There was palpable joy on Saturday as the very first global flight landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.
The News Company of Nigeria (NAN) reports that this was coming after five months of closure of the Nigerian airspace due to the lockdown occasioned by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
The Middle East Airline (MEA), which removed from Beirut, Lebanon, made history as the first global flight to land throughout the nation as it touched down at the MMIA at exactly 2.30 p.m.
The aircraft was ceremonially invited with a water cannon presentation by the officials of the Aerodrome and Rescue Fire Fighters, a Department in the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
Middle East Airline Company (MEA), which removed from Beirut, Lebanon, made history as the very first worldwide flight to land at the MMIA at exactly 2.30 p.m. Image: TWITTER/FAANOFFICIAL
NAN likewise reports that officials of FAAN, Nigeria Migration Service (NIS), Port Health Solutions (PHS), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and other appropriate companies were on ground to address the guests brought in by the airline.
On arrival at the terminal, travelers provided their documents, consisting of COVID-19 PCR test results for screening by the Port Health Services officials, while their travelling papers, passports and visas were managed by the immigration officials at the airport.
However, there was no much work to be done by the officials on the ground as the airplane landed with simply 200 travelers as approved by the Presidential Job Force (PTF) on COVID-19
The passengers, comprised Nigerians and immigrants, performed themselves organized and went through the protocols as authorized by the PTF.
At the arrival and departure halls of the airports, the arriving and leaving passengers observed the social distancing protocols, simply as it was being presently observed on the domestic paths.
Speaking on the treatments, Mr Abdullahi Usman, Comptroller, NIS, MMIA, said the procedure was smooth and passengers were cooperative while taking a trip documents were requested from them by the officials.
Usman discussed that on arrival, Nigerians onboard requirement not to fill another travel card, stating that when necessary; the migration service would give them the ideal type to fill.
He stated: “As you can see, the passengers are coming in quantum, not in a mass.
” The control of the passengers begin with the disembarkation of the aircraft and you can see it yourself how orderly things were done.
” The procedures stay the exact same.
” As soon as we have any other info to obtain from them, we will provide another card. We wish to guarantee seamless guests clearance at the counters.”
Likewise, Mrs Victoria Shin-Aba, Regional Supervisor, South-West, FAAN, expressed gratitude to the Federal Government and the management of FAAN for making sure a smooth return of flight services on the international scene.
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