An aircraft operated by Middle East Airlines landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos at exactly 2.27pm on Saturday, signaling the formal commencement of international air travel in Nigeria.
The nation’s airspace had been shut to international flights several months ago following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
But, international travelers finally heaved a sigh a relief as the international wing of Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International airport, Abuja were opened to business on Saturday.
A visit to both airports, the only ones opened for the commencement of foreign travels at the moment showed beehive of activities as travelers were seen making frantic efforts to observe COVID-19 protocols before their travels.
In Lagos, the aircraft belonging to the Middle East Airlines was said to have taken off from Beirut, Lebanon.
Two other airlines including Delta and British Airways are also expected to begin flight operations at the airport today.
Earlier on Friday, an inspection team from the Lagos State Government visited the airport to ascertain its readiness to resume international flights.
The team included the Lagos State Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat; the state Transportation Commissioner, Frederic Oladeinde; as well as the state Health Commissioner, Akin Abayomi, amongst others.
They were led round the various facilities in the airport by the General Manager of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Capt Hamisu Yadudu and the airport manager, Victoria Shina-Aba, alongside other officials.
The Daily Tracker is the home of factual, informative and developmental journalism. We go beyond the regular to keep our readers well informed at all times. Our focus is on the people, institutions, the society and ideas. We aspire to provoke and inspire. Welcome to our World
