The Federal government has reiterated the suspension of all commercial flights between Niger and Nigeria, as well as flights overflying Nigeria to the Niger Republic.
The directive contained in Notice To Airmen (NOTAM) transitioned into Aeronautical Information Circular (AIC) issued on January 29, 2024, in line with Standard Procedure stated that the suspension can only be lifted by the Minister of Aviation and Aero Space Development as approved by the Presidency Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The AIC however gave exemptions to over-flight aircraft passing through Niger airspace, aircraft in a state of emergency, and special flights, stating that the special flights will require authorization from the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development.
A statement signed by the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) Abdullahi Musa recalled that in response to the coup d’état in the Republic of Niger on July 26, 2023, ECOWAS announced the closure of land and air borders between ECOWAS countries and Niger, along with the establishment of a no-fly zone on all commercial flights to and from Niger.
“In retaliation to these measures, the Niger government suspended flights into Nigeria and overflying planes. Furthermore, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development directed the agency to issue NOTAM effective from August 3, 2023, enforcing the no-fly zone on all commercial flights between Niger and Nigeria.”
“As of 0600 UTC on August 3, 2023, aircraft departing from or arriving at aerodromes within the Niamey Flight Information Region (FIR-Nigerien Airspace) were prohibited from entering Kano FIR until further notice.”
The agency further restated their commitment to ensuring the safety and security of airspace users, in compliance with international regulations and directives.
