Nigerian Airports Would Not Reopen For International Flights In October – NAMA

The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has come out to say that reports saying Nigerian airports would reopen for international flights in October are false.

Khalid Emele, General Manager, Public Affairs, NAMA revealed this via a recent statement in Lagos.

According to him, the closure of Nigerian airports to all international flights with the exception of emergency and essential flights, and scheduled cargo operations with approved summer schedules, will continue until a date of resumption is approved.

He added that Nigerians should continue to ignore the lies being spread by jobless people.

His words, “Following the receipt of an All Operators Letter (NCAA/DG/AIR/11/16/152) from NCAA, the agency issued an Aeronautical Information Circular (AIC) titled “Phased Resumption of Domestic Flights” on July 7, 2020 to the effect that Lagos and Abuja airports will open for domestic flight operations on July 8.

“Kano, Port Harcourt, Owerri, Maiduguri and Uyo open on July 11 and all other airports on July 15, 2020.

“Furthermore, paragraph 9 of the AIC states that the closure of Nigerian airports to all international flights with the exception of emergency and essential flights, and scheduled cargo operations with approved summer schedules, will continue until a date of resumption is approved.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the agency on July 15, 2020, in line with international standards, issued a three-month duration NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) (from July 15 to Oct. 15, 2020).”

“From the foregoing, there was no indication that the closure of Nigerian airports to international flights was from July 15 to Oct. 15, 2020.

“However, the NOTAM was issued for a minimum duration of three months in view of the fact that a specific date for resumption of international flights has not been confirmed by neither the Minister of Aviation nor the Director-General of NCAA.

“Finally, while the agency looks forward anxiously toward the reopening of Nigerian airports to international flights, we wish to clarify that the import of the said NOTAM and AIC is NOT that Nigerian airports remain closed till Oct. 15 2020.”