“Niger’s armed forces and all our defence and security forces, backed by the unfailing support of our people, are ready to defend the integrity of our territory,” the statement said.įollowing the development, which took effect by 11:22 pm on Sunday, Europe-bound flights from Nigeria are bypassing the Nigerien airspace, spending at least an additional one hour of flight time amidst fear of skyrocketing fares.ĭaily Trust reports that flights to London, Spain, Ireland, France and several European countries are usually routed through the Nigerien airspace via Niamey, the capital of Niger to Algeria. “In the face of the threat of intervention, which is becoming clearer through the preparation of neighbouring countries, Niger’s airspace is closed from this day (Sunday) for all aircraft until further notice. However, the threat of military intervention by the neighbouring countries triggered the announcement of airspace shutdown by Niger, a move that is now hurting aircraft movements in the West African and Southern African regions.Ī spokesperson for the now-ruling National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP), Amadou Abdramane, in a statement read out on national television said there had been a pre-deployment of forces in two central African countries in preparation for intervention, but did not give details.
With the Sudanese airspace yet to be opened, the Niger airspace was shut by the coup leaders on Sunday, the eve of the deadline given by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) for them to release the detained democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum. The closure of the Niger airspace was coming exactly three months after Sudan also closed its airspace due to war, which affected Saudi Arabia-bound flights during the just concluded Hajj exercise as airlines had to reroute, spending additional two hours to get to Saudi Arabia. Silent struggles of working-class breastfeeding mothersįCTA demolishes Lugbe building materials market
They also noted that domestic airlines would most likely be affected by the recent development as inbound passengers from other countries heavily support the solvency of local traffic. Others say there are many factors that must come to play to warrant fares in increase.
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