Commercial flights from the Niger Republic to Nigeria and from Nigeria to the country’s northern neighbor have been suspended by the federal government once again.
This was one of the resolutions passed by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) against the Niger Republic. On July 26, 2023, a coup de état removed Mohamed Bazoum, the country’s legitimately elected president, and installed General Abdourrahamane Tchiani, head of the military junta.
One of the restrictions was that no commercial flight from Niger could cross over into Nigerian airspace, and no flight from any state in Nigeria could cross over into Niger’s airspace.
In a letter titled “ECOWAS Restriction on the Republic of Nigeria,” from the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) Aeronautical Information Services, dated February 2, 2024, and signed by Tayo John, Director of Air Traffic Services, on behalf of the Managing Director and Chief Executive of the agency, was this directive (NOTAM).”
The letter stated: “In accordance with ECOWAS resolutions, all commercial flights from Niger to Nigeria, or from Nigeria to Niger, or from Niger overflying Nigeria, or from any state overflying Nigeria to Niger are suspended.”
Furthermore, the letter added that, “These restrictions do not affect: (a)Overflight aircraft through Niger airspace; (b) Aircraft in a state of emergency and (c) Special flights.”It directed further that “special flights are to obtain authorisation from the permanent secretary, Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace.”
