Publisher, journalist and former presidential candidate Dele Momodu has re-entered politics and joined Nigeria’s main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Momodu announced his move to the PDP in a statement, explaining that his decision was based on the need to contribute meaningfully to the development of the country.

“I have consulted widely. And it is clear to me that given the dangerous and disastrous drift that our nation has experienced in the past six years, the only party from which amends can be made to rectify our situation is the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP),” he said in the statement released on Friday morning.

“This accords with my vehement opposition to the policies and practices of the All Progressive Congress (APC) and its leadership, which has denuded our country of everything we hold dear – national unity, cohesion, security, economic prosperity, educational advancement, social infrastructure, and above all, our cherished moral values.

“For these reasons, I am happy to declare that I am now a full-fledged participating member of the great and patriotic Peoples Democratic Party.”

He accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of failing in delivering democratic dividends to Nigerians, maintaining that the PDP has landmark achievements to show for their 16-year rule.

“It is deeply saddening and regrettable that some of the biggest and landmark achievements recorded under the PDP administration have been diluted, wasted, or diminished by the present APC government,” he added.

The United Kingdom has promised to simplify COVID-19 travel rules for Nigeria nationals and other international visitors following frustrating tales by travelers.

The British High Commission in Nigeria announced at the weekend that travelers will find traveling easier starting on Monday, October 4, 2021.

“From October 4, 2021, the current system will be simplified. There will be a single red list of countries and territories where stricter rules apply, and there will also be a “rest of the world” list, with simplified travel measures,” UK high commissioner in Nigeria Catriona Laing said in a statement.

Liang said the “rest of the world” list will include countries currently on the UK’s amber list, such as Nigeria.

Some Nigerians had lamented ‘frustrating’ COVID-19 rules when leaving for the United Kingdom, with many complaining that the vaccines administered to them in Nigeria were not recognized.

But the executive director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Faisal Shuaib, said Nigerian officials “are in talks with the UK government’ over the issues.

Shuaib, however, said all the vaccines administered in Nigeria were recognized by the UK and stated that the UK had three classifications for vaccination by countries – green, amber and red – of which Nigeria is on the amber list.



Liang also noted that reports suggesting that the COVID-19 vaccines administered in Nigeria are not approved by the UK are untrue.

The UK high commissioner in Nigeria said the UK recognizes the Oxford-AstraZeneca, Moderna, Pfizer, and Johnson’s and Johnson’s vaccines used in Nigeria, irrespective of where they are manufactured.

She said the UK government is committed to opening up international travel while using its COVID-19 vaccination certification process to enable those wishing to enter the UK to do so safely.

“We know this matters hugely to many people in the UK and Nigeria – the extensive people-people ties between our two countries are at the heart of our bilateral relationship,” Liang said.

She also explained that travel rules are kept under regular review and people planning to travel to the UK should regularly check the latest information and requirements as set out on the www.gov.uk website.

Liang stated that the UK is committed to global access to vaccines, and is among the largest funders to COVAX, noting that the UK has donated 1.2 million vaccines specifically to Nigeria through COVAX and will continue to provide support.

“The UK strongly supports the work of the Nigerian health authorities and Nigeria’s vaccination campaign, and strongly encourages all eligible residents in Nigeria to get vaccinated. Only once we are all vaccinated we can end the spread of COVID-19,” Liang said.

The President of the Nigerian Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick, has dedicated the Super Eagles' victory over Cape Verde in the ongoing World Cup qualifiers to Air Peace, the National Team's Official Carrier.

The NFF president stated this at an event titled 'Dinner with the Best of Corporate Nigeria', which took place Wednesday, September 15, 2021, at Eko Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Pinnick emphasised that the Chairman of Air Peace, Allen Onyema’s remarkable speech of patriotism inspired the Eagles and boosted their morale for their amazing outing in Cape Verde.

