ECOWAS Imposes Flight Restrictions: Nigeria Suspends Commercial Flights to and from Niger Republic

The federal government has renewed the suspension of commercial flights from Niger Republic to Nigeria and from Nigeria to the nation’s northern neighbouring country.

This was part of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) resolutions against Niger Republic, which on July 26, 2023 ousted its duly elected President, Mohamed Bazoum in a coup and replaced by the Military junta, General Abdourrahamane Tchiani.

The restriction included the directive that no commercial flight from Niger should overfly Nigerian airspace and no flight from any Nigerian state should overfly Niger’s airspace.

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This directive (Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) was contained in a letter titled: ECOWAS Restriction on the Republic of Nigeria, from the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) Aeronautical Information Services dated February 2, 2024 and signed by the Director of Air Traffic Services, Tayo John, on behalf of the agency’s Managing Director and Chief Executive.

The letter stated: “In accordance with ECOWAS resolutions, all commercial flights from Niger to Nigeria, or from Nigeria to Niger, or from Niger overflying Nigeria, or from any state overflying Nigeria to Niger are suspended.”
However, the letter added that, “These restrictions do not affect: (a)Overflight aircraft through Niger airspace; (b) Aircraft in a state of emergency and (c) Special flights.”

It directed further that “special flights are to obtain authorisation from the permanent secretary, Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace.”