AO2 Travel and TOURS

14/03/2023

SHUTSDOWN OF LAGOS AIRPORT RUNWAY WILL NOT AFFECT INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL

Dear Travellers,

Please be informed that the closure of Runway 18R and 36L of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport will not affect international travel as Taxiway B-18L would be used instead for all flight operations until maintenance is completed.

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria recently announced that Runway 18R and 36L of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, will be shut down for eight weeks for maintenance.

18/10/2022

*Report on the Interactive Meeting of the House of Representative Committee on Aviation and Stakeholders on the Lingering Crisis on Aviation in Nigeria*

The meeting chaired by the Speaker of Reps, Rt Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, CFR had in attendance, Chairman House Committee on Aviation and other House of Reps Members. Representatives of both foreign and domestic airlines in Nigeria, Representatives of Nanta lead by Chima James IHE, 2nd Deputy president, NCAA, IATA, NEMA, and other indusry stakeholders. The CBN governor, the finance minister and a few key officials were absent as they were said to be attending a two day ministerial retreat at the villa

The Speaker asked IATA Rep (Dr Fatokun) to give an overview and update attendees on the reasons for the heading.

Dr Fatokun gave a pathetic and graphic position of Airlines trapped funds saying as at September, 2022 over $700million were pending unremitted. A figure which amounts to about 34% of airlines trapped funds globally making Nigeria the highest country with airlines trapped funds.

IATA Rep appealed for the government's intervention to enable the airlines access their money for smooth and continuous operation.

Dr Obiora representing Airlines Operators of Nigeria (AON), who seemed totally ignorant of the agenda of the hearing, as well raging issues in the polity (with regards to the aviation subsector), painted a political colouration of the entire issue and whipped up patriotic sentiment not entirely suited for the occasion. He noted that they were not aware that there were foreign airlines trapped funds. He further suggested that the airlines should re-cycle the trapped funds in Nigeria. He also raised issues of increased fares, fares disparity, reciprocity in flight operations, etc.

Mr Onyema, Airpeace CEO, also representing AON, spoke in the issue of reciprocity as laid down in the BASA agreement. Taking a patriotic stance, he canvassed for support from government to build capacity in local airlines who can easily expand their operations to countries like the UK to further drive down the cost of tickets paid by the flying public. He called on Nigerians to be patriotic and support their own. He particularly drew reference to set of travel agents who had held a press conference, castigating the federal government instead of supporting them because the were asking government to pay the airlines money owed to them.

NANTA represented by 2nd Deputy, Chima James IHE called the attention of Mr Speaker to the agenda of the hearing, which was the issue of trapped funds. He pleaded that the Federal government should urgently look into the trapped funds for the restoration of smooth operations the travel business in Nigeria. The 2nd Deputy urged government to put measures in place to see that airlines funds are repatriated according to set and agree upon conditions.

Mr IHE further pleaded with the airlines to open inventories especially on lower fares so that the travel agents can get back to business to avoid business fore-closures and forced lay-offs of over 3,000 workers. He further, urged the airlines to stop selling tickets in USD to curb pressure on already scarce foreign exchange in the country.

Mr Speaker after hearing from all parties present acknowledged the fact that there were myriad of issues facing the Aviation industry in addition to the matter of trapped funds. These were: -high fares on portals as well as those paid by Nigerians compared
to countries flying same mileages into Nigeria,
- issue of reciprocity,
- issue of selling tickets in Nigeria in USD by some airlines.

Mr Speaker promised to call for larger forum to look at these issues. While acknowledging the dare situation faced by the airlines in terms if getting their trapped funds; while the fact that the country manager had limited decision powers on critical issues concerning their airline operations, he recommended that the airline representatives in attendance convey his appeal to their operational headquarters. His appeal was for airlines to open airline inventories especially lower inventories to travel business operators so they can access and book lower tickets for their clients as well make Nigerians buy affordable tickets as is in other countries. This was applauded by all, albeit reluctantly by the airlines.

The speaker concluded that next meeting will continue on Thursday October 20, 2022 with CBN and finance ministry officials in attendance to resolve issues of trapped funds.

Thank you.

Chima James IHE
2nd Deputy President

25/02/2022

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-travellers-exempt-from-uk-border-rules/coronavirus-covid-19-travellers-exempt-from-uk-border-rules

We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.

