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Do you need to travel or have an existing flight booking in the coming weeks or months? Assisting you is our top priority and we will do everything we can to support you through this time. Read below for updated airline information and how to travel safely should you wish to continue with your trip.
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Travelstart cannot be held responsible for changes and/or updates being made to airline policies. Nor are we able to override a decision made by an airline to amend their policy. No amendments to bookings are confirmed until received in writing from us. It remains the traveller's responsibility to ensure that they receive confirmation of cancellation, suspension or date changes prior to date and time of travel in order to avoid no-show penalties being applied.
Please visit https://flightaware.com/ for the latest updates on global flight cancellations, border closures, and flight updates.
In response to the Nigerian government’s travel ban aimed at stopping the transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19),the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) extended the closure of Nigerian airports for another four weeks, effective from 07 May2020 .
All international and local flights have been suspended until the airport reopens.
Local and international flights have been suspended from Nigeria while the airports are closed. The airports are on an extended closure for an additional four weeks from 07 May 2020.
Repartition flights are special flights other than a scheduled service, set up to move a specific load such as medical supplies or people to their country of origin. Repatriation flights can be booked directly with either your country’s Embassy or directly with the specified airline once your country’s Embassy has approved your travel.
Costs are variable and depend on the route, cabin crew and landing rights needed. In most cases, passengers are required to pay for these flights.
This information is constantly changing. We recommend checking here for the latest updates.
It is the passenger's responsibility to check that there are no travel bans and/or advisories in place that may impact on the booking(s). Travelstart will not be
While the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends postponing or cancelling any travel, we highly recommend that you stay abreast of the latest updates.
We suggest that you consider postponing your trip to a later date. Please call us on +234-1-280-0661 and we will be happy to assist.
You may have the following options based on the airlines’ and ticket rules:
Please note that the above is subject to airline policies.
If you choose to cancel your booking, you may be liable for the airline’s penalty fee and all taxes.
If the airline cancels your ticket, they will communicate what options are available to you. Most airlines will offer to rebook your ticket or send you a flight voucher. While both are good options, a temporary flight suspension is more convenient as you can fly later.
Airlines are offering free changes to bookings and some offer suspension where you can put your ticket on hold for a period of time until you are ready to rebook. That way, we keep your ticket in safe hands. In some cases even with this free change, you may still be liable for any difference in fare and taxes
We always recommend you take out travel insurance for any eventuality.
Due to high call volumes and urgent queries, we are prioritizing bookings departing within 72 hours. Please contact us via email. If you are contacting us to make a change on an existing booking here to fast track your request. Once you have completed the survey, please email info@travelstart.com.ng with the code COVID-19_FAST-TRACK
Should you be eligible for a refund, this is dependent on the airline’s policy and may take 6 - 8 weeks. Please note that due to high volumes it may take longer for the airline to process your refund.
Airlines are disinfecting seats, meal tray tables, toilets and armrests after each flight. They are doing everything necessary to ensure the safety of passengers. Constant airflow ensures that the cabin air is refreshed every two to three minutes. Flight crew are subjected to preflight temperature screening.
With countries around the world in or going into lockdown, we recommend waiting until countries begin opening their borders again, and for airlines to commence their regular scheduled flights. We suggest using this time to get inspired about planning your next trip. Read our blog for travel tips and inspiration for your next holiday.
Effective Monday, 07 May2020 at 11:59pm for another four weeks, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has extended the closure of the Nigerian airspace and airports. The local and international airports were set to reopen 07 May 2020. However due to the Federal Government’s lockdown extension and travel ban to prevent the transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19), the airports will remain closed.
The Federal Government has placed restrictions of entry into the country for travellers from 13 high-risk Covid-19 countries such as China, Italy, Iran, South Korea, Spain, Japan, France, Germany, USA, Norway, UK, Netherlands and Switzerland.
COVID-19 (coronavirus) information is for travellers departing and returning on international flights to/from Nigeria. Find current airline guidelines and advice for air travellers during the coronavirus pandemic.
Information on this page is accurate and reliable at time of publication, however, it may not reflect the very latest updates on the coronavirus outbreak.
Please check the airline websites directly for the latest updates on your flight status. Once you have decided on what action to apply to your booking, kindly Contact Us.
World Health Organization (WHO)
Nigeria Centre for Disease Control
As a result of the global coronavirus outbreak, many airlines have taken measures to prevent the spread of the virus, including restricting travel to/from high-risk countries. In addition, airlines have waived flight change fees to offer travellers flexibility under extraordinary circumstances.
Please click on the relevant airline link below to check the various options available to you and contact us with the option that best suits you.
As a result of the global coronavirus outbreak, many airlines have taken measures to prevent the spread of the virus including restricting travel to / from high risk countries. In addition, airlines have waived flight change fees to offer travellers flexibility under these extraordinary circumstances.
Air Côte d'Ivoire will allow a date change for all ticketed passengers holding an Air Côte d'Ivoire ticket with the following conditions:
Please note that AirPeace will suspend all flight operations effective from 28 March 2020 until 19 April 2020. Normal operations will resume on 20 April 2020.
