Niger reopens air space for commercial flights

Nigerien authorities reopened Sunday September 3 the airspace for airlines nearly one month after the junta in power closed it on August 06.

The country’s civil aviation authorities indicated the air space is reopened for domestic and international commercial flights. The decision however does not apply to military and other special flights that are still subject to authorization, local media “Actu Niger” reports.

The Nigerien National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP) which seized power on July 26 after toppling West-backed President Mohamed Bazoum closed the airspace on the backdrop of the possible military intervention by the regional Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to restore Bazoum.

Late last month, the ECOWAS said it was still prioritizing diplomacy over military intervention though it has already prepared standby forces.