By Abujah Racheal

The Federal Government has threatened to suspend flight operations from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and The Netherlands due to the new COVID-19 protocols introduced by both countries for incoming travellers.

The Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Mr Musa Nuhu, disclosed this at the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 media briefing on Monday in Abuja.

Nuhu said that both countries recently requested that passengers from Nigeria must carry out a PCR test four hours before departing the country.

“In addition to the requirements are a requirement for PCR test before passengers depart from Nigeria to their countries. They are adding an extra requirement of having a rapid test done four hours before departure or before you board.

“For us, passengers do the test 72 hours before departure and then the PCR test and the PTF recognises the rights of all countries to put in measures to protect their citizens just like Nigeria has done.

“If they insist on having these additional tests being done, then PTF has decided that their operations will be suspended into Nigeria,” Nuhu said.

The NCAA boss added that these countries and airlines would not determine for Nigeria, who to approve or how these test would be done.

Nuhu said the government would be discussing with the airlines and countries involved.

“This will enable the PTF to have a clear and transparent process on determining who will do these test based on the requirement for accreditation by NCDC, National Laboratory Council, Lagos State Government for Lagos airport and FCT for Abuja airport,” he explained. (NAN)

By Yunus Yusuf

Nigeria’s leading airline, Air Peace has announced the resumption of flights into Dubai via Sharjah commencing from Feb. 5.

The Spokesperson of the airline, Mr Stanley Olisa, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday in Lagos.

Olisa said that the airline had also increased its flight frequency to and out of Enugu.

He stated that the Dubai via Sharjah service would be operated once a week.

“We are delighted to announce that we shall be resuming flights to Dubai via Sharjah on Feb. 5 and passengers can start booking on the website or the mobile app.

“Lagos-Dubai will operate on Fridays while Dubai-Lagos will be on Saturdays,” Olisa said.

He added that the flight frequency would be increased subsequently depending on observed passenger traffic.

“We urge our esteemed passengers to comply with all established COVID-19 protocols guiding international air travel,” he said.

Olisa added that “These new flights are in response to popular demand and a reflection of our resolve to reduce the air transportation burden of Nigerians.”

The New Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Air Peace launched its second international route-South Africa- in Dec. 2020, with other international destinations in the offing, such as Mumbai-India, Guangzhou-China, Houston-US and London. (NAN)

A passenger plane operated by Indonesian budget carrier Sriwijaya Air has lost contact after taking off from Jakarta’s airport, according to an official.

A spokeswoman for the Transport Ministry, Adita Irawati, said the Boeing 737-500 aircraft was en route to Pontianak on Borneo island when it lost contact.

“This is being investigated in coordination with the National Search and Rescue Agency and the National Transport Safety Committee,” Adita said.

The aircraft was carrying 56 passengers, including seven children and six crew members, Metro TV reported. (dpa/NAN)