Updated For History
Ladies and Gentlemen, the Captain has switched on the FASTEN SEAT BELT sign. Please take your seat, fasten your seat belt and make sure you wear your facemask and visors.
Thank you.
The Nigerian Government announced on Monday, June 1, 2020, that five major airports could reopen from Sunday June 21, 2020 (pending review).
Across the nation, air carriers heaved a sigh of relief after about four months of grounded flights.
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In Lagos, the Murtala Muhammed International Airport commenced only domestic flights in conjunction with Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport Abuja, Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport Kano, Omagwa International Airport Port Harcourt, and Sam Mbakwe Airport Owerri.
But flying wasn’t going to be business as usual for the multibillion dollar industry.
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Here’s seven Covid-19 fixes that changed air travel in Nigeria in 2020.
1. Compulsory Use of Facemasks
I know there was a strict regulation on the use of facemasks nationwide but this has been disregarded by a whole lotta citizens. However, it wasn’t the same for the air travel community.
Photo Credit. @FAAN_Official
In respect to public health and safety, travellers and employees are not be allowed into terminals if they’re not wearing one.
Again, there were facemasks in airport buildings and where not, local vendors had access to sell facemasks in certain areas of the airport premises.
In Turkey, the national carrier, Turkish Airlines ensured that passengers are given a pair of facemask and visor on each flight.
Did the Nigerian aviation industry replicate this move?
2. Strict Social Distancing Practices
There were markings on the floor to control queue spacing and overcrowding in airport facilities.
Photo Credit. Le Mark Group
Like in Japan, plastic sheets are expected to be used at work desks and security operatives worked round-the-clock to monitor the number of travellers who have access to the terminal at any given time.
There’s also expected to be a reduction in food and drink service and just like with Ryanair, the popular European budget carrier, passengers may be required to ask for permission before using the bathroom so that lines do not form.
In an interview with Channels Television, Managing Director, Aero Contractor Airline, Captain Aso Sanusi, mentioned that social distancing should be practiced effectively by operating larger aircrafts for commercial travel.
This means aircrafts like Boeing 737, Boeing 777 (Triple Seven) and McDonnell Douglas MD-80 which seat 100 passengers or more depending on spacing had the green light while aircrafts with smaller capacity like the Embraer ERJ145, Bombardier CRJ 900 and De Havilland Canada DHC-8 Dash 8 may remain grounded.
3. Possible Hike in Prices
When I published my article on public transportation in Lagos with the pandemic, I didn’t foresee a hike in fares.
Photo Credit. Nigeria Travel Smart
If commercial airlines minimized their passenger numbers, we may as well help them recuperate from the losses.
This meant at least a 50% hike in flight fares and the increment may also extend to airport taxi services and charter.
4. Increase in Thermal Checks
At the entrance and exit points of airports, check in desks and onboard aircrafts, temperature of commuters were checked and recorded for quarantine purposes.
Photo Credit. BBC
In addition to reading figures, passengers were required to fill an inquiry form containing details like phone numbers, address and emails.
This happened before the ban on air travel in 2020 too.
5. Disinfection of Aircrafts
Social distancing. Check! Wearing of facemasks. Check! So what now?
It was mandatory to disinfect aircrafts before, during and after flights. And the entire process was carefully executed without rush.
Only recommended cleaning utensils and liquids are used and cleaners had to pay attention to armrests, seatbacks, cabinets, lockers, cockpit, tray tables, seatbelt latches, lavatory, controls and buttons.
Photo Credit. Nation Thailand
In case of emergency or any suspected infection, the passenger quarantined in the rear lavatory. Also, crew members had to migrate non-affected passengers to another compartment.
6. Disinfection of Airports
Walls, windows, floors, door handles, tables and chairs in the departure and arrival lounge were cleaned round-the-clock with required disinfectants.
Airports around the world devised several efficient methods of cleaning including Ultraviolet Light Emitters, Robotic Cleaners and Disinfectant Machines. Nigeria wasn’t left behind.
Photo Credit. The Verge
Airline operators and employees were advised to wear hand gloves and avoid touching passenger documents.
7. Brace for Delays
More safety meant more delays and increased turnaround but hey, you’re here reading this. So, it turned out goood I guess.
Authorities had to ensure that best practices are implemented in order to curb a new spread of the virus from air travellers.
Photo Credit. Wheelchair Travel
So, Regarding Air Travel During Covid-19, What Did Other Countries Do?
In retrospect? Umm, let’s see.
In South Sudan, airports across the country opened on Tuesday May 12, 2020, and announced the resumption of domestic and international flights despite a rise in Covid-19 cases.
On the other hand, Hong Kong airports reopened after nearly two weeks without new cases. Disinfectant machines sprayed and sanitized fully clothed passengers and employees before they stepped into the terminal.
Photo Credit. Forbes
Authorities in Cyprus resumed air travel in the country on June 9, 2020. Passengers took flights restored to two categories of countries which included Greece, Austria, Denmark, Germany, Poland, Croatia, the Czech Republic and many others.
The Spanish Government reopened major airports across the country in cities like Tenerife, Alicante, Seville, Ibiza, Madrid and Barcelona. All incoming travellers, including Spanish citizens, were required to self-quarantine for fourteen days to limit the spread of Covid-19.
So far, so good there wasn’t an upsurge or rise in new cases of infections in countries that took bold steps to kickstart their aviation sector. But one thing is clear and that’s disinfection.
Conclusion
Rumbling on about other travel restrictions to curb Covid may open up a whole new chapter but for now, let’s pray for better days and hope we don’t have to witness another pandemic for the sake of our sanity.
Over To You!
I look forward to rubbing minds with everyone in the comments below. Make sure you read other recommended and related articles on surviving Covid-19.
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Featured Photo. CGTN Africa
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