August 16, 2020|RAZOENEWS
Barring any last minute changes, two of Nigeria’s major Airlines, Air Peace and Aero Contractors are set to commence normal commercial flight operations in and out of Asaba International Airport in Delta State tomorrow Monday August 17, 2020 after four months of inactivity precipitated by the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown.
The Executive Assistant to the Governor of Delta State on Communications, Barrister Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe made this known in a statement at the weekend.
According to him “management of the two airlines confirmed their preparedness to commence flight operations into Asaba Airport, beginning from Monday next week, adding that this development is sequel to earlier approval given by federal government regulatory agency, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA.”
Oghenesivbe, said the state government was committed to air safety standards hence it expended huge resources to upgrade Asaba International Airport in line with global practices, for both domestic and international flights, pointing out that all recommended Covid-19 case management facilities needed to handle passengers checking-in, boarding and disembarking at the airport have been put in place and approved by NCAA.
He quoted the Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Chiedu Ebie as saying that Okowa administration devoted prime attention and financial resources to the provision of state of the art facilities at the airport, being the major gateway into and out of the state for local and international investors, as well as tourists, holiday makers and those engaged in legitimate transactions with public and private sectors in Delta State, and by extension some South Eastern states.
“Air Peace and Aero Airlines are to touch down on Monday August 17, 2020 at the Asaba international Airport, after almost four months of air travel lockdown due to the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic.
“As one of the major domestic hubs in the country, Asaba international is now ready to retain her prime place in civil aviation with effect from next Monday.
“A total of six major Airlines will be flying the Asaba, Lagos and Abuja routes namely; Air Peace, Arik Air, Aero Airlines, Azma Air, United Airlines and Ibom Air, respectively.
“His Excellency the platinum governor of Delta State, is in high spirit upon hearing the good news that Air Peace and Aero Airlines will commence scheduled flight operations next Monday, August 17. Arik Air to follow on August 24, 2020.
“Azma Airlines, United Air and Air Ibom are yet to confirm dates for resumption of scheduled commercial flights into and out of Asaba. We hope these other Airlines will also resume flights into Asaba in no distant dates.
“All passengers, checking-in, boarding or disembarking are expected to comply strictly to all Covid-19 civil aviation rules and airport procedures which includes; check-in and boarding according to instructions by Airlines trained ground staff, proper fitting of facemasks throughout the flight, no smoking, no food served and no eating throughout domestic flight time.
“Scheduled passengers are to arrive Asaba international Airport to catch their flights at least two hours to take off, so as to go through flight check-in procedures and all Covid-19 airport protocols with Airlines ground staff before boarding.
The statement further added that ” Delta State Government remains committed to safe and pleasant flying experience for the travelling public and shall continue to do the needful to retain Asaba international Airport as the destination of first choice for those visiting Delta and neighbouring states via air transportation,” Oghenesivbe assured.