TheCable

Hadi Sirika, minister of aviation, says Nigeria’s international airports are still open to aircraft in distress, those used for cargo and humanitarian purposes. 

As part of the efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19, the federal government had on Saturday barred international flights from Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

But in a series of tweets on Monday, Sirika said there are few exceptions that could make use of the airports provided they seek approval. 

“All Int’l Airports remain closed for 4 weeks as said, except for Aircraft in distress and overflights,” he wrote. 

“The following are also exempted but with prior approval from Minister of Aviation in advance. 1. Humanitarian, Medical and Relief 2. Cargo 3. Technical 4. Alternate & 5. Safety 

All Int’l Airports remain closed for 4 weeks as said, except for Aircraft in distress and overflights. The following are also exempted but with prior approval from Minister of Aviation in advance. 1. Humanitarian, Medical and Relief 2. Cargo 3. Technical 4. Alternate & 5. Safety

— Hadi Sirika (@hadisirika) March 23, 2020

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The federal government already placed a ban on flights from 15 countries, including UK, US, China and Italy.