Niger has imposed strict airspace restrictions on flights coming from or heading to Nigeria, both domestically and internationally, with immediate effect.
According to an official statement, the Niger Republic’s airspace remains open to every international and domestic commercial flights except those that involve Nigeria.
This decision is aimed at controlling air traffic, particularly from Nigeria, and it does not impact flights only transiting through Nigerian airspace without landing. Meanwhile, it mandates continuous operation of ADS-B and/or Radar transponders for flights within the airspace of Niger.
While reacting to this development, renowned investigative journalist, David Hundeyin, recalled his efforts to avert a potential conflict between the two nations. He wrote, “I quite literally set myself on fire last year to stop Nigeria from going to war with Niger, so my conscience is very clear in all of this. Congratulations to everyone who accused me of ‘treason’ and tried to end my life back then.”
The implementation of these airspace restrictions highlight the ongoing complexities in regional relations and the management of air traffic.