Expressing gratitude to the airline and its founder for throwing their weight behind the National Teams, Pinnick dedicated the win in Cape Verde to Air Peace, adding that the NFF is glad to have entered a football partnership with the airline.



Meanwhile, describing Onyema as a ‘true Nigerian Nationalist’, the Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele, lauded him for his strategic Corporate Social Responsibility interventions, citing Air Peace’s airlift of COVID-19 medical supplies from China during the lockdown last year and the deployment of the brand new Embraer 195-E2 aircraft to fly the Eagles to and from Cape Verde.

Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Onyema stressed the need for more corporate organisations to support Nigerian teams, as sports is an effective unifying medium and should be encouraged. The patriot urged the Super Eagles to keep uniting Nigerians with their pitch endeavours.

It can be recalled that a couple of weeks back, Air Peace penned a 300 million naira sponsorship deal with the NFF, which is expected to span four years.

The federal government of Nigeria has indicated its readiness to partner with the Magnus aircraft manufacturing industry in Hungary in order to establish an assembly plant and begin manufacturing in Nigeria before the end of Buhari's administration.

Sen. Hadi Sirika, Minister of Aviation, expressed interest after visiting Magnus Aircraft Industry in Pogany, Hungary.

He explained that “if we venture we them, we may start with assembling plant and later manufacturing”, adding that the Magnus aircraft is an aeroplane that is good for Military training, has an aerobatic manoeuvre and is made of fully composite materials high strength and very lightweight.

Aerobatics is the practice of flying manoeuvres involving aircraft attitudes that are not used in normal flight. Aerobatics are performed in airplanes and gliders for training, recreation, entertainment, and sport.

In addition, Sirika said he was impressed with the plane's features and is open to facilitating its production in Nigeria, emphasizing that its most interesting feature is that it is powered by normal car fuel and outperforms other training planes.


Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika and top echelons of Magnus Aircraft Industry during an inspection tour

The Minister who was at the facility on the invitation of the Company, said the proposed partnership with the aircraft manufacturer will be subjected to further analysis to verify the market and government willingness to partner with a significant amount of money and logistics.

He emphasized that the local production of aircrafts in the country will facilitate the growth of Nigeria as a regional aviation super power as it will also come with maintenance and repair facilities that will attract patronage from neighbouring countries.

According to him, the present administration has created an attractive environment for international investors in Nigeria, especially in the aviation sector, with the ongoing implementation of the development roadmap which places emphasis on public private partnerships.

Nigeria's tourism industry has lost 770,000 jobs since the COVID-19 pandemic and its effect across the country, the World Travel and Tourism Council said on Monday.

It announced this through the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, adding that the deadly virus had caused an industry loss of about $4.5tn globally.

Regional Director, WTC, Andrew Brown, stated this in a statement that was made available to Tourtelegraph by the NESG on the group’s recent forum that focused on the development of Nigeria’s tourism and hospitality sectors.

In his goodwill message, Brown said that before the outbreak of COVID-19, travel and tourism accounted for 330 million jobs worldwide, and that this number was projected to increase to 440 million by 2030.

“He, however, noted that about $4.5tn was lost by the tourism and hospitality sectors as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic worldwide and over 770,000 jobs were lost in the sector in Nigeria alone,” the statement read in part.

He urged industry players to adopt safe travel measures and design protocols to make travellers feel more secure when they travel.

Additionally, Brown pointed out that 54 per cent of all travel and tourism jobs are held by women, saying stakeholders should continue to encourage activities that foster a workplace where women thrive.

The NESG said the forum was held by its Tourism and Hospitality Industries Thematic group, with the theme, “Repositioning Nigeria’s Tourism and Hospitality sectors for Sustainable Growth and Profitability.”

In his address at the forum, Udeme Ufot, a board member of the NESG, said Nigeria was well positioned as a popular tourist destination all year round due to its domestic tourism sector, natural resources, and a variety of associated attractions.