18/02/2022

06/02/2022

Use ArriveCAN to provide mandatory travel information before and after your entry into Canada. It only takes minutes to.
Arrive Can Link
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19/arrivecan.html

Use the ArriveCAN app or online before leaving your home country to provide mandatory travel information required for entry into Canada.

05/02/2022

04/02/2022

UPDATE ON DUBAI TRAVEL ACROSS DIFFERENT AIRLINES_FEB. 2022

We have the following update on Dubai Travel across different airlines

EMIRTATES AIRLINE SUMMARY ON DXB REQUIREMENTS
• Effective 6 Feb, Passengers travelling to Dubai will now be required to show a proof of PCR test performed 48 hours before departure
• Travel Insurance is mandatory
• Upon arrival in Dubai, passengers will undergo an additional Covid 19 PCR test and remain in self quarantine until the test results are received

04/02/2022

ETHOPIAN AIRLINE SUMMARY ON DXB REQUIREMENTS
• DXB visa/insurance
• Negative PCR test 24HOURS before departure (i.e A day before departure
• Layover at ADDIS ABABA to connect ET602 the next day to DXB.
• Transit at Lome is not allowed
• Rapid test at transit (Addis Ababa), it cost 50 USD

02/02/2022

ROYAL AIR MAROC TO RESUME INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS ON FEBRUARY 7

Dear Travellers,

We have confirmed that Royal Air Maroc is set to resume international flights from 7 February. The announcement comes after Morocco’s government decided that it will reopen borders on February 7
The company’s decision to restore its international lines comes after the Moroccan government announced that it will reopen its airspace for international flights, starting February 7.
The national carrier will provide flights from and to 49 destinations including Nigeria
For great deals on Royal Air Maroc, kindly contact AO2 Travel and Tours

01/02/2022

QATAR AIRLINE SUMMARY ON DXB REQUIREMENTS
• DXB visa/insurance
• Rapid test to be conducted 4 hours before originating flight in Nigeria. Rapid test to be booked from http://bookings.synlab.com.ng/
• Long layover at transit not necessary
• Passenger needs to be fully vaccinated

01/02/2022

KENYA AIRWAYS SUMMARY ON DXB REQUIREMENT
• DXB visa/insurance
• Negative PCR test within 48 hours to time of flight
• Undergo a PCR test upon arrival in Dubai
• Book the night flight with long layover on the departure leg to allow time for rapid test in Nairobi

01/02/2022

ETHOPIAN AIRLINE SUMMARY ON DXB REQUIREMENTS
• DXB visa/insurance
• Negative PCR test 24HOURS before departure (i.e A day before departure
• Layover at ADDIS ABABA to connect ET602 the next day to DXB.
• Transit at Lome is not allowed
• Rapid test at transit (Addis Ababa), it costs 50 USD

01/02/2022

UAE RESUMES ENTRY FOR TRAVELLERS FROM NIGERIA AND 11 OTHER AFRICAN COUNTRIES

The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Emergency Management Authority (NCEMA) recently announced the resumption of all inbound flights for national and international carriers and transit passengers from Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Republic of Congo, South Africa, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia and Zimbabwe in addition to updating the entry measures for travelers coming in from Uganda, Ghana and Rwanda, from Saturday, January 29, effective 14.30, while adhering to all relevant precautionary measures in place. Report says those coming from the above mentioned countries to the UAE need to have a negative COVID-19 test obtained within 48 hours from the approved labs in their respective countries of departure and a Rapid-PCR test at the airports of departure in addition to undertaking PCR test upon arrival while adhering to all relevant precautionary and Preventative measures.

AO2 Travel will bring more informed update on this development

For informed support , kindly contact AO2 Travel and Tours

18/01/2022

Travelers, including those in transit, must fill up an entry form before entering Switzerland. The form can be completed 48 hours before entry at the earliest.
The form can be viewed from https://swissplf.admin.ch/formular

All travelers entering mainland China are required to submit a health declaration form, which can be done with an online form or via WeChat. Travelers are required to declare their health information a maximum of 24 hours before their entry.
Check the online from from https://health.customsapp.com/healthweb/home/pages/index/index.html

22/12/2021

6. Any person who tests positive on antigen RDT at any point of entry will be isolated at a Ministry of Health designated facility or at home for returning Kenyans and residents for ten
(10) days at the travelers own cost. Further they shall be subjected to a COVID-19 PCR test before discharge.
7. Diplomats and Senior government officials will be exempt from quarantine but must be in possession of negative PCR test conducted within 72 hours before travel.
8. Passengers travelling out of Kenya will require a COVID 19 vaccination certificate. In addition, they will be required to abide by the particular travel, health and COVID-19 related requirements of the destination country.
9. Pre-departure testing may be considered at the discretion of any of the airlines departing from or terminating in Kenya.

