FG deploys profiling robots as FAAN holds dry run airport simulation exercises

As part of plans for the airport reopening post Covid-19, the Federal Government of Nigeria has reportedly deployed profiling robots at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

In view of this, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) at the weekend held dry run simulation exercises at domestic terminals of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja and Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos respectively.

The exercise, aimed at assessing the readiness of the airports for reopening post Covid-19 was witnessed by the Honourable Ministers of: Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, State for Health, Dr. Olorunnibe Mamora, State for Education, Mr. Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, the National Coordinator, Presidential Task Force, Dr. Aliyu Sanni, the Director General, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Capt. Musa Nuhu, the Managing Director, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Capt. Rabiu Yadudu, Chairman, Air Peace, Mr. Allen Onyema, among other stakeholders.

The simulation exercise commenced in Abuja as passengers were taken through the Post Covid-19 departure protocols enroute Lagos on a Boeing 737 Aerocontractors flight. The team from Abuja arrived at the General Aviation Terminal, Lagos at about 1200hours.

Passengers on board the flight were aided in line with the normal procedural order of arrival facilitation.

 Honourable Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika expressed his delight at the level of facilities on ground, adding that going by the measures that have been put in place, the airports are about 90 per cent ready to reopen.

Senator Sirika disclosed that domestic passengers will now have to get to the airports like three hours before departure, while international passengers would be expected to get to the airports about five hours before their flight.

This measure is to ensure that all protocols, including safety markings, social distancing, hand sanitizing, baggage decontamination, scanning of personal items, among others are complied with forthwith.

Other Ministers and the National Coordinator of PTF also took their turn to speak on their impression of the preparedness of the airports for reopening.

 They expressed satisfaction and optimism at the measures on ground that the airports are ready for reopening.

The team from Abuja again went through the departure protocols, signaling the end of the exercise.