The NESG, he said, was committed to implementing sectoral reforms to address some of the problems the Nigerian tourism and hospitality industry faces, including the lack of comprehensive databases of operators and clear, measurable sector value chains.

Ufot noted that it was important for stakeholders to acknowledge the critical role government should play to move the sector forward, while supporting the implementation of policies that would support the sector.

In an effort to curb recent operational challenges at Nigerian airports, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) announced that it has begun installing check-in and screening equipment at Murtala Muhammed Airport and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport respectively.


Equipment being deployed for installation

In a statement signed by the signed by its General manager Public Affairs, Mrs. Henrietta Yakubu appealed to airlines, passengers and other stakeholders that to bear with it as it installs the equipment.


Equipment being set up at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport

The statement added that 15 new security screening systems have been acquired for immediate deployment at General Aviation Terminal and Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos. They have also been installed already.

“The Authority is using this opportunity to appeal to all stakeholders to please bear with us while the installation would last, as all hands are on deck to ensure speedy completion of the project”, she said.

Dubai: Emirates airline will resume flights to and from Nigeria on August 28, the carrier announced on its website

The airline was previously planning to resume flights from the country on August 20. Flights were originally expected to resume on August 15 after UAE said residents from Nigeria, Uganda, and a few other countries could re-enter, provided they met certain conditions.

Earlier on Saturday, Emirates said flights from Nigeria would start on August 29.

“Hi there, the first flight available from Nigeria is on the 29th of August. Please continue to monitor our website for travel updates and flight availability,” said the airline in a tweet.

Meanwhile, Dubai’s flagship carrier is ramping up flights to other destinations in Africa. The carrier has increased flights to Johannesburg from daily to 11 weekly flights, with the addition of four linked flights with Durban; the airline also flies to and from Cape Town with three weekly services.

Emirates has also reinstated capacity on its flights to and from Lusaka (linked with Harare) and Entebbe with five weekly flights each.

Nigeria and West Africa's largest airline, Air Peace, launched its Lagos-Doula route on Thursday with the promise of providing safe, affordable, and high-quality services to passengers.

At the event in Douala, Ayodeji Adeyemi, Ground Operations Manager, said the airline is poised to achieving it its no-city-left-behind initiative, adding that the extension of its operations into Cameroon is a testimony to that effect.

He expressed delight at the fact that both Nigeria and Cameroon will benefit from the economic values of this cooperation, especially in terms of promoting tourism and smoothing the movement of people.

“I feel excited that today, Air Peace, West Africa’s largest carrier, is making its entry into Cameroon from Lagos, Nigeria. We are delighted this launch is happening as we believe both countries will benefit enormously from it in the areas of employment creation, promotion of tourism, facilitation of a seamless movement of people and other forms of economic value.

“Air Peace is famed for its no-city-left-behind initiative, which is driving our route expansion. The extension of our wings to Douala is resultant from our vision to create affordable and safe air travel for Africans, with our signature hospitality, connecting various cities across Africa, especially the West Coast, thereby fostering socio-economic integration. Air Peace is committed to excellence and we’re bringing this excellent service to Cameroonians. The airline has recorded tremendous feats in just seven years and now operates 19 domestic routes, 6 regional routes and two international destinations (United Arab Emirates and South Africa) with a varied fleet of 28 aircraft, including 3 ultramodern Embraer 195-E2 airplanes.”, he said.


While pledging the commitment of the airline to service and the governments of both countries, Adeyemi said , ‘I’m happy to also let you know that plans are on top gear for other international routes, such as Houston-USA, Mumbai-India, Guangzhou-China and London. We’re constantly reviewing our route network to reflect the needs of the flying public.

“We thank and pledge to work with all the stakeholders including the Cameroon Civil Aviation Authority, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, the airport administrators and, of course, the governments of both countries to ensure the new route is maximised.”, he added.

Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), has introduced an Electronic Records Management (ERM) platform for its official correspondences and communications. In a statement signed by Service Public Relations Officer, Assistant Comptroller Of Immigration, Amos Okpu mnipr, this move is part of efforts to reduce paperwork bureaucracy, cost and unnecessary waste of man-hours in moving bulky files around offices.

Speaking at the launch of the facility, the Comptroller General of Immigration (CGI), Muhammad Babandede MFR noted that modern migration management and border security efforts require high investments in Information Technology (IT) tools and structures in order to drive processes and procedures optimally.

He noted that the particular situation especially with the expansive and extensive the nation’s Borderlines requires that operational actions and decisions are taken with the speed of light to ensure impact and efficiency

According to him, the Service cannot continue to conduct operations and processes using the old tools and processes in today’s rapidly dynamic migration environment that requires robust automation platforms for quick and informed decision-making processes.

The Comptroller General stated that the impressive results of the Service’s exploits in the deployment of the Migration Information Data Analysis System (MIDAS) for border control and security afforded the confidence that the Service has no other option but to deepen automation of other areas to remain relevant in the national security architecture and global migratory systems.

The CGI maintained that with the adoption of the paperless electronic platform, himself and the management team are now able to take urgent official decisions in the most efficient and timely manner.

“We are now able to conduct our official assignments everywhere and anywhere simply by the touch of buttons. We can now treat electronically transferred files and mails on official matters at the convenience of our homes and leisure Centres without compromising security, he added.

He assured that with a secured interface as offered by the ERM facility, confidentiality of our official communication and correspondences is guaranteed while promptness to official correspondences has been greatly improved. With this facility, we shall reduce the budget cost on procuring papers and files while efforts at robust e-archiving will be enhanced to ensure seamless tracing and tracking of correspondences.

The CGI noted that the future of Office administration and management is paperless and we in the NIS has keyed in.

At the launch of the paperless platform, Minister of Interior Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola commended the NIS for being the first government agency to unveil the process as well as the call for extending it to passport offices and border posts to enhance service delivery. In addition, he thanked the Federal Government for its constant support for all of the government agencies under his ministry and assured that more reform efforts would be made to improve service quality.

The Minister had earlier launched a Code of Conduct and Ethics document for the Service, in which he urged officers and men to consistently exhibit the virtues of integrity, courtesy, sound morality, and uncommon transparency in their official and private conducts.

The Comptroller General described the document as a product of wide consultations with relevant stakeholders stressing that it will help in moderating personnel behavioral conducts on and off duty times.

The event was attended by the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Interior, Hon. Zango Daura, Chairman Code of Conduct Bureau, Prof. Muhammad Isah, Chairman ICPC, Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye and representatives from EFCC among others.

Nigeria's Aviation Minister, Hadi Sirika, has stated that inefficient use of Nigeria's international airports and their low operating capacities informed government decisions to concession them to achieve optimal results.


The explanation came few days after a virtual stakeholders meeting where he had noted that the international airports in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and Kano were not designed for international operations, assuring that prospective private handlers of the terminals and facilities would inject funds needed to transform the airports' infrastructure.
According to Sirika, the Federal Government remains committed to upgrading the country's airports and making them viable through concessions.

He stated that airport upgrade is part of his aviation master plan, which aims to revamp the industry through active participation by the private sectors and make it self-sustaining. The objectives of the aviation master plan include establishing a national carrier; providing ready maintenance, repair and overhaul centres; setting up an aviation leasing company; establishing five airport-free zones; and establishing an agro-allied cargo terminal.

Sirika said that the airports have not been designed as international hubs but are operating as separate international and domestic terminals. He pointed out that there is an urgent need for infrastructure investments and modernization as all airports require investments in runway maintenance, navigation aids as well as terminal facilities.

“The airports in Nigeria are currently operating in a suboptimal environment as there is relatively low asset utilisation due to the limited opening hours of other smaller Nigerian airports; lack of terminal capacity as the airports fall short of gates, stands, and check-in desks. An overstretched facility is the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos terminal, built in 1979 for 200,000 passengers, but currently processes nearly eight million flyers.

