Flight operations restart in Kano airport amid low passengers

Domestic flight operations has resumed at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), Kano amidst strict adherence to COVID-19 protocols.

Although the new normal activities restarted with full deployment of aviation security to enforce compliance with guidelines, the flight operations kick started with low passenger’s patronage.

In full compliance with social distancing protocol, the airport authority had limited the number of vehicles usually allowed entry into the main parking lots below minimum.

The Guardian also observed foot sign distancing at both departure and arrival terminals, designed to keep passengers two meters distance from each other. Passengers baggage were also subjected to thorough disinfection at the entrance of departure terminal by men of Kano state ministry of environment.

However, very important personality cited at the VIP lodge were allowed entries with their security protocols which is against the guidelines stipulated by the aviation ministry.

Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) had cleared all the five airlines operating along Kano route, many of the operators departed with less than 30 per cent capacity.

For instance, Air Peace which departed Kano to Abuja at about 8.30am left with two passengers while the second flight left Kano for Lagos at about 11.45am with 14 passengers. Similar low turn out of passengers also noticed with Azman air, Max air and Aero contractor.

Meanwhile, Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika disclosed that the Federal government is not in hurry to reopen other airports across the country at the expense of safety of Nigerians.

Hadi who was at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano along side members of national assembly committees on aviation to witness the reopening of the airport, noted that despite the scheduled date for the reopening of all other ports, those found uncertified will remain close.

According to him, ” Let me applaud the efforts of NCAA and other stakeholders for job well done because the level of work so far is impressive. The compliance to protocols, management of social distancing and security arrangement to forestall spread of COVID-19 are strictly adhere with.

“Let me also say that all the airports will be ready before 15 of July as scheduled but any one that is not ready will remain closed because we cannot risk the life of Nigerians for anything”. Hadi stressed.

However, Chairman, Senate Committee on aviation, Smart Adeyemi lamented short supply of water at the departure terminal of Kano airport. The Senator representing Kogi west noted that unlike Nnamdi Azikwe International airport Abuja, the water supply at Kano airport should be Improved to mitigate contraction of virus.