FAAN conducts simulation exercise in Abuja airport ahead of flight resumption

By Faith Yahaya, Abuja



The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has conducted simulation exercise at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja to test all the protocols designed to mitigate the spread of Covid-19 at the airports ahead of flight resumption.

The simulation exercise began around 8AM and passengers were taken through all the protocols before boarding the Aero Contractor flight at about 11:20AM.

The flight was operated on a B737 marked NG110 with 51 passengers on board.
During the simulation exercise, passengers were mandated to follow all the safety protocols. A 1.5 metres physical distance markings, two hand wash areas and bags disinfecting area were noticed.
Also hand sanitizers were placed in strategic locations even as Port Health workers were seen taking temperature levels of intending passengers.

Speaking on the essence of the exercise, the Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika said: “The flight simulation is to achieve five things: firstly, it is to maintain physical distance with each other, secondly, it is to wear protective materials such as face mask and face shield, thirdly, It is to maintain hygiene, fourthly, it is to clean the area and surfaces and that is a function of the robot itself apart from identifying the passengers and lastly, it is to also seat in an environment that is clean and hygienic maintaining physical distancing.

“So we can board the aircraft decontaminated, so we don’t contaminate others. All of the things that have happened here is to ensure we don’t spread COVID-19.”

He also explained that efforts are on to ensure quick facilitation of passengers in order not to waste time. 
”We will announce all the protocols again before opening. But you need to be at the airport three hours ahead of your flight.

The Minister also noted that international passengers may have to arrive at the airport five hours before their flight.

Speaking on the protocol inside the flight he said:  “There will also be social distancing in the aircraft. But new ideas are coming on board on how to remain seated to make the cabin economical okay and to ensure we don’t infect each other.

“Those new norms are coming and we will implement them in such a way that flights are profitable. WHO and ICAO have developed protocols of the sitting.”