Olayemi Esan
Federal Government Has Lifted The 72-Hour Suspension Placed On Outbound Emirates Airlines Flights From Nigeria.
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) had initially placed a suspension on Emirates flights from Nigeria, a move made in conseqence of the airlines violation of guidelines put in place by the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19.
The airline was said to be airlifting passengers from Nigeria using Rapid Antigen Tests (RAT) done at laboratories which are not approved by regulatory authorities.
But in a notice of the permit to resume operations released late on Friday, 5th February 2021, Musa Nuhu, NCAA’s Director-general explained the regulatory body had received a response from Emirates Airlines regarding the earlier suspension.
The DG clarified an understanding had been reached with the UAE Government, leading the airline to withdraw the requirement for RDT prior to departure of their flights from Nigeria with immediate effect.
This was to be in place until such a time that the required infrastructure would be made available by the Nigerian Government.
Capt Nuhu equally noted that based on the foregoing, the PTF has directed the immediate lifting of the suspension of Emirates Airlines operations in Nigeria.
He spoke: “It is therefore expected that Emirates airlines will continue to comply with the directives of the PTF on COVID-19 and other protocols of the Federal Government of Nigeria,” the NCAA boss noted.
“Emirates airlines will be duly informed of ongoing enforcement actions by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) with regards to the established non-compliances to PTF directives and protocols as enumerated in our letter of 4th February 2021,” the statement added
