Niger, Nigeria: Flight restrictions between countries likely to remain in place through at least late February

Niger and Nigeria will likely continue to enforce flight restrictions on each other through at least late February, disrupting airlines' flight schedules. As of mid-February, Niamey's aviation authority has said that the country's airspace is open to all commercial flights "except for Nigerian flights to or from Nigeria." However, the restrictions do not apply to commercial flights that transit Nigerien airspace without landing in the country. Additionally, Niger's airspace remains closed to military, operational, and other flights that lack prior authorization from Nigerien authorities.

Officials affiliated with the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), for their part, have banned commercial flights between Niger and Nigeria in accordance with Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) resolutions. The flight ban additionally restricts flights originating in Niger from overflying Nigeria and vice versa, and prohibits flights from any country from transiting Nigerian airspace en route to Niger. However, Abuja does permit flights originating in third countries that transit Nigerien airspace, aircraft in a state of emergency, and special flights authorized by the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace to use Nigeria's airspace.

Officials in either country may announce additional flight restrictions or modify or rescind existing measures on short notice. The restrictions may lead to an increased demand for alternative flight routes among regional travelers.