The National Coordinator, Presidential Task Force on Covid-19, Dr. Sani Aliyu has warned aviation stakeholders to be wary of fake COVID-19 entrepreneurs ahead of the reopening of airports for flight resumption.
Though he did not say when flights would resume, he said the mandate of the Task Force was to protect public health, adding that government was Keen to see the sector resume and make sure that airports open in a safe manner.
Speaking during a webinar meeting with Aviation stakeholders with the theme: ‘Status of Industry Restart’, Dr. Aliyu assured the industry that the PTF would welcome the sector’s submission’ as it concerns the reopening of the industry.
On the readiness of Operators and the airports General Manager, Airline Operators’ Certificate and Surveillance, Mr. Godwin Balang, said so far 20 aviation stakeholders have submitted their restart plan.
He also stated that they have received from FAAN, plans on Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano; Port Harcourt International Airport, Port Harcourt; Sam Mbakwe Airport while that of Murtala Muhammed Airport Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja would come later.
Former Director General NCAA, Dr. Harold Demuren, suggested a simulation before the real opening of the airports to passenger traffic.
“We need to assure passengers that it is safe to fly. A simulation, two days before the opening of the airports is encouraged.”
His stance was also backed by an Aviation consultant Mr. Chris Aligbe, who emphasized that the whole exercise was for the passengers and airport users.
