Govt bans flights from Germany, France and five other countries to retaliate travel restrictions placed on passengers from Nigeria.
Passengers from seven countries will not come to Nigeria from tomorrow, 5 September, as local airspace open to international traffic.
Nigeria has imposed a ban on passengers from the countries to reciprocate restrictions placed on flights originating from the country.
Aviation authorities did not specifically ban flights from the United States. They however noted that “Delta Airlines from Atlanta carries a high risk of transmitting COVID-19 to Nigeria.”
The ban affects countries that block entry for tourism visa holders from Nigeria and countries yet to commence international flights.
Affected by the tourism visa ban are Germany (through Lufthansa), France (Air France), Netherlands (KLM) and United Arab Emirates (Etihad).
Although Emirates is allowed entry, Etihad (also from UAE) got hammered because Nigerians are not allowed entry into Abu Dhabi.
Aviation authorities did not specifically ban flights from the United States. They however noted that “Delta Airlines from Atlanta carries a high risk of transmitting COVID-19 to Nigeria.”
The ban affects five African airlines from countries yet to resume international flights. They are Rwanda (Rwanda Air), Namibia (Air Namibia), Morocco (Royal Air Maroc), and Angola (TAAG Angola).
Aviation Minister, Sen. Hadi Sirika, promised on 20 August to block airlines that have flight restrictions on Nigeria travelers.
An official explained that “only airlines from countries that allow flights from Nigeria will be allowed to enter and leave Nigeria.
Fourteen airlines are being allowed in the first phase of approvals just announced by the Ministry.
The lucky 14 include Middle East Air (Lebanon), British Airways (UK), Delta Airlines (USA), Qatar Airways, Ethiopian Air, and Egypt Air.
Others are Virgin Atlantic, Asky Airlines (Togo), Africa World (Ghana), Air Cote d’Ivoire, Kenya Airways, Emirates (UAE) and Turkish Airlines.
Approved flights into Nigeria are allowed to land in Lagos but only seven will be permitted in Abuja under this phase.
The seven airlines to ply Abuja route are Turkish, Emirates, Cote d’Ivoire, Africa World, Asky, British, and Middle East Airlines.
Other international airports – including the newly reopened Enugu Airport – are yet to be allowed to receive international passengers.
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