NCAA to Airlines: Allow passengers on board without QR Codes

*Negative COVID-19 PCR test valid within 96 hours of boarding remains mandatory for all passengers travelling to Nigeria, says Director-General Musa Nuhu

*Delta Airlines resumes 4 direct flights from Lagos to Atlanta, United States, weekly

Alexander Davis | ConsumerConnect

In a move to ease off the difficulties air travellers are facing in their attempts to access the Federal Government’s portal to upload information, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has directed airlines to allow passengers without QR codes to board flights.

QR codes refer to the popularly known 2D barcodes, which people use to scan and send their information through smartphone to the concerned authorities.

Mr. Musa Nuhu, Director-General of NCAA, in a letter dated September 8, 2020, said, “Airlines are hereby notified that the presentation of evidence of payment receipt in the form of a QR code is recommended for all passengers, but not a mandatory requirement for boarding flights to Nigeria for now.

“Airlines are advised to allow passengers without a QR code to board as a temporary measure until additional on-going work to the payment platform is completed.

“Airlines will be informed in the coming days of any changes in this requirement.

The aviation regulator also notified the airlines to “please note that presentation of negative COVID-19 PCR test valid within 96 hours of boarding remains mandatory for all passengers travelling to Nigeria.”

Nuhu said that airlines must ensure compliance with this requirement.

“Flying passengers that do not have negative COVID-19 PCR tests to Nigeria will attract a penalty of $3,500 per passenger,” said he.

Likewise, Delta Airlines resumed operations from Lagos to Atlanta, in the United States, Wednesday.

The airlines in a statement said it would fly four times a week with departures on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

Bobby Bryan, Commercial Director ─Africa at Delta, said: “We know how important access to the United States is for our customers and now the restrictions have been lifted, we’re looking forward to re-starting our Lagos service to facilitate travel and business opportunities in Atlanta and beyond.

“Customers will have a different flying experience the next time they step onboard but this is to ensure the highest standards of safety for them and our people, which is our number one priority.

“We are also offering additional flexibility with tickets so customers have extra peace of mind should they need it.”

According to Bryan, flights between Lagos and Atlanta will temporarily make a brief stop in Dakar, with final administrative approvals for nonstop service expected shortly.

Customers will not be able to board or disembark in Senegal, and the flight will be operated using a Boeing 767-300 aircraft.

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