The facilities to be concession are the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos: international and cargo terminals; and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja: international, domestic and cargo terminals. Others include the Port Harcourt International Airport, Port Harcourt: international, domestic and cargo terminals; and Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano: international, domestic and cargo terminals.

Concession of the airport facilities means the government has relinquished management to private investors who automatically become responsible for developing the airport and making sure it measures up to global standards. The airports are expected to be improved upon to meet modern demands which most Nigerian airports lack and the operational efficiency and profitability of the airports will thus increase.

DDDEnterprises:
Alright!

We pray for the emergence of "the Unity" sha. Let him come and start his mission and clear some or all of this mess the world has plunged into.

We await your coming "The Unity"

countryfive:
Some people will be praying that a day will come when
Iswap will take over nigeria but God will disappoint them

From a bustling international and domestic airport, the popular Kabul Airport has become a base for military evacuations in the last three days. In spite of this, a number of commercial aircraft are still parked in Kabul that belong to Afghan airlines. Take a look at the current aircraft at Kabul Airport.

As of right now, seven commercial aircraft are parked at Kabul Airport, according to Flight Radar24.com All other planes have departed for foreign destinations and foreign airlines have pulled out (apart from some emergency flights). However, military aircraft have taken centre stage, rapidly evacuating diplomats, foreign nationals, and Afghan allies from the country.

The seven aircraft belong to three carriers. Kam Air currently has one A340 (YA-KMH) and two 737-300s (YA-KMJ and YA-KML) in Kabul. Flag carrier Ariana Afghan has one A310 (YA-CAV) and two 737-400s (YA-PIC and YA-PID). Finally, Bakhtar Afghan Airlines have a sole 737-500 (YA-FGA) sitting on the ground.

Several of these seven planes have been grounded since Sunday, 15th August, when the Taliban swept into Kabul. In response, the United States took over all operations at Kabul Airport, including security and air traffic control, and closed the airport off to commercial airlines. As of now, the future of these seven planes remains uncertain, as military aircraft now take precedence.

Kabul’s Airport Cancels Flights

In a statement released Monday, Afghanistan's civil aviation authority announced that all commercial flights from Kabul's airport have been cancelled.

“All the flights from Kabul airport have been temporarily cancelled and the passengers should not come to the airport until informed,’’ the statement said.

The cancellation of the flights took place in the wake of Kabul’s fall to the Taliban on Sunday and the mass migration of Afghans amid fear.

Traffic jam and crowds are seen near Kabul's airport in Afghanistan

In the statement, the civil aviation authority expressed hope for an early return of normalcy, noting that the massive rush of passengers to the airport could lead to looting and other disorderly situations.

The civil aviation authority has been trying to resume the flights as soon as possible, the statement said.

The Taliban, meanwhile, told Kabul residents that their lives and properties are safe and that they can carry on with their work.

Int’l community urges Taliban to allow safe departure

The international community has urged the Taliban to allow Afghans and foreigners who wish to leave the country a safe passage.

A group of more than 60 countries made the call in a joint statement issued by the U.S. State Department, according to a report by the News agency of Nigeria.

“Afghans and international citizens who wish to depart must be allowed to do so.

“Roads, airports, and border crossing must remain open, and calm must be maintained,” the signatories said.

The signatories included Austria, Britain, Canada, Germany, Spain, and European Union’s foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell.

“The Afghan people deserve to live in safety, security, and dignity.

“We in the international community stand ready to assist them,” the statement added.

Taliban militants marched into the Afghan capital Kabul on Sunday.

Germany, the United States, and other states evacuated their embassies and began to fly personnel out of the country.

Top Airlines rerouting flights to avoid Afghan airspace

After the Taliban took over Afghanistan, several airlines, including United Airlines, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Korea Air, and Singapore Airlines, have rerouted aircraft to avoid using Afghanistan's airspace.

