NIGERIAN AIRLINES GIVE NEW DIRECTIVES AHEAD OF RESUMPTION

The Nigeria Civil Aviation(NCAA) has issued new covid-19 public health protocols for Nigerian airlines operating international flights, as Federal Government prepares to issue resumption for flights operations. 

 Director General, Capt Musa Nuhu issued a letter with reference number NCAA/DG/AIR/11/16/120 dated May 27.

Read directives below:

"The new protocol will ensure orientation and sensitisation of crew on Infection, Prevention and Control (IPC) measures as per training and guidance from public health authorities.

“Ensure they have adequate stock of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), minimum of 70 per cent alcohol-based hand sanitiser and Universal Precaution Kits (UPK) on board aircraft before the flight.

“Ensure flight crew wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and observe IPC measures for the duration of the flight as follows:

“Regarding the Flight deck crew: Non-medical face masks and gloves. Face masks can be removed when the cockpit door is closed for safety reasons.

“Cabin crew – Non-medical face masks, gloves, disposal surgical gowns and safety visors/goggles must be used during flight operation.

“They must ensure safe removal of gloves after performing specific tasks and they should avoid touching their face and eyes with unclean hands.

“Flight crew are to ensure that all passengers wear a non-medical face mask for the duration of the flight except when eating or using emergency oxygen.

“Flight crew are to ensure that passengers rub their hands with alcohol-based sanitizer as they embark the aircraft,”

“The flight deck crew that will carry out the mandatory walk around will wear PPE (non-medical facemask, gloves and disposable protective gowns).

“They will also ensure he/she keeps a physical distance of at least two meters from ground handling staff, fuelers, dispatchers, baggage handlers and other persons handling the aircraft while airline should carry return catering.

“Regarding the accommodation, at all times, crew must comply with local public health regulations and policies as one crew member to one room, which is sanitized prior to occupancy.

“Crew, taking account of the above and in so far as is practicable, should avoid contact with the public and fellow crew members and remain in the hotel room except to seek medical attention, or for essential activities.

They should not use the common facilities in the hotel, like bars, gyms, etc. While Dine in-room, get take-outs, or dine seated alone in a restaurant in the hotel, only if room service is not available. 

“Also, regularly monitor for symptoms including fever and observe good hand hygiene, respiratory hygiene and physical distancing measures when required to leave the hotel room only for the reasons of specified emergency situations.

“Crew members experiencing symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 during lay over or transit, should report it to the aircraft operator and seek assistance from a medical doctor for assessment of possible COVID-19.”