Airspace Agency Confirms Flight Suspension Between Nigeria and Niger Republic
Tanimu Hassan, Abuja
The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency NAMA in a response to the recent political events surrounding the coup d’état in the Republic of Niger on July 26, 2023, has confirmed the suspension of flights from the country to Nigeria.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) had convened an extraordinary summit to address the situation in Niger Republic, in Abuja Nigeria’s capital.
Among the resolutions adopted during the summit, ECOWAS announced the closure of land and air borders between ECOWAS countries and Niger Republic, along with the establishment of a no-fly zone on all commercial flights to and from Niger.
A statement by the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection of NAMA, Mr. Abdullahi Musa said in retaliation to these measures, the Niger government suspended flights into Nigeria and overflying planes.
Furthermore, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development issued a directive to the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) on August 2, 2023.
NAMA had issued a directive to Notice to Airmen (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 and FIR-Nigerien Airspace) were prohibited from entering Kano Northeast Nigeria Flight Information Region until further notice.”
“Following standard procedures, the NOTAM transitioned into an Aeronautical Information Circular (AIC) on January 29, 2024, where the AIC reiterated the suspension of all commercial flights between Niger Repblic and Nigeria, as well as flights overflying Nigeria to Niger.”
However Mr Musa added that certain exemptions were outlined, including over-flight aircraft passing through Niger airspace, aircraft in a state of emergency, and special flights. It is important to note that special flights require authorization from the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development.
“It is crucial to highlight that the suspension of flights can only be lifted by the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aero Space Development as approved by the Presidency and ECOWAS.”
The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency said it remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of airspace users, in compliance with international regulations and directives.
Hauwa Abu
