PTF lists conditions to be met before airlines resume on June 21

As the Federal Government plans the resumption of domestic flights any time from June 21, the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 has released guidelines for airlines.

Recall that, in a bid to curb the spread of the virus, commercial flight operations, both local and international, were stopped in March.

The President’s directive however allowed the operation of essential flights including those for medical and evacuation purposes, amongst others.

The National Coordinator of the PTF disclosed the decision to resume domestic flights on Monday during a briefing in Abuja.

“The aviation industry is requested to start developing protocols to allow for domestic flights to resume anytime from the 21st of June onwards.

“Airlines must ensure physical distancing by reducing passenger capacity and ensure the provision of sanitisers and personal protective equipment as well as carrying out temperature checks at the point of entry and departure and ensuring that airports are not congested by either travellers or airports staff.”

Meanwhile, the federal government has relaxed the lockdown imposed on Kano State as part of measures to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus pandemic.

While giving an update on Monday, the Chairman of the PTF, Boss Mustapha, said, “Easing the total lockdown of Kano State and introduction of Phase One of the Eased Lockdown.

He said: “This is still a fight for life and our advancement to phase two does not mean that COVID-19 has ended. It is still potent and highly wasteful of human lives. I implore all Nigerians and corporate citizens to take responsibility and play the expected role.”