Niger Republic has placed a ban on all flights coming from or going into neighboring Nigeria, while announcing opening of its airspace to all national and international commercial flights.
The new directive specified that commercial flights passing over Nigerien airspace without landing will not be affected by these restrictions.
Recall that diplomatic relations between Nigeria and neighbor Niger Republic became sour following the July 26, 2023 coup d’état ousting President Mohammed Bazoum by the Nigerien Junta.
Nevertheless, it is mandatory for all flights operating within Niger’s airspace to have their ADS-B and/or radar transponders operational throughout the duration of the flight.
In the press statement shared on X (Twitter), the government of Niger said that, “The airspace of the Republic of Niger is open to all national and international commercial flights from ground to unlimited, except for Nigerian flights to or from Nigeria.
“These restrictions do not affect commercial flights that fly over Nigerian airspace without landing there. However, it is recalled that ads-b and/or radar transporters must remain on for any flight taking place in the Niger Republic.”
It added that the country’s airspace continues to remain closed for all military, operational, and special flights, saying these types of flights will only be permitted with prior authorization from the competent authorities.
It said that the circular specifically concerns Niger and Nigeria and does not revoke any existing Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) in force.
The circular concluded, “This circular, which only concerns Niger and Nigeria, does not repeal any NOTAM in force.”
