Ahead of the resumption of International flights slated for September 5, the Federal Government said it has disapproved the operation of some foreign airlines in the country, including Air France, KLM, Lufthansa, and Etihad Airways.

Others are Rwanda Air, TAAG Angolan, Air Namibia and Royal Air Maroc, as foreign airlines that are not approved to operate flights into Nigeria.

This is coming after Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) issued Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) to all airlines flying into and out of Nigeria and other stakeholders ahead of the resumption of international flights.

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Speaking on Thursday, September 3, during a briefing of the Presidential Taskforce (PTF) on COVID-19 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja, the Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, said international flights would operate in the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja and Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos only.

He listed EgyptAir, Virgin Atlantic, Turkish Airlines, AWA, Kenya Airways and Middle East Airlines as airlines permitted to operate into the Lagos airport.

The minister also listed British Airways, Emirates, Ethiopian, AWA, and Middle East Airlines as airlines allowed to operate into the Abuja airport.

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However, Sirika said Air France, KLM, Lufthansa, Etihad Airways, Angolan TAG, Air Namibia and Royal Air Maroc are not approved to operate flights into the country.

The country’s airspace and airports had been shut to flight operations in March as part of the measures to curb the spread of COVID-19.

However, the Federal Government had approved the restart of domestic flights from July 8, Eons Intelligence reports.

Sirika said passengers who fail to comply with the COVID-19 protocol put in place to curb the spread of the infection would be suspended from travelling for six months, while airlines that fail to comply would pay a fine of $3,500 per passenger.

He said: “Now, at this point, it is important that we announce the airlines that are allowed for operations into the country. The ones not approved are Air France. Middle East Airlines is approved for only Lagos (airport). British Airways (is) approved – allowed entry under COVID-19 protocol.

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“The reason for Air France is that tourist’s business holders are not allowed entry. KLM not approved for the same reason as Air France. Delta Airlines, no restrictions – USA, we have an Open Skies with them and they also allow us in.

“Qatar Airways are allowed and approved under Covid-19 protocol. Etihad, not approved. Ethiopian Airlines allowed entry under Covid-19 protocol. Egyptair approved, allowed entry under Covid-19 protocol.

“Rwandair not approved. Air Peace, not applicable, they are our own carrier in Nigeria, we thank them. Virgin Atlantic, approved, allowed entry under Covid-19 protocol. Air Namibia, not approved. Asky, approved. Royal Air Maroc, not approved. African World Airways, Ghana, approved.

“Air Cote D’Ivoire approved. Lufthansa, not approved. Kenya Airways approved. Emirates Airlines approved. Turkish Airlines approved. Cabo Verde not applicable as international flights are not resumed. Angolan TAG, not approved. South African Airways not applicable as international flights are yet to resume.”