Strict COVID-19 protocols, poor patronage as Kano airport reopens

The Amino Kano International Airport recorded low patronage on its first day of operations after the resumption of domestic flights in the country.

Our correspondent observed that strict COVID-19 protocols were also adhered to as the first inbound flight arrived at the airport around 7:40 am.

• Customers recount experiences, as airlines resume flights
• PHOTO: Domestic flights resume at Aminu Kano Airport

Air Peace plane was the first to land, conveying very few passengers from Lagos.

“I am glad that domestic flights have resumed.

“At least, life is gradually coming back to normal, after months of suspension”, said Hajiya Aisha Aminu, one of the passengers on board the flight.

Domestic flight operations were suspended in the country late March as cases of COVID-19 were growing after the index case was recorded on February 27.

Daily Trust observed that there was strict compliance with COVID-19 guidelines by passengers, airport staff and security operatives as issued by the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

Everyone at the airport wore a face mask as nobody was allowed in without it.

Hand sanitisers, water and soap were placed at strategic locations at the airport while security agents ensured that passengers wash hands before entering the terminal.

Passengers’ luggage was also decontaminated at the arrival and departure lounges, with people maintaining social distance both inside and outside the terminals.

Speaking to Daily Trust, Aminu Sale, who operates a grocery store at the airport, lamented that his business had suffered due to suspension of flights’ operations but expressed optimism that things will change for good as flights resume.

“Usually in time like this, the airport used to be very busy due to influx of intending pilgrims travelling for Hajj, but you can see that no Hajj for international pilgrims this year and even domestic flights just resumed this morning.

“So, we hope life will come back to normal soon,” he added.

Similarly, airline operators also described the resumption as a welcome development.

Sagir Abdullahi, the Kano station Public Relations Officer of Azman Air, said workers in the aviation sector had faced many challenges during the ban.

He added that with the resumption, workers in the aviation sector, being one of the worst-hit by the pandemic, will now smile again.