IgbereTV reports that the Nigerian Government has approved a request by Air France to fly its aircraft into Nigeria to evacuate European citizens following the outbreak and continued spread of Coronavirus in the country.
In a letter dated March 25, 2020 and addressed to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Air France asked to airlift Europeans from the country on March 26, April 2 and 9.
The letter reads, “Air France hereby submits its request to operate three essential flights on March 26, April 2 and 9, 2020 from Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos.
“These flights will not disembark any passengers or crew. It is only designed to ensure European citizens return to their homes.”
Director, Air Transport Management in the Federal Ministry of Aviation, M.S Noibi, approving the request said, “I am directed to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated March 23, 2020 and to convey the Honourable Minister of Aviation approval for your airline to operate essential flights from Lagos to Paris.
“I am further directed to inform you to undertake the operation strictly based on the protocol guiding this operation under COVID-19 as issued by the Nigerian Aeronautical Authorities.”
Consequently, Air France started airlifting Europeans out of Nigeria while Coronavirus cases are on the rise with Nigeria currently having a total of 97 cases of the pandemic and one death.
Some concerned Nigerians and foreign diplomats however fear that such move may have a significant increase in the number of cases in Nigeria, bearing in mind that Nigeria does not have the adequate facilities to curtail the spread of the pandemic.
See letters below
