

7. Proceed to the entrance and submit yourself for body temperature test.

8. Inside the airports, keep social distancing at all times as you go through all checks ahead of boarding.

9. Seats are area already marked. While waiting for your flight, avoid seats marked with FAAN stickers. They are to be empty.

10. In the aircraft, some seats are to be empty and they may be marked. Avoid those seats at all times.

11. You will not be served foods in the aircraft so you don’t take off your masks to eat. However, a bottle of water will be left for you on your seat for your comfort.

12. If you cough or sneeze severally at the airport or in the aircraft, you will be isolated and handed over to the Port Health officials. They will hand you over to NCDC for COVID-19 test where necessary.

Please Note: If you have a fever or cough, don’t come to the airport. Treat yourself before you travel. Chances are that you will be denied flying and might be handed over to the NCDC for COVID-19 test.

If you must travel with those symptoms suggestive of COVID-19, you must have a negative COVID-19 test result from approved testing centres.

The checklist is by no means exhaustive, but if you comply with these basics, you will be fine. Do have a safe flight.

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