The ruling military regime in Niger has barred "French aircraft" from crossing the country's airspace, according to a message to aviation crews published on Sunday on the website of the Agency for Security and Air Navigation in Africa.
The message issued on Saturday evening stated that Niger's airspace is open for all national and international commercial flights, except French aircraft or aircraft chartered by France, including those belonging to the Air France fleet, the French airline.
The message further clarified that the airspace remains closed for all military operational flights and private flights, except those with special authorization from the authorities.
In response to questions from Agence France-Presse, Air France simply stated that it "does not fly in Niger's airspace."
On September 4th, Niger reopened its airspace to commercial flights after about a month of closure.
On August 6th, Niger announced the closure "due to the risk of interference emanating from neighboring countries."
During this time, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) threatened military intervention to restore democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum to power after he was ousted in a coup on July 26th.
France has repeatedly expressed its support for ECOWAS, while relations between Paris and Niamey have reached their lowest point following the coup.
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