Nigeria (FAAN)
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigerian (FAAN) has proposed
what it described as a new standard operating procedure (SOP),
which would be followed on resumption of flight operations even as
the country grapples with COVID-19.
The procedure, which is awaiting the approval by the Nigerian
Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), is aimed at protecting passengers
and other airport users from contracting COVID-19 after the
resumption of flight operations.
Airports and aircraft have been identified globally as critical
places that can enhance the spread of the virus.
This has fuelled the need for stringent efforts being made by
governments, airlines and airport managers to ensure that the
spread of the virus by air travellers is checked.
FAAN, which is managing about 22 airports in the country,
intends to unveil the new SOP before flight service would resume
after endorsement from the NCAA.
The agency said it has put together the SOP, which would be
followed on resumption of flight operations, noting that the main
objective of the procedure is to protect all “our stakeholders and
prevent further spread of COVID-19.”
In order to protect passengers and other airport users, FAAN
said it has established coordinated and monitoring team at its
headquarters to ensure smooth take-off of passenger
facilitation.
“Airports would also establish their team that would report to
headquarters. This team would consist of the following: operations,
aviation security (AVSEC) to ensure crowd control and enforcement
of directives, safety and environmental protection.
“The Corporate Affairs Department would sensitise and educate
our stakeholders and the travelling public on new travel procedures
and guidelines at our airports. This would be done using media such
as radio jingles, handbills, newspaper publications as well as
social media handles. “Announcements would be made intermittently
from the announcement rooms, on the new guidelines and procedures
at our airports,” FAAN said.
On departure and boarding procedures, FAAN proposed a minimum of
two metres apart between passengers to ensure physical distancing,
which would be designated by floor markings and guided by ropes and
signage.
FAAN also proposed that officials from aviation medial and port
health would screen each passenger’s temperature, and ensure the
use of other personal protective equipment such as hand gloves.
“Passengers are required to wash their hands before proceeding
into departure halls. Hand sanitisers would be provided for
passengers’ use before entrance at the waiting halls, lounges and
pre-boarding gate. All passengers luggage must be disinfected
before entry into the departure halls,” FAAN said.
The agency explained that footwear would be sanitised by foot
mats placed at all entrances of the terminal building and
passengers would observe physical distancing rule while sitting in
the halls.
According to FAAN, the seats would be clearly marked for usage
and non-usage, while passengers travelling with pets must get
necessary clearance from the Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine
Services.
On arrival procedure, FAAN said on disembarkation from the
aircraft, passengers would observe distancing as they board the
co-buses, while hand sanitisers would be provided in the buses.
Also, wash hand basins would be provided at the entrance of the
arrival halls and protocol lounges for passengers’ use.
“Passengers would observe physical distancing protocols at the
baggage claim area, where hand sanitizer is also provided,” FAAN
added.
Nigeria (FAAN)
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigerian (FAAN) has proposed
what it described as a new standard operating procedure (SOP),
which would be followed on resumption of flight operations even as
the country grapples with COVID-19.
The procedure, which is awaiting the approval by the Nigerian
Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), is aimed at protecting passengers
and other airport users from contracting COVID-19 after the
resumption of flight operations.
Airports and aircraft have been identified globally as critical
places that can enhance the spread of the virus.
This has fuelled the need for stringent efforts being made by
governments, airlines and airport managers to ensure that the
spread of the virus by air travellers is checked.
FAAN, which is managing about 22 airports in the country,
intends to unveil the new SOP before flight service would resume
after endorsement from the NCAA.
The agency said it has put together the SOP, which would be
followed on resumption of flight operations, noting that the main
objective of the procedure is to protect all “our stakeholders and
prevent further spread of COVID-19.”
In order to protect passengers and other airport users, FAAN
said it has established coordinated and monitoring team at its
headquarters to ensure smooth take-off of passenger
facilitation.
“Airports would also establish their team that would report to
headquarters. This team would consist of the following: operations,
aviation security (AVSEC) to ensure crowd control and enforcement
of directives, safety and environmental protection.
“The Corporate Affairs Department would sensitise and educate
our stakeholders and the travelling public on new travel procedures
and guidelines at our airports. This would be done using media such
as radio jingles, handbills, newspaper publications as well as
social media handles. “Announcements would be made intermittently
from the announcement rooms, on the new guidelines and procedures
at our airports,” FAAN said.
On departure and boarding procedures, FAAN proposed a minimum of
two metres apart between passengers to ensure physical distancing,
which would be designated by floor markings and guided by ropes and
signage.
FAAN also proposed that officials from aviation medial and port
health would screen each passenger’s temperature, and ensure the
use of other personal protective equipment such as hand gloves.
“Passengers are required to wash their hands before proceeding
into departure halls. Hand sanitisers would be provided for
passengers’ use before entrance at the waiting halls, lounges and
pre-boarding gate. All passengers luggage must be disinfected
before entry into the departure halls,” FAAN said.
The agency explained that footwear would be sanitised by foot
mats placed at all entrances of the terminal building and
passengers would observe physical distancing rule while sitting in
the halls.
According to FAAN, the seats would be clearly marked for usage
and non-usage, while passengers travelling with pets must get
necessary clearance from the Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine
Services.
On arrival procedure, FAAN said on disembarkation from the
aircraft, passengers would observe distancing as they board the
co-buses, while hand sanitisers would be provided in the buses.
Also, wash hand basins would be provided at the entrance of the
arrival halls and protocol lounges for passengers’ use.
“Passengers would observe physical distancing protocols at the
baggage claim area, where hand sanitizer is also provided,” FAAN
added.