Airlines to pay $3,500 per passenger for COVID-19 protocol violation: NCAA

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued an order fining airlines who violate the newly amended COVID-19 interim quarantine protocols $3,500 per passenger.

The directive was issued by NCAA Director-General Musa Nuhu in a notification to All Operators Letter (AOL) dated December 3, 2021 with the reference number NCAA/DG/AIR/16/327.

“In terms of outbound passengers, airlines must only board individuals traveling out of Nigeria who have proof of either full vaccination or proof of immunization. Better yet, the result of a negative COVID-19 PCR test performed by NCDC authorized laboratories within 48 hours of boarding,” Mr Nuhu added. “Any airline that fails to comply with these pre-boarding regulations will be fined $3,500 per passenger.” Airlines that repeatedly fail to meet these conditions may be barred from entering Nigeria.”

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Mr Nuhu went on to say that airlines who disobey the directive risk being barred from flying altogether.

He stated that COVID-19 safety protocols for international airline operations, as well as quarantine protocols for visitors arriving in Nigeria, were still in effect as of July 1, 2021.

The amended provisional quarantine protocol for visitors coming or departing Nigeria, according to Mr Nuhu, will take effect on December 5, 2021. Only passengers with a purchased permit to travel with a QR Code on inbound passengers will be allowed to board.

This included the results of a negative COVID-19 PCR test performed within 48 hours of boarding, according to the director-general.

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Mr Nuhu further stated that airlines should contact travelportal@ncdc.gov.ng; directorporthealthfmoh@gmail.com; ictservicedesk@ncdc.gov.ng for assistance if inbound passengers are unable to pay for repeat PCR tests or produce a permit to travel via the Nigerian International Travel Portal (NITP).