TheCable

The military junta in Niger Republic has reiterated its ban on flights from Nigeria.

The announcement was contained in a notice to airmen (NOTAM) dated February 6 and issued by the country’s airspace management authority.

“The airspace of Republic of Niger is opened to all national and international commercial flights from ground to unlimited except for Nigerian flights to or from Nigeria,” the statement reads.

The notice clarified that the restrictions do not affect commercial flights that fly over Nigerian airspace without landing there.

“However, it is recalled that ADS-B and/or RADAR transponders must remain on for any flight taking place in the Niger republic airspace,” the statement added.

“On the other hand, the Niger Republic airspace still remains closed for all military, operational and other special flights. These military or special flights are only permitted subject to prior authorization from the competent authorities.

“This circular which only concerns Niger and Nigeria, does not repeal no NOTAM in force.”

Last week, Nigeria issued a NOTAM also reiterating the ban on flights from Niger Republic.

The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) said the decision was part of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) sanctions against the country owing to the coup that seized power from President Mohamed Bazoum last year.