22/12/2021

A. GENERAL TRAVEL REQUIREMENT
1. All passengers arriving into Kenya through any point of entry must have a certificate of COVID-19 vaccination. Travelers below the age of eighteen (18) years are exempt from this requirement.
2. All passengers coming to Kenya must be in possession of a valid COVID-19 negative PCR test certificate conducted within 72 hours before departure regardless of the route of entry. Children below the age of five (5) years are exempt from this requirement.
3. Operating crew are exempt from COVID-19 test when on a layover between flights. They must adhere to COVID-19 protocols from airport to hotel/residence and back to airport.
4. All travelers will be expected to fill the travelers’ locator form and submit before travel to http://bit.ly/covid19moh and thereafter submit daily health information to “jitenge” platform for 14 consecutive days.
5. All passengers with flu-like symptoms at the point of entry, or those who develop clinical symptoms within 14 days of arrival shall be placed into quarantine and be tested for COVID- 19 at a government testing facility.

22/12/2021

QATAR AIRLINE SUMMARY ON DXB REQUIREMENT
• DXB visa/insurance
• Rapid test to be conducted 4 hours before originating flight in Nigeria. Rapid test to be booked from http://bookings.synlab.com.ng/
• Long layover at transit not necessary

22/12/2021

•
KENYA AIRWAYS SUMMARY ON DXB REQUIREMENT
• DXB visa/insurance
• Negative PCR test 24HOURS before departure (i.e A day before departure
• Long layover of not less than 8 hours at Nairobi
• Rapid test at transit cost 60 USD
NOTE: Temporary suspension of flights from 20 December to 22 December, to give update later.

22/12/2021

EMIRATES AIRLINE SUMMARY ON DXB REQUIREMENT

• Yet to resume, we are expecting an update from the airline.
• No communication after the resolution of the Impasse over slot allocation between the UAE and Nigerian aviation authorities

ETHOPIAN AIRLINE SUMMARY ON DXB REQUIREMENT
• DXB visa/insurance
• Negative PCR test 24HOURS before departure (i.e A day before departure
• Layover at ADDIS ABABA to connect ET602 the next day to DXB.
• Transit at Lome is not allowed
• Rapid test at transit (Addis Ababa), it cost 50 USD

22/12/2021

RWAND AIR Summary on DXB requirements.
• DXB visa/insurance
• Negative PCR test before leaving Nigeria
• Second PCR on arrival at Kigali @$60
• Lodge at an hotel at pax expense due to one day layover before connection.
• Rapid test 6hours before DXB connection @$60

16/12/2021

Aviation authorities in the United Arab Emirates have given seven slots to Nigerian airline, Air Peace, backing off from an earlier confrontation that threatened relations between both countries

Rwand Air has announced that its customers will need to do rapid test during transit, kindly advise your customers to have extra PTA if they are flying Rwand Air

16/12/2021

NON-FULLY VACCINATED PASSENGERS TRAVELLING TO ENGLAND
• take a COVID-19 test – to be taken in the 2 days before you travel to England
• book and pay for day 2 and day 8 COVID-19 PCR tests – to be taken after arrival in England
• complete a passenger locator form – to be completed in the 48 hours before you arrive in England
• after you arrive in England, you must quarantine at home or in the place you are staying for 10 full days
• take your COVID-19 PCR tests – you must book these tests before you travel
• You must take the first test on or before day 2 and the second test on or after day 8. The day you arrive is day 0.

16/12/2021

FULLY VACCINATED PASSENGERS TRAVELLING TO ENGLAND
• TAKE A COVID-19 TEST – TO BE TAKEN IN THE 2 DAYS before you travel to England
• book and pay for a COVID-19 PCR test – to be taken after you arrive in England
• complete a passenger locator form – to be completed in the 48 hours before you arrive in England
• take a COVID-19 PCR test after arrival in England. This is the test that you booked before travel.
• You can take the test any time after you arrive and before the end of day 2 at the latest. The day you arrive is day 0.
• You must quarantine in your home or the place you are staying while you await your test result.

