Niger Junta Reaffirms Flight Ban from Nigeria

The Niger junta has once again affirmed its stance on flight restrictions concerning Nigeria, emphasizing the continued prohibition on all flights from the neighboring country. This reinforcement by the Niger junta was communicated through a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) on 6 February 2024, underscoring the military government’s directive that no Nigerian aircraft are allowed to land within the Niger Republic.

The Niger junta’s NOTAM specifies, “The airspace of the Niger Republic remains accessible to all national and international commercial flights, from ground level to unlimited altitude, with the notable exception of flights to or from Nigeria.” This policy by the Niger junta allows for the passage of commercial flights through Nigerien airspace, provided they do not attempt to land and keep their ADS-B and/or RADAR transponders active, showcasing the junta’s control over Niger’s airspace while maintaining strict restrictions on Nigerian flights.

Additionally, the Niger junta has highlighted that the airspace ban extends beyond commercial flights, including all military, operational, and other special flights, which are subject to the Niger junta’s prior approval. This move mirrors the reciprocal flight bans instituted by Nigeria, following directives from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), showcasing a tit-for-tat approach to airspace management between the two nations.

The Niger junta’s firm stance on this issue is a clear message of its sovereignty over Niger’s airspace and reflects the ongoing diplomatic tensions between Niger and Nigeria. As the Niger junta maintains its ban on Nigerian flights, the impact on regional travel and relations continues to unfold, with both countries holding firm on their respective aviation policies.

The Niger Coup

Following the dramatic coup d’état on 26 July 2023, in which Niger’s Presidential Guard ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, the country has been thrust into a complex political crisis. General Abdourahamane Tchiani, leading the coup and head of the Presidential Guard, declared himself the leader, forming the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland to govern the nation. This bold move prompted a swift reaction from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which, on 30 July, issued a stern ultimatum to the new junta: reinstate President Bazoum within a week or face international sanctions and potential military action.

As the deadline expired on 6 August without compliance from the Nigerien junta, ECOWAS escalated its response by activating its standby force on 10 August, signaling a readiness to employ military intervention reminiscent of its decisive action in The Gambia in 2017 to restore democracy. This situation has not only highlighted the regional bloc’s commitment to democratic governance but also underscored the potential for a significant military confrontation in West Africa. With all ECOWAS member states, bar Cape Verde, agreeing to commit troops if necessary, the stage is set for a possible intervention against the Nigerien junta. In a contrasting show of regional dynamics, military juntas in Burkina Faso and Mali have expressed solidarity with Niger’s new rulers, offering military support against any ECOWAS intervention and establishing a mutual defense pact, as well as backing out of the ECOWAS altogether.