The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has affirmed that the suspension of commercial flights between Nigeria and Niger remains in effect, with the authority to lift the suspension resting solely with the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo SAN, as approved by the Presidency and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Addressing the ongoing flight suspension, the director of public affairs and consumer protection at NAMA, Abdullahi Musa clarified that both arrivals and overflying planes between Niger and Nigeria remain suspended until further notice.
The statement issued by NAMA explained that the ECOWAS responded to the recent political events surrounding the coup d’état in the Republic of Niger by convening an extraordinary summit on July 26, 2023. During the summit, ECOWAS announced the closure of land and air borders between ECOWAS countries and Niger, in addition to instituting a no-fly zone on all commercial flights to and from Niger.
In response to these measures, the Niger government suspended flights into Nigeria and overflying planes. Subsequently, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development issued a directive to NAMA on August 2, 2023. The directive instructed NAMA to issue a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) effective from August 3, 2023, enforcing the no-fly zone on all commercial flights between Niger and Nigeria.
From 0600 UTC on August 3, 2023, aircraft departing from or arriving at aerodromes within the Niamey Flight Information Region (FIR-Nigerien Airspace) were prohibited from entering Kano FIR until further notice.
The NOTAM transitioned into an Aeronautical Information Circular (AIC) on January 29, 2024, following standard procedures. The AIC reiterated the suspension of all commercial flights between Niger and Nigeria, as well as flights overflying Nigeria to Niger. Exemptions were outlined for specific cases, including over-flight aircraft passing through Niger airspace, aircraft in a state of emergency and special flights, subject to authorisation from the Permanent Secretary of the ministry.
NAMA emphasised that only the minister, with approval from the Presidency and ECOWAS, has the authority to lift the suspension of flights. The agency reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of airspace users in compliance with international regulations and directives.
