Omicron: FG lists new boarding rules, vows sanctions on airlines

Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority says international airlines will be made to pay a $3,500 fine on each passenger flown into the country not complying with Federal Government’s Revised Covid-19 Provisional Quarantine protocol.

The NCAA said non-compliance with the Covid-19 protocol requirements could also lead to an outright ban of the non-compliant airline.

In an All-Operators Letter with reference NCAA/DG/AIR/16/327 issued to all accountable managers and signed by the Director-General NCAA, Musa Nuhu, international airlines were reminded that the protocols for international flight operations and quarantine protocols for travellers arriving in Nigeria issued on July 1, 2021, still hold sway.

The NCAA said, “Inbound passengers: Airlines are only to board passengers travelling to Nigeria who are in possession of a paid permit to travel with a QR Code and a result of a negative Covid-19 test done not later than 48 hours from the time of boarding.

“For any inbound passenger who is unable to either make payment for his/her repeat PCR test(s) or generate a paid permit to travel via the Nigeria International Travel Portal, airlines are to send an email to directorporthealthfmoh@gmail.com and copy travelportal@ncdc.gov.ng; ictservicedesk@ncdc.gov.ng; ilfred.haggai@ncaa.gov.gn for necessary assistance.”

According to the agency, outbound passengers are to only board with evidence of full vaccination or a negative Covid-19 test result.

The AOL read in part, “Airlines are only to board passengers out of Nigeria with evidence of either full vaccination for Covid-19 or a negative Covid-19 test done at the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control accredited laboratories not later than 48hours from time of boarding.

“Non-compliance to these pre-boarding requirements by any airline will attract a penalty of $3,500 per passenger. Airlines who consistently fail to comply with these requirements may be banned from coming to Nigeria.”

PUNCH