…Strict Measures and Limited Exceptions in Place
The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency NAMA, has stressed the Federal Government’s continued suspension of flights between Nigeria and Niger Republic, prompted by the July 26, 2023 coup d’état in that country.
These flights include, all commercial flights between Nigeria and Niger as well as flights overflying Nigeria to Niger.
Exempted from the ban are over-flight aircraft passing through Niger airspace, aircraft in a state of emergency, and special flights, all subject to authorization from the permanent secretary, Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development.
The Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, NAMA, Abdullahi Musa in a statement explains that, the government instructed NAMA to issue a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) effective from August 3, 2023, enforcing the no-fly zone on all commercial flights between the two nations.
The statement highlighted that only the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development development Mr. Festus Keyamo, could lift the flight suspension, and such approval must come from the Presidency and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
According to the statement, as of 0600 Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) on August 3, 2023, aircraft departing from or arriving at aerodromes within the Niamey Flight Information Region (FIR-Nigerien Airspace) were barred from entering Kano FIR until further notice, with the restriction still in effect.
The statement further revealed that adhering to standard procedures, the NOTAM transitioned into an Aeronautical Information Circular (AIC) on January 29, 2024, reiterating the continuation of the suspension of all commercial flights between Niger and Nigeria, including flights overflying Nigeria to Niger.
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