The Republic of Niger’s government has suspended all commercial and international flights from or to Nigeria.
In a similar move, the Republic of Niger stated that its airspace would be accessible to all national and international commercial flights beginning immediately.
According to the new regulation, commercial flights transiting across Nigerian airspace without landing will be unaffected by the limitations. Nonetheless, all flights operating in Niger’s airspace must keep their ADS-B and/or radar transponders functioning throughout the voyage.
In a press statement shared on X, formerly known as Twitter, the Niger government announced 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 transporders 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. 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.”
This instruction is a countermeasure against a similar reinforced ban placed on all commercial and international flights from Niger to Nigeria.
Since the circular was circulated on X, previously known as Twitter, Nigerians have been sharing their sentiments regarding this development. Some express optimism for a swift resolution, while others highlight the profound impact, particularly since the military assumed control in Niger last July.
