Keyamo
The Military government of Niger Republic has reiterated its ban of flights from Nigeria, insisting that flights emanating from Nigeria would not be allowed to land in Niger.
This was contained in a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued by the country’s airspace management authority on February 6, 2024.
Nigeria had earlier issued a statement reinstating its earlier ban of flights to and from Niger in a NOTAM, stating that the action was taken as part of ECOWAS resolution.
In the NOTAM issued by Niger, the airspace authority stated that the airspace of Republic of Niger “is opened to all national and international commercial flights from ground to unlimited except for Nigerian flight to or from Nigeria.”
“This restriction doesn’t affect commercial flights that fly over Nigerien airspace without landing there. However, it is recalled that ADB-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast) or Radar transponders (for surveillance and communication) must remain on for any flight taking place in the Niger Republic airspace.
“On the other hand, the Niger Republic Airspace still remains closed for all military, operational and other special flights. These military or special flights are only permitted subject to prior authorization from the competent authorities. This circular which only concerns Niger and Nigeria does not repeal no NOTAM in force,” the circular stated.
Nigeria three days ago issued a NOTAM reiterating the ban of flights from Niger or to Niger, saying that the decision was part of ECOWAS resolution against Niger Republic.
According to the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), the restriction included the directive that no commercial flight from Niger should overfly Nigerian airspace and no flight from any Nigerian state should overfly Niger’s airspace.
The NOTAM was contained in a letter titled: ECOWAS Restriction on the Republic of Nigeria, from the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) Aeronautical Information Services and signed by the Director of Air Traffic Services, Tayo John, on behalf of the agency’s Managing Director and Chief Executive.
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.”
However, 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.”
Circular from Niger made it clear that its airspace is open to commercial flights overflying the country, but no flight emanating from Nigeria would land in Niger; unless approved by concerned authorities.
After the coup of July 26, 2023 that ousted its duly elected President, Mohamed Bazoum and replaced by the Military junta, General Abdourrahamane Tchiani, ECOWAS issued resolutions against the country, which included ban of flights to the West African nation.
After the coup, the military junta had closed Niger’s airspace but later opened it for over fliers and as a result many flights diverted to other routes which led to about two hours delay for flights coming from South Africa and environs.
This made airlines to lose revenue because additional two hours meant more fuel was burnt and also there were delays, which disrupted flight schedules.
