NIGERIA – KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and Air France have announced that they will gradually resume flight operations to Abuja and Lagos from December 7, 2020.
According to reports, the airlines in a statement on Monday disclosed that international passengers can now fly Air France and KLM from Nigeria (Abuja and Lagos) to Paris and Amsterdam, with the possibility of further transfers to other European and North Atlantic destinations.
In a piece of travel advice, the airline asked customers to ensure they are well prepared for their trip and check the entry and travel requirements for their destination and transit countries in line with travel restrictions and governmental authorizations before making any travel plans.
“Flights to and from Lagos and Abuja will be operated in strict compliance with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and international health protocols, adhering to the highest standards of health and hygiene,” General Manager Air France KLM Nigeria and Ghana, Michel Colleau, was quoted to have said.
“Flights to and from Lagos and Abuja will be operated in strict compliance with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and international health protocols, adhering to the highest standards of health and hygiene.”
Michel Collea – General Manager, Air France KLM Nigeria and Ghana
He tweeted, “We are working with Ministry of Health, CACOVID & The PTF to open Kano, Port Harcourt & possibly Enugu airports before the end of the year. Also Lufthansa, Air France/KLM has been given go ahead to resume. Qatar Airways is approved to start Abuja. Thank you for your patience.”
Following the gradual ease of the COVID-19 led lockdown, the Minister explained that he is discussing with the Ministry of Health, CACOVID, and the Presidential Task force to open Kano, Port Harcourt, and Enugu airports.
In September 2020, the Federal Government barred Air France and KLM airlines and some other foreign airlines from flight operations into the country.
The Aviation Minister, Hadi Sirika, said that Air France and KLM were not granted approval for flight operations because tourist visa holders were not allowed entry into their countries.
It was also reported a week ago that the Federal Government had given go-ahead to Lufthansa, Air France/KLM, and Qatar Airways to resume flight operations into the country.
Recently, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) updated the schedules of International flights with effect from October 2, 2020, as the agency stated that a maximum of 200 passengers are allowed per flight.
In a letter addressed to all foreign airline operators flying to Nigeria, NCAA explained that the update followed the request for additional flight frequencies by the airlines.
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