Flight ban extension: Stakeholders commend FG decision

Stakeholders in the aviation industry have applauded the Federal Government’s decision to extend the ban on all flights by another four weeks due to the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

At the Presidential Task Force, PTF briefing on COVID-19 Wednesday, the Chairman and Secretary to the Government of the Federation SGF, Mr. Boss Mustapha announced that based on experts advice, the government took the decision to extend the closure of the airspace by another one month.

“Tomorrow marks the last day for the enforcement of the closure of Nigeria’s airspace to flights. We have assessed the situation in the aviation industry and have come to the conclusion that given the facts available to us and based on the advice of experts, the ban on all flights will be extended for an additional four weeks.”

Reacting to the government’s decision, stakeholders say it is a wise decision to avoid compounding the current problem on ground trying to stop the spread.

Former spokesman, Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, NAMA, Mr. Supo Atobatele said the extension would help to stop foreign airlines from bringing in coronavirus infected passengers.

“It is proper and it is in order, most of these airlines originate from countries with record of COVID-19, then the probability of bring in COIV-19 infected passengers is just very, very high if they are allowed to come in now. I believe the FG has taken a very good decision for not allowing foreign airlines to come in now.”

Chairman, Airport Business Summit, ABSE, Mr Fortune Idu said since there had to be continued increase in the number of infected persons in different states, it was the best thing to do.

“It is necessary for now, since the COVI-19 spread curve has not yet picked in Nigeria and we are still seeing increase in spread and also increase in death toll, so the travel ban on air transport industry is still okay we can manage it. Opening up the air transport now will just make a complete waste of the sacrifice we have already made.”

Head Research and Zenith Travel Consult, Mr. Olu Uhunayo said though he was unhappy about the extension and based on the statistics of Nigerians who have contracted the virus, one cannot help but to agree with government’s action.

He however noted that, the decision would greatly affect the airlines.

“Am not happy with the extension of the 4 weeks on the ban on flights for 4 weeks, it will put Nigerian airlines in deeper trouble and it will continue to throw Nigerians out of jobs. If you look at the world health on safety at this hour alone, you will concede to the government. At a testing facility for the COVID-19 pandemic is not strong enough.”

President, Aviation Roundtable Safety Initiative, ARTI, Elder Gbenga Olowo, says, “Regrettably data has confirmed that we have not been able to flatten the curve. Ratios of Confirmed / Discharged cases has also not improved. It moved from 5:1to 6: 1 rather than reducing. A very negative signal . Given that social distancing is practically impossible in Aviation business , a sufficient condition for health and safety is to defer flight operations.”