Niger Plans National and Regional Airlines to Boost Connectivity and Regional Integration

The Government of Niger has unveiled on February 5 plans to launch a new national airline alongside a regional carrier as part of a broader strategy to enhance air connectivity both within the country and across the Sahel region.
According to the Nigerien News Agency, Colonel Salisu Mahaman Salisu, the Minister of Transport and Equipment, has instructed the National Civil Aviation Authority to simplify regulatory processes to expedite the establishment of these airlines. A dedicated commission has been set up to ensure that the necessary documentation is swiftly processed, aiming to accelerate the setup.
This initiative is central to improving transport links between Niger and its neighbouring countries, as well as enhancing domestic travel. The move comes at a pivotal moment, with the Sahel region undergoing significant changes in both land and air transport infrastructure to foster economic growth and strengthen regional security. The new airlines will play an important role in connecting the region, which has faced challenges in terms of mobility and economic integration.
The creation of a regional airline is closely tied to the objectives of the Alliance of Sahel States (ASS), a coalition formed in September 2023 by Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. The ASS is focused on promoting economic integration and collective security, particularly in the face of rising Islamist insurgencies in the region. Recently, the alliance introduced a regional passport, allowing citizens from the three countries to travel freely, further solidifying the ties between them and facilitating cross-border movement.