Federal Government has lifted a suspension earlier placed on Emirates airline flights from Nigeria for violating COVID-19 testing directive.
The government conveyed the new development in a letter signed by Musa Nuhu, director-general of Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
FG placed a ban on outbound Emirates airline for violating the directive of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19.
The airline was punished for conducting rapid antigen based test for its passengers in a laboratory not approved by the Nigerian authorities.
Read Also: FG Suspends Emirate Outbound Flights From Nigeria
In its statement, Capt. Musa Nuhu said the regulatory body has received a response from Emirates Airlines regarding the earlier suspension.
PTF had directed the immediate suspension of Emirates Airlines operations effective February 4 until when the needed infrastructure and logistics were put in place for the Rapid Antigen Test (RDT) test by the Government.
However, the NCAA DG, said an understanding has been reached with the UAE Government, leading the airline to withdraw the requirement for RDT prior to departure of their flights from Nigeria with immediate effect.
This is to be in place until such a time that the required infrastructure is made available by the FG.
Capt. Nuhu further disclosed that based on the foregoing, PTF has directed the immediate lifting of the suspension of Emirates Airlines operations in Nigeria.
The NCAA boss noted;
It is therefore expected that Emirates airlines will continue to comply with the directives of the PTF on COVID-19 and other protocols of the Federal Government of Nigeria.
Below is the full statement regarding the lifting of the suspension.
NCAA/DG/ AlR/11/16/286 05 February, 2021
The Country Manager Emirates Airlines Nigeria Victoria Island, Lagos.
RE: RAPID ANTIGEN COVID-19 TESTING (ROT) FOR EMIRATES PASSENGERS
Your letter dated 5th February 2021on the above subject refers.
We have carefully read your response to our letter NCANDG/AIR11/16/285 of 4th February 2021 and arrived at the understanding that the UAE Government has granted approval to Emirates airlines to withdraw the requirement for Rapid Antigen Testing (ROT) prior to departure of Emirates flights from Nigeria with immediate effect until such a time that the required infrastructure is made available by the Nigerian Government.
Based on the foregoing, the Presidential Task Force (PTF) has directed the immediate lifting of the suspension of Emirates Airlines operations in Nigeria.
It is therefore expected that Emirates airlines will continue to comply with the directives of the PTF on COVID-19 and other protocols of the Federal Government of Nigeria.Emirates airlines will be duly informed of ongoing enforcement actions by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) with regards to the established non-compliances to PTF directives and protocols as enumerated in our letter of 4th February 2021.
Do accept the assurances of-my highest regards. Please be guided accordingly.
Capt. Musa S. Nuhu
Director General.