Afghanistan aviation officials have handed over air traffic control to the military and planes will be "flying in uncontrolled airspace at their own risk," CNBC reported. As of last month, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) prohibits U.S. airlines from flying over Afghanistan airspace below 26,000 feet (well below cruising altitude) "based on a possible threat from extremist/militant activity and limited risk mitigation capabilities."

"Due to the dynamic nature of the situation we have begun routing affected flights around Afghanistan airspace," United said in a statement regarding its U.S.-India flights, adding that it "will continue to work closely" with the FAA and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) "to evaluate the situation and determine how we continue service to markets impacted."

Other airlines, including Emirates and Flydubai, have suspended flights to Afghanistan's capital city of Kabul amid the turmoil. "Customers holding tickets with final destination to Kabul will not be accepted for travel at their point of origin," according to Emirates.

In an alert published Monday, the U.S. Embassy in Kabul reported that "the security situation in Kabul continues to change quickly, including at the airport. There are reports of the airport taking fire; therefore we are instructing U.S. citizens to shelter in place."

US resumes Evacuation flights at Kabul airport

Diplomats and civilians were evacuated from Afghanistan as military flights resumed on Tuesday after the runway at Kabul airport was cleared of thousands of people desperate to flee following the Taliban's capture of the capital, according to a report by Reuters.

Western security officials at the airport said the number of civilians had thinned out, following chaotic scenes in which U.S. troops fired to disperse crowds and people clung to a U.S. military transport plane as it took off.


U.S. President Joe Biden speaks about Afghanistan at the White House in Washington

At least seven people died in Monday’s chaos, including several people who clung to the sides of a jet as it took off.

In Washington, DC, US President Joe Biden said he stood “squarely behind” his decision to withdraw troops from Afghanistan and fired scorching criticism at the country’s former Western-backed leadership for failing to resist the Taliban.

“I stand squarely behind my decision,” he said in a televised address from the White House. “After 20 years, I’ve learned the hard way that there was never a good time to withdraw US forces.”

The Taliban have meanwhile declared the war in Afghanistan over and a senior leader said the group would wait until foreign forces had left before creating a new governance structure.

A man walks in Bozkurt town of Kastamonu province, Turkey, Sunday, Aug. 15, 2021, after flooding. Turkey sent ships to help evacuate people and vehicles from a northern town on the Black Sea that was hard hit by flooding, as the death toll in the disaster rose Sunday to at least 62 and more people than that remained missing. (AP Photo)

People watch the destruction in Bozkurt town of Kastamonu province, Turkey, Sunday, Aug. 15, 2021, after flooding. Turkey sent ships to help evacuate people and vehicles from a northern town on the Black Sea that was hard hit by flooding, as the death toll in the disaster rose Sunday to at least 62 and more people than that remained missing.(AP Photo)

Rescue workers clear debris in Bozkurt town of Kastamonu province, Turkey, Sunday, Aug. 15, 2021, after flooding. Turkey sent ships to help evacuate people and vehicles from a northern town on the Black Sea that was hard hit by flooding, as the death toll in the disaster rose Sunday to at least 62 and more people than that remained missing. (AP Photo)

Rescuers found more bodies from last week's flooding on Turkey's Black Sea coast, raising the death toll to 72, officials said.

Associated Press reported that torrential rains battered the country's Black Sea provinces on August 11, causing floods that damaged homes and bridges, swept away cars and closed roadways.

At least 60 people were killed in Kastamonu, 11 in Sinop, and one in Bartin, according to Turkey's disaster management agency, AFAD.

On Monday, emergency crews continued searching for at least 47 people still missing in Kastamonu and Sinop. AFAD said about 8,000 personnel, accompanied by 20 rescue dogs, are involved in the rescue and assistance efforts.

About 2,400 people were evacuated across the region amid the floods — scores of them lifted to safety by helicopters. Many are being temporarily housed in student dormitories.


Around 40 villages remain without power, according to AFAD.