29/06/2021

DELTA AIRLINE ATTESTATION

We will like to share an update from Delta Airline

U.S. COVID-19 Testing Entry Requirements for International Travel

All customers flying on Delta must continue to follow the entry requirements for international travel and are advised to check these prior to departure.

The CDC requires all passengers ages 2 and above traveling to or connecting through the United States to present proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 3 days before departure and sign an attestation confirming a negative result.

Please find link to the attestation required to be printed, signed and submitted at the airport before embarkationhttps://www.delta.com/content/dam/delta-www/pdfs/pax-attestation-us-en-1page-20210120-rlp.pdf

20/02/2021

EDINBURGH AIRPORT OPENS NEW COVID-19 TESTING FACILITY


Edinburgh Airport has launched an on-site Covid-19 testing service. The site offers fast and accurate lateral flow and PCR testing and is located through the Covid-19 screening entrance to the left of the departures entrance.



PCR tests cost £99 per person for the general public, £80 per person for airline passengers and £60 per person for Edinburgh Airport staff. Lateral flow tests are available for £50 per person.

DELTA EXTENDS MIDDLE SEAT BLOCKING THROUGH APRIL 2021


Delta says it is continuing its commitment to provide more space on board by blocking middle seats and limiting capacity on all flights departing through April 30, 2021, with the purpose of ensuring that customers can confidently plan and book their spring travel.



Bill Lentsch, the Chief Customer Experience Officer noted that the airline aims at helping customers have complete confidence when travelling with Delta, as they have gotten feedback from passengers who have said more spaces provide them more peace of mind.

14/02/2021

Temporary Suspension of PAX uplift from Nigeria to Dubai - update

As instructed by the UAE authorities, the uplift of passengers on Emirates from Nigeria (LOS & ABV) to Dubai is temporarily suspended up to and including the 10th March 2021.



Affected services are, EK784 LOS-DXB and EK786 ABV-DXB.



*** Note also that passengers who have been to or connected through Nigeria in the last 14 days are not allowed to enter the UAE (whether terminating or connecting onwards) ***

Flights from Dubai to Nigeria (EK783 DXB-LOS & EK785 DXB-ABV) are not affected by this suspension and these flights will continue to operate as per the published schedule.



The operational status of EK services from Nigeria after the 10th March 2021 is under review & further updates will be published in due course.



For passengers affected kindly apply re-booking options provided in our COVID-19 waiver policy previously communicated.



We hope to revert to you as soon as possible, regarding the status of our future flights.



As always, we thank you for your continued support. If you require any further assistance please contact us.

30/01/2021

We will like to share an update from Delta Airline

U.S. COVID-19 Testing Entry Requirements for International Travel

All customers flying on Delta must continue to follow the entry requirements for international travel and are advised to check these prior to departure.

The CDC requires all passengers ages 2 and above traveling to or connecting through the United States to present proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 3 days before departure and sign an attestation confirming a negative result.

Please find link to the attestation required to be printed, signed and submitted at the airport before embarkationhttps://www.delta.com/content/dam/delta-www/pdfs/pax-attestation-us-en-1page-20210120-rlp.pdf

07/01/2021

*UNITED NATIONS ALERT*

The black market for parts of the human body is booming in the Middle East. A kidney now costs 262,000 dollars (131 million CFA francs); the heart costs 119,000 dollars (60 million CFA francs) and the liver costs 157,000 dollars (79 million CFA francs). Beware of fake foreign agencies promising to make you work abroad. They process your papers, pay your plane ticket and just take you abroad pretending they want to find you a job, but instead, they kill their victims, recover all the precious parts of their bodies. Many people have been offered jobs in the Middle East and so far their families have been unable to locate them. Let our children and grandchildren become aware of these devices of the devil by sharing. Share to expose these criminals SHARE TO SAVE LIVES

https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/organized-crime/intro/emerging-crimes/organ-trafficking.html

Organ Trafficking

06/01/2021

(ATV) applications must be submitted in person after making an appointment with the German embassy in Abuja/Lagos ( https://nigeria.diplo.de/ ).

Federal Foreign Office website