Coronavirus: Togo to reopen air traffic after 3-month closure

Lomé, Togo (PANA) - Togo is preparing to reopen its air space to traffic, suspended for more than three months due to coronavirus, PANA learned in Lomé following several consultations between stakeholders in the aviation sector.

Since last week, the authorities in charge of air transportation as well as the supervisory ministry have been in consultation with the heads of airline companies, travel agencies, and other stakeholders in the sector for an early reopening of Lomé International Airport, closed since 20 March, following the Covid-19 pandemic.

According to sources, confirmed by the Directorate of Civil Aviation of Togo, procedures are being drawn up to guarantee health security for passengers as well as airport staff.

The sources said that passengers will be required to begin preparations for their flights in 72 hours, produce a certificate of non-infection with Covid-19, wear masks, and comply with preventive measures.

In addition to these measures, a test is envisaged on the arrival of passengers as Togo is setting up a mobile laboratory being in the old airport terminal to carry out rapid tests.

"It is planned to have an ultra-modern, well-equipped laboratory with a qualified staff, as well as firm arrangements for pre-registering passengers and receiving everything that concerns them," says the Director-General of the National Civil Aviation Agency, Dokissime Latta-Gnama.

Aircraft will also be disinfected according to standards and protocol accepted by the WHO, the ANAC Director-General added.

For the moment, no date has been set for the reopening of the airpor, but it is assured that it will be in July.

The airport of Lomé, which hosts about 15 companies, underwent many changes and renovations a few years ago.

It serves as a hub for the pan-African airline ASKY, and Ethiopian Airlines is using Lomé as stopover for its flights to the United States and Brazil.

-0- PANA FAA/JSG/MTA/VAO 2July2020