Heavy rains along the northern coast of the Black Sea last week also forced 1,500 people to evacuate in Russia.

The heavy flooding came after Turkey endured a searing heat wave and as crews in the south were taming wildfires that raced across the country’s Mediterranean coast.

Climate scientists say there’s little doubt that climate change from the burning of coal, oil and natural gas is driving more extreme events — such as heat waves, droughts, wildfires, floods and storms — as the planet warms.

southniyikaye:
Just see how everyone is rushing to board the flight

Learning From History

Airlines and governments have paid more attention to the risks of flying over airspace in volatile zones in recent years after two deadly incidents involving surface-to-air missiles.

A Malaysia Airlines plane was shot down over eastern Ukraine in 2014, killing all 298 people on board, and a Ukraine International Airlines jet was downed by Iran's military in 2020, killing all 176 passengers and crew.

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration in July imposed new flight restrictions over Afghanistan for U.S. airlines and operators.

It said flights operating below 26,000 feet were prohibited in the Kabul Flight Information Region, which largely covers Afghanistan, unless operating in and out of Hamid Karzai International Airport, citing the risk "posed by extremist/militant activity."

That did not apply to U.S. military operations.

Other countries, including Canada, Britain, Germany and France, had also advised airlines to maintain an altitude of at least 25,000 feet over Afghanistan, according to website Safe Airspace.

Commercial flights have also been affected: Emirates suspended flights to Kabul and Turkish Airlines cancelled scheduled flights to and from Afghanistan. read more

The ACAA said the civilian side of Kabul airport was closed until further notice.

Emirates airline suspends flights to Kabul
Dubai - As a result of Taliban militants storming Kabul on Sunday, Emirates has suspended all flights to Afghanistan's capital until further notice, the airline announced on its website.

"Customers holding tickets with final destination to Kabul will not be accepted for travel at their point of origin," it said.

Other Dubai-based carriers flydubai earlier has also suspended flights to Kabul.

Afghanistan's aviation authority said on Monday the country's airspace had been "released to the military" and advised airlines to avoid its air corridors, prompting major airlines to divert flights in the wake of the Taliban's takeover of Kabul.

The authority did not specify which military, given the collapse of local security forces in the face of the Taliban offensive.

But U.S. forces have taken over air traffic control at Kabul airport, where five died on Monday in chaotic scenes with reports of firing in the air and a stampede, according to reports by Reuters.

United Airlines British Airways and Virgin Atlantic had already stopped using Afghanistan airspace on Sunday as U.S.-led forces departed and Western nations scrambled to evacuate citizens.

On Monday, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines (SIAL.SI), Taiwan's China Airlines (2610.TW), Air France KLM (AIRF.PA) and Lufthansa (LHAG.DE) followed suit.

Air France said six routes were affected: Bangkok, Delhi, Singapore, Mumbai, Madras and Ho Chi Minh.

Lufthansa said flight times to India and some other destinations would be extended by up to one hour, in a move that will add to fuel costs.

In a notice to pilots on its website, the Afghanistan Civil Aviation Authority (ACAA) said any transit through Kabul airspace - which covers all Afghanistan - would be uncontrolled, meaning planes would no longer be guided from the ground.


Analysts said flights between Europe and parts of Asia would be affected most, adding to a list of growing headaches after Middle East conflicts and a forced diversion of a jet over Belarus, which put its skies off limits for many airlines.

A Western aviation official said the withdrawal of air traffic control services would have implications for any airlines seeking insurance to fly over Afghan territory.

Emirates airline suspends flights to Kabul


Dubai - As a result of Taliban militants storming Kabul on Sunday, Emirates has suspended all flights to Afghanistan's capital until further notice, the airline announced on its website.

"Customers holding tickets with final destination to Kabul will not be accepted for travel at their point of origin," it said.

Other Dubai-based carriers flydubai earlier has also suspended flights to Kabul.

