The Nigerian Air Space Management (NAMA), has denied reports circulating that they have plans to shut Nigeria’s airspace to international flights, until the middle of October.
In a statement by NAMA’s spokesman, Khalid Emele, the organisation said the clarification became necessary, as the country’s airspace is open to international emergency, cargo and essential flights, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, he said the decision to open the coutry’s airspace to international commercial flights, would be decided by the Federal Government and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority. NAMA issed a three-month NOTAM (Notice to Airmen), stating that the Federal Government had extended the closure of Nigeria’s airspace to all international flights as from July 15 to October. This statement came at the same time tha Aviation Minister, Hadi Sirika, was reported to have said the country would open its airspace anytime from October to scheduled international commercial flights.
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Emele said: “The attention of NAMA has been drawn to insinuations making the rounds in certain quarters that Nigerian Airports have been shut to international flights until the middle of October, 2020. Indeed, such speculations are entirely untrue. Following the receipt of an All Operators Letter (NCAA/DG/AIR/11/16/152) from NCAA, the agency issued an Aeronautical Information Circular (AIC) titled “Phased Resumption of Domestic Flights.”
“on July 7, 2020 to the effect that Lagos and Abuja airports will open for domestic flight operations on July 8, Kano, Port Harcourt, Owerri, Maiduguri and Uyo opens on July 11, and all other airports on July 15, 2020.”
“Furthermore, paragraph 9 of the AIC states that “the closure of Nigerian Airports to all international flights with the exception of emergency and essential flights, and scheduled cargo operations with approved summer schedules, will continue until a date of resumption is approved”.
Therefore, we crave the indulgence of our customers, airspace users and the general public to disregard the misconception being circulated as Nigerian airports will reopen to international flights at any date the Federal Government, Federal Ministry of Aviation and NCAA consider safe, secure, and appropriate,” Emele said.
