The Federal Government plans to certify airlines and other operators in Nigeria before the resumption of flights.

Infinity Tyres

The certifications are to begin once the country’s airspace and airports are re-opened for commercial operations.

It was also gathered on Wednesday that all operators in the country’s civil aviation space were expected to inform the government five days ahead before resuming operations.

Nigerian airports had been under lockdown to commercial flights for about two months as part of measures to curb the spread of COVID-19.

There had been calls for the reopening of airports and recommencement of commercial flight operations.

But the Federal Government through the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority said it would have to certify certain requirements before commercial flights would begin again.

The General Manager, Public Relations Department, NCAA, Sam Adurogboye, disclosed that the authority had published various circulars to airlines on basic requirements required from the carriers before they resume operations.

He said, “All we are doing are contained in the various circulars issued to the industry. They are all on our website.

“However, when resumption is allowed by the Federal Government, operators will be required to notify us five days ahead, to enable us certify certain requirements as enunciated in our various circulars.”

READ ALSO: Customs appeal Court ruling stopping duty on passengers bag

On May 6, the Federal Government extended the suspension of both local and international flight operations in all Nigerian airports by an additional four weeks.

The government had in March this year halted the operations of commercial flights by two weeks, before it announced the additional four-week extension on May 6.

Commercial flight operations, both local and international, had stopped immediately but the Federal Government approved essential flights.

Such essential flights include those for medical and evacuation purposes.