Aviation minister Hadi Sirika has announced the decision of the federal government to resume international operations from Kano, Port-Harcourt and Enugu Airports before Christmas celebrations.

Mr. Sirika confirmed the development in Lagos on Tuesday via a statement issued by James Odaudu, the ministry’s spokesman.

“All international airports in the country may resume international flights before the end of the year, as the ministry is working with the Federal Ministry of Health,” the statement read. “The ministry is also working with the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 and other relevant bodies to ensure that the airports meet all the safety and health requirements and protocols.”

The mentioned international airports were closed late March following the spread of COVID-19 in the country.

Mr. Sirika said that all hands are on deck to ensure that all logistic and policy necessities would be put in place to address the difficulties encountered by international travellers, especially with the impending yuletide season.

The minister expressed satisfaction over the understanding and cooperation of aviation stakeholders in ensuring the smooth reopening of the nation’s airspace.

In a related development, Mr. Sirika said the federal government had lifted the flight ban on Lufthansa, KLM and Air France.

He said this development had paved the way for them to resume their operations in and out of the country.

The minister added that Qatar Airways had also been granted approval to start operations at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja.

“In granting the approvals, the ministry has emphasised the need for airlines operating in the country to employ international best practices in handling Nigerian passengers.

“This is because the government will not tolerate any form of maltreatment of its citizens by any airline,’’ he said.