Learning From History

Airlines and governments have paid more attention to the risks of flying over airspace in volatile zones in recent years after two deadly incidents involving surface-to-air missiles.

A Malaysia Airlines plane was shot down over eastern Ukraine in 2014, killing all 298 people on board, and a Ukraine International Airlines jet was downed by Iran's military in 2020, killing all 176 passengers and crew.

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration in July imposed new flight restrictions over Afghanistan for U.S. airlines and operators.

It said flights operating below 26,000 feet were prohibited in the Kabul Flight Information Region, which largely covers Afghanistan, unless operating in and out of Hamid Karzai International Airport, citing the risk "posed by extremist/militant activity."

That did not apply to U.S. military operations.

Other countries, including Canada, Britain, Germany and France, had also advised airlines to maintain an altitude of at least 25,000 feet over Afghanistan, according to website Safe Airspace.

Commercial flights have also been affected: Emirates suspended flights to Kabul and Turkish Airlines cancelled scheduled flights to and from Afghanistan. read more

The ACAA said the civilian side of Kabul airport was closed until further notice.

The Federal Government through the Ministry of Aviation in compliance with the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) and National Policy on Public-Private Partnership (N4P) has released a request for qualification for the concession of four International Airport terminals and related services.

In the document signed by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Aviation, Engr. Hassan Musa, the four major commercial airports; Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja; Murtala Muhammed Internatıonal Aırport Lagos; Malam Amınu Kano Internatıonal Aırport and Portharcourt Internatıonal Aırport and surrounding communities are intended to develop into efficient, profitable, self-sustaining, commercial hubs which will create more jobs and develop local industries through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement.

The document says, “The Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) through the Ministry of Aviation is inviting bids from reputable Airport Developers/Operators/Financiers/Consortia for prequalification for the Concession of selected Airports Terminals under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement”.

It further stated that “The airport’s terminal concession is one of the critical projects under the Aviation Sector Roadmap of the FGN and fits well within the scope of the Ministry’s strategic plan for the sector. The execution of this project is meant to achieve the Federal Government’s objective in terms of air transport value chain growth by developing and profitably managing customer-centric airport facilities for safe, secure and efficient carriage of passengers and goods at world-class standards of quality”.

According to the document the eligibility requirements are; “Full names of firm/consortia; Evidence of Company Registration; Ownership structure of bidding entity; Audited Financial Statements; Sworn affidavit; Power of Attorney/Board Resolution and in the case of a consortium, evidence in the form of a letter of association agreement”.

It explained that to be prequalified for consideration as a prospective PPP partner for the project, the prospective firms/consortia must have technical, operational and financial capability including; Experience in the Development and Operation of an International Airport and Cargo Terminals; Evidence of Financial Capacity in support of the company or consortium’s ability to undertake the airport concession illustrated by a minimum net worth of NGN 30 billion and Letters of Support from credible financial institutions in support of the consortium’s ability to manage and operate the Airports terminals.

“The modalities for application submission shall be in a sealed envelope containing 7 copies neatly bound (1 original and 6 copies clearly marked) of the completed RFQ and the required supporting documents, which shall be clearly marked “RFQ for the Concession of Airport Terminals’ and addressed to the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Aviation, Federal Secretariat Complex Abuja.

The Application shall be submitted either physically or by pre-paid, registered/certified mail, or courier to the address provided.
The submission shall be on or before 15:00 hours Nigerian Time (14.00hrs GMT) on 27th September 2021”. It explained.

The request emphasis that the RFQ is the pre-qualification stage of the procurement process for the Project in which interested parties are required to meet the pre-qualification requirements specified in the RFQ package. Only pre-qualified parties will proceed to the Request for Proposal (RFP) stage and shall execute a Non-Disclosure Agreement prior to issuance of the RFP documents.

The document urged the interested international parties to partner with local firms in compliance with the requirements of the Federal Government of Nigeria's local content development policy while submission of RFQs through electronic media will not be considered.