Niger shuts down its airspace

On Sunday 6 August, the military of Niger announced the closure of its Airspace. The unexpected announced was with immediate effect, and many airlines had to re-route flights that were already airborne. Virgin Atlantic and Lufthansa flights which departed South Africa before the announcement had to divert to Nigeria for fuel stops once Niger closed its Airspace.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) had given the coup leaders until Sunday to reverse their military takeover and restore Bazoum’s rule. A statement read out on national television said, “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.”

Airlines that have been affected the most are those flying to and from Southern and East Africa. Such airlines include Air France, KLM and British Airways, Eurowings Discover, Virgin Atlantic, and Lufthansa.