The lifting of ban on European carriers by the Federal Government has raised further hope of slight recovery in air travels but stakeholders have warned against relaxing the COVID-19 protocols over the second wave of infections in Europe.
The Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika had on Tuesday announced the lifting of the ban on European carriers including Air France, KLM and Lufthansa.
Daily Trust reports that the Federal Government had before reopening the airports for international flights on September 5 banned about 10 airlines majorly from Europe from flying to Nigeria.
A member of Aviation Safety and Roundtable Initiative, Mr. Olumide Ohunayo, said the decision to lift the ban on European carriers was a welcome development.
“I commend the government for giving approval for the European carriers. Unfortunately our own carriers were not available to capitalize on that sudden opening. It was British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Emirates, ET were smiling away into their banks and our airlines were not there.”
He however cautioned against relaxing the COVID-19 protocol in view of the current spike in cases in the European soil.
The CEO of Aglow Aviation Services Limited, Mr. Tayo Ojuri said lifting the ban on European carriers to operate would not significantly affect air travel.
“I do not think there is going to be a very significant increase because one, there is a second wave. Secondly, when you look at the economy, the inflationary rates, all these affect aviation.”
