TheCable

Sam Adurogboye, the spokesman of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), says chartered flights will resume once operators have met COVID-19 flying requirements.

In an interview with TheCable at the weekend, Adurogboye explained that the regulator is currently reviewing documentation submitted by non-scheduled flight operators.

“Only those who met the standard operating procedures will be allowed to resume,” he said.

“As for the unscheduled flight operators, we are reviewing their documentation. When they meet these requirements, they will be allowed to resume operations.”

According to Adurogboye, the NCAA protocols required for resumption includes airworthiness of operational aircraft, the currency of airline flight crew, the readiness of the airlines to abide by COVID-19 preventive protocols, essential preventive gears and training of airline personnel on the handling of passengers to protect them.

During the lockdown, the ministry of aviation suspended Executive Jet and fined Flair Jet N1 million for contravening flight restrictions.

Eight airlines have so far resumed domestic flight operations in the country with Lagos and Abuja airports reopening first on July 8.

They are Aero Contractors, Air Peace, Arik Air, Azman Air, Dana Airlines, Ibom Air, Max Air and Overland Airways Limited.

INCREASED AIRFARE

Speaking on the increased airfare by airlines, Adurogboye said the prices in the industry are controlled by demand and supply.

He explained that the NCAA cannot regulate ticket prices because the aviation industry has been deregulated.

“The airline industry has been deregulated. We don’t regulate the airfare. It is based on demand and supply. If an airline increases its airfare and they do not get customers, they will reduce the price of the tickets,” he explained.

According to Adurogboye, compliance with COVID-19 protocols have been almost 100 percent because stakeholders and passengers have been cooperating with stipulated guidelines.