Preparatory to the resumption of flights from July 8, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria has released new procedural guidelines for air travelers and other airport users.
FAAN said the new Standard Operating Procedure is aimed at protecting all stakeholders and preventing further spread of the theCovid-19 virus.
Issuance of the new guidelines follows approval by the Federal Government for flights to commence gradually after being shut down in the fight against the Coronavirus spread.
“In the “New Normal”, departing passengers must comply with the following guidelines; All passengers must arrive the airport properly kitted with their face masks on,” FAAN said in a statement signed by Henrietta Yakubu, its general manager, corporate affairs.
“They must also ensure a minimum of one point five meters (1.5m) physical distancing, Aviation Medical/Port Health personnel would screen each passenger and ensure the use of face masks, those travelling with pets must get necessary clearance from Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Services,” the statement noted, adding that all passengers’ luggage would be disinfected before entry into the departure halls.
It added that: “Passengers are required to wash their hands as often as possible, hand sanitizer would be provided for passengers before the entrance, at the waiting halls/lounges and pre boarding gates, All footwear would be disinfected or sanitized by foot mats placed at all entrances to the terminal building, amongst others.
For arriving passengers, FAAN said that as they disembark from the aircraft, they would observe physical distancing as they board the Co-Buses, noting that hand Sanitizer would be provided in the buses. They must also observe physical distancing protocols at the baggage claim area, where hand sanitizer is also provided, disinfected trolleys would be made available for passengers.
“All Covid-19 protocols must be observed while undergoing customs check, Passengers would exit the halls and head straight to the car park for pick up, If you must speak to anyone around, please speak to a properly tagged Aviation Security (AVSEC) officer, physical distancing would be maintained while waiting to be screened by personnel of port health services, amongst others,” the statement added.
In addition to the above guidelines, passengers are required to observe social distancing and make use of the floor markings at the security screening area.
Passengers must also comply with all other security guidelines as laid down by officials of the Aviation Security (AVSEC) department, it said.
“We urge all our passengers and other stakeholders to respect and observe these necessary protocols, put in place for our protection,” Yakubu appealed.
