Niger 2023 Coup: Nigeria Extends Suspension Of Flights To Niger Republic

In accordance with a decision made by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the Federal Government has decided to prolong the ban on commercial flights between Nigeria and the Niger Republic.

This action follows the July 26, 2023, political crisis in the Niger Republic, in which the democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum was overthrown by a military coup headed by General Abdourrahamane Tchiani.

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This flight prohibition will remain in effect, as stated in the Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) sent out in a letter headed “ECOWAS Restriction on the Republic of Nigeria,” dated February 2, 2024.

The directive was signed by Tayo John, the Director of Air Traffic Services, on behalf of the Managing Director and Chief Executive of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), indicating a sustained effort to uphold the ECOWAS resolution amidst ongoing political tensions in the region.

The directive stated, “By ECOWAS resolutions, all commercial flights from Niger to Nigeria, or from Nigeria to Niger, or from Niger overflying Nigeria, or any state overflying Nigeria to Niger are suspended.

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“These restrictions do not affect: overflight aircraft through Niger airspace; aircraft in a state of emergency and special flights.”

It disclosed further that “special flights are to obtain authorisation from the permanent secretary, Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace.”