Nigeria renews suspension of flights to Niger Republic

The Federal Government has renewed the suspension of commercial flights from Niger Republic to Nigeria and from Nigeria to the nation’s northern neighbouring country by the Economic Community of West African States resolution.

This resolution was put forth by ECOWAS in response to the events in Niger Republic on July 26, 2023, when the democratically elected President, Mohamed Bazoum, was ousted in a coup and replaced by the military junta led by General Abdourrahamane Tchiani.

This directive (Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) was contained 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 the Director of Air Traffic Services, Tayo John, on behalf of the agency’s Managing Director and Chief Executive.

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.”

It  added that “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.”