Please note that ArikAir will suspend commercial flight operations effective from 27 March 2020 at 23h00. Recommencement of operations has yet to be announced.
Please note that British Airways will commence flight cancellations in Nigeria from the 29 March 2020.
British Airways will allow a date change for all ticketed passengers holding a British Airways ticket with the following conditions:
For routes flying to/from all US Airports:
For all other routes:
Please note that DanaAir has suspended flight operations effective from 25 March 2020 for two weeks.
Delta Airlines will allow a date change for all ticketed passengers holding a Delta Airlines ticket with the following conditions:
Based on the Prime Minister of Egypt’s decree issued on 17 March 2020 all air traffic is to be suspended in all Egyptian airports, from Thursday 19 March 2020 at 12 noon until 31 March 2020.
EgyptAir will allow a date change for all ticketed passengers holding an EgyptAir ticket with the following conditions:
Please note that Dubai has implemented full border closure.
All Emirates flights to and from Nigeria have been suspended effective 23 March 2020, indefinitely.
Emirates cargo flights and will continue to operate passenger flights to the following countries and territories as long as their borders remain open: the UK, Switzerland, Hong Kong, Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines, Japan, Singapore, Australia, South Africa, South Korea, USA, and Canada.
Please note that Dubai has implemented full border closure. All flights departing from Lagos to Dubai via Ethiopian Airlines have been suspended. This excludes trips transiting in Dubai.
Ethiopian Airlines will allow a date change for all ticketed passengers holding an Ethiopian Airlines ticket with the following conditions:
THIS JUST IN: Etihad has announced the temporary suspension of all flights to and from Abu Dhabi for an initial two weeks beginning 25 March, including transit flights.
Please note that Dubai has implemented full border closure. All flights departing from Lagos to Dubai via Etihad have been suspended.
This excludes transiting trips. Flights transiting in Dubai via Etihad will continue as scheduled.
Etihad will allow a date change for all ticketed passengers holding an Etihad ticket with the following conditions:
For all routes excluding routes via UAE:
Kenya Airways has suspended all international services effective midnight 25th March 2020, until further notice. Domestic flights to Mombasa and Kisumu remain operational. Customers affected by the suspension can change their bookings for later travel or exchange their booking for vouchers for future travel within 12 months.
Please note that the last KLM flights flying in and out of Nigeria are scheduled for the 23, 25 and 27 March 2020. All KLM flights will be suspended from the 28 March 2020.
KLM will allow a date change for all ticketed passengers holding a KLM ticket with the following conditions:
Due to the current global situation, Lufthansa flights out of Nigeria are hereby suspended from 23 March 2020. The last flights from PHC will operated Friday 20 March 2020 and from LOS & ABV on Sunday 22 March 2020.
Lufthansa will allow a date change for all ticketed passengers holding a Lufthansa ticket with the following conditions:
For all flights to/from all US Airports:
For all other flights:
Qatar Airways will allow a date change for all ticketed passengers holding a Qatar ticket with the following conditions:
For Flight QR1408 departing on the 20, 22, 25,27 and 30 March 2020:
For all other flights:
Please note that Royal Air Maroc has suspended all domestic and international flights until further notice.
Royal Air Maroc will allow a date change for all ticketed passengers holding a Royal Air Maroc ticket with the following conditions:
For all flights excluding domestic flights:
Refunds for cash are not permitted. Refunds for credit and/or a voucher are permitted and remain valid for 6 months only from date of issue.
The ticket cannot be opened
Effective 20 March, SAA has suspended all international flights until further notice. These include flights to and from Nigeria.
South African Airways will allow a date change for all ticketed passengers holding a South African Airways ticket with the following conditions:
Please note that RwandAir will suspend all domestic and international flights effective from the 20 March until further notice
RwandAir will allow a date change for all ticketed passengers holding a RwandAir ticket with the following conditions:
For routes via Guangzhou, Mumbai and Tel Aviv:
For all other routes:
Please note that Dubai has implemented full border closure. All flights departing from Lagos to Dubai via Turkish Airlines have been suspended. This excludes trips transiting in Dubai.
For all routes excluding domestic routes and routes to/from Ercan Airport:
Turkish Airlines will allow a date change for all ticketed passengers holding a Turkish Airlines ticket with the following conditions:
For flight TK626 departing on the 21, 25, 27 and 31 March:
Turkish Airlines will allow a date change for all ticketed passengers holding a Turkish Airlines ticket with the following conditions:
Effective 25 March, Virgin Atlantic will suspend flights between Johannesburg and London Heathrow until further notice.
Virgin Atlantic will allow a date change for all ticketed passengers holding a Virgin Atlantic ticket with the following conditions:
Basic hygiene can help limit the risk of catching respiratory viruses such as COVID-19:
It is in airlines’ interest to limit crew and passengers’ exposure to coronavirus. Airlines have enacted enhanced sanitization programmes including:
People who display symptoms should contact the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control. If you notice fever, cough or difficulty breathing call NCDC's toll-free number IMMEDIATELY 0800 970 000 10.
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