Niger seeks Morocco’s support to relaunch its national airline

Friday 01 August 2025 - 12:00

Niger has announced its intention to revive its national airline, and has turned to Morocco for guidance and technical support in this ambitious endeavor. This was revealed during a recent high-level meeting in Rabat between Morocco’s Minister of Transport and Logistics, Abdessamad Kayouh, and Niger’s Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, Abdourahamane Amadou.

The Nigerien minister expressed a strong interest in Moroccan expertise, particularly in the development of airline companies, modernization of aviation infrastructure, and regulatory harmonization. Minister Kayouh confirmed Morocco’s readiness to support Niger through training programs, technical assistance, and knowledge transfer.

This project is part of a broader strategic vision for Niger, which aims to build an integrated transport system that addresses the country's landlocked geography. Niamey is also exploring the creation of a regional airline in collaboration with fellow Sahel States Alliance (AES) members Burkina Faso and Mali. The aim is to strengthen direct air connections between capitals like Niamey, Bamako, and Ouagadougou and improve regional mobility.

Morocco’s involvement could prove instrumental. Beyond its successful experience managing Royal Air Maroc and airport infrastructure, Morocco launched the Atlantic Initiative in 2023, led by HM King Mohammed VI. The initiative aims to provide Sahel countries with structured access to the Atlantic Ocean through Moroccan infrastructure, thereby enhancing their international trade prospects.

Niger has previously attempted to operate national airlines. Niger Airlines, launched in 2012 and operational from 2014, ceased operations in November 2022. Its final aircraft, a Fokker 50, was sold in March 2025 to Busy Bee Congo. Before that, Air Niger represented the country in the skies between 1966 and 1993.

By partnering with Morocco, Niger hopes to avoid previous pitfalls and adopt robust technical and managerial standards within a more integrated regional framework.

Since September 2023, Niger’s airspace has gradually reopened to commercial traffic, though some operators still await regulatory adjustments. Several international airlines, including Air France, are considering resuming flights to Niamey by September 2025.

Establishing a national airline backed by strong regional and international partnerships could enhance Niger’s autonomy and connectivity. With Morocco’s support and a shared commitment to South-South cooperation, the country may be on a path to sustainable success in aviation.