On April 27, 2020, the Federal Government of Nigeria (“FGN”) announced the phasing out of the lockdown imposed in Lagos State, Ogun State and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja commencing on May 4, 2020.
Prior to this directive, the FGN, on March 23, 2020, issued a directive banning all local and international inbound and outbound flights for an initial period of four (4) weeks. On the May 6, 2020 this ban was extended for a period of four (4) additional weeks, till June 4, 2020.
Based on the foregoing, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (“NCAA”) issued guidelines and protocols to be implemented to ensure an organized, safe, secure and efficient normalization of industry post COVID-19 operations via NCAA Advisory Circular NCAA- AC-FSG-001 dated May 1, 2020 ( “Circular 1”). In addition, the NCAA via an Advisory Circular NCAA-AC-AMS-002 dated May 1, 2020 (“Circular 2”) issued guidelines aimed at ensuring the safety of airport operators post COVID–19 and to ensure non- transmission of the virus amongst foreign and local crew members, passengers on local and international flights as well as all airport operators and staff.
This briefing highlights the key provisions of both circulars and their impact on the commencement of commercial air travel in the Nigeria.