In a diplomatic move that reflects ongoing tensions, Niger has reopened its airspace to national and international commercial flights while excluding French aircraft or those chartered by France, including those operated by Air France. The decision was conveyed in an official statement dated late Saturday.
According to the statement, Niger’s airspace is now accessible to “all national and international commercial flights” with one notable exception – French aircraft and any aircraft chartered by France, which includes Air France. This exclusion marks a notable development in the diplomatic relations between Niger and France.
However, the announcement comes with a significant caveat. Niger’s airspace will remain closed for “all military, operational, and other special flights” unless prior authorisation is granted. This stringent measure highlights the country’s commitment to tightly control the airspace during this period of diplomatic sensitivity.
When contacted for a response, Air France kept its statement concise, confirming that it is “not flying over Niger airspace.” The airline’s decision to avoid the affected airspace aligns with the current restrictions.
The recent decision to reopen Niger’s airspace comes after a period of closure. On September 4, the West African nation had reopened its airspace for commercial flights, ending a closure that had persisted for nearly a month. The initial decision to close the airspace was made on August 6, citing the “threat of intervention from neighbouring countries.”
This threat emerged as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) contemplated military action to reinstate the elected President Mohamed Bazoum, who had been overthrown in a coup on July 26. During this period, France had consistently supported the ECOWAS bloc’s efforts to restore democratic governance in Niger.
Diplomatic relations between Paris and Niamey have been strained since the coup, as the former colonial power reaffirmed its commitment to upholding democratic principles in the region. This decision to exclude French aircraft from Niger’s airspace marks another chapter in the ongoing diplomatic discourse between the two nations.
