As Niger opened its airspace to other country’s airlines, the government has reiterated that the airspace remains shut to all flights to and from Nigeria. So, other countries flights passing through Nigerien airspace without landing are not affected. However, they must maintain operational ADS-B and/or radar transponders. Military, operational, and special flights remain banned, requiring prior authorisation. This development highlights the complex, deepening, and worsening relationship between Nigeria and Niger, following the coup in the country July 2023. Following the coup, the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS), led and currently chaired by Nigeria sanctioned the country, including power cut on the 80-Megawatt Birnin – Kebbi line, while Cote d’ Ivoire suspended all imports and exports from the country, while the regional central bank, the BCEAO has shut down its branch in the country.
