The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), has offered
clarifications on the circumstances surrounding the suspension of flights between
Nigeria and Niger Republic.
A statement by Abdullahi Musa, Director of Public Affairs and
Consumer Protection at NAMA explained that in response to the recent political
events surrounding the coup d’état in the Republic of Niger on July 26, 2023,
the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) had convened an
extraordinary summit to address the situation.
Among the resolutions adopted during the summit, he said, was
that ECOWAS announced the closure of land and air borders between ECOWAS
countries and Niger, along with the establishment of a no-fly zone on all
commercial flights to and from Niger.
He added that in retaliation to these measures, the Niger
government suspended flights into Nigeria and overflying planes, adding that
the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace
Development issued a directive to the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency
(NAMA) on August 2, 2023, to this effect.
According to him, the directive instructed NAMA to issue a
Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) effective from August 3, 2023, enforcing the no-fly
zone on all commercial flights between Niger and Nigeria.
“As of 0600 UTC on August 3, 2023, aircraft departing from or
arriving at aerodromes within the Niamey Flight Information Region
(FIR-Nigerien Airspace) were prohibited from entering Kano FIR until further
notice.
“Following standard procedures, the NOTAM transitioned into
an Aeronautical Information Circular (AIC) on January 29, 2024. The AIC
reiterated the suspension of all commercial flights between Niger and Nigeria,
as well as flights overflying Nigeria to Niger. However, certain exemptions
were outlined, including over-flight aircraft passing through Niger airspace,
aircraft in a state of emergency and special flights. It is important to note
that special flights require authorization from the Permanent Secretary of the
Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development.
“It is crucial to highlight that the suspension of flights can only be lifted by the Minister of Aviation and AeroSpace Development as approved by the Presidency and ECOWAS.
“The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency remains committed to
ensuring the safety and security of airspace users, in compliance with
international regulations and directives,” he stated.
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