FG Lifts Emirates Ban, As Airline Cancels Antigen Tests

The Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 has lifted the suspension slammed on operations of Emirates flights into Nigeria.

The action was in lieu of the United Arab Emirates’ suspension of the controversial antigen tests earlier imposed on Nigerians departing on Emirates Airlines.

The PTF, through the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), about 24 hours ago, suspended the airlines for violating the PTF COVID-19 directives.

NCAA sent a letter to the Emirates airlines’ Country Manager, stating its decision of reversal.

The lifting of the suspension is the immediate response of the UAE government granting approval to Emirates airlines to withdraw the requirements for RDT, prior to departure of Emirates flights from Nigeria with immediate effects until the required infrastructure and logistics are put in place by the Federal Government.

The Director General of NCAA, Capt. Musa Nuhu, said the apex regulatory body hopes that the airline would continue to comply with the directives of the PTF on COVID-19 and other protocols of the Federal Government of Nigeria.