Uche Mbah
The Nigerian Airspace reopened today with the return to the skies of local flights. Five airlines have been approved at the last minute to start of the initial test flights to some designated airports.
Of the nine active airlines in the country, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority has only approved five airlines to start operations. These are Arik Air; Air Peace, Ibom Air, Dana Airlines, and Overland Airways Limited. Of the five, Air Peace, Arik Air, and Ibom air began flights today while Overland is scheduled to resume flights July 15.
Arik, Air Peace, and Ibom Air have already lifted their first passengers to Abuja today.
Those denied approval to fly is Aero Contractors, Azman Air and Max Air. Allied Air Limited, ANAP Business Jets, and Bristow Helicopters had so far complied with the NCAA regulations, according to Chairman, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) COVID-19 Committee, Godwin Balang who spoke during a webinar.
Currently, only Murtala Muhammed International Airport, GAT; Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MM2; Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja were given the approval to restart.
International flights, however, are still on hold.
