Niger has formally sought Morocco’s assistance to resurrect its national airline nearly two years after the collapse of Niger Airlines, signalling a renewed push to strengthen the country’s connectivity and foster Sahelian integration.
The appeal was made during a high-level meeting in Rabat between Abdessamad Kayouh, Morocco’s Minister of Transport and Logistics, and his Nigerien counterpart, Abdourahamane Amadou.
The ministers discussed plans to establish a modern, efficient national carrier capable of opening up Niger domestically and internationally while supporting broader regional cooperation.
Morocco, with its extensive expertise in air traffic control and airport management, expressed readiness to extend technical support.
“We aim to share recognized expertise, particularly through the experience of Royal Air Maroc and the development of airport hubs such as Casablanca and Marrakech,” Kayouh said. Meanwhile, Minister Amadou highlighted the project’s strategic importance, stating it would enhance Niger’s internal connectivity and expand its international outreach.
This initiative falls under the Atlantic Initiative championed by King Mohammed VI, which seeks to provide landlocked Sahelian countries—including Niger—with structured access to Moroccan port and airport infrastructure.
The project also aligns with the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) vision, uniting Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso to create a regional airline connecting Niamey, Ouagadougou, and Bamako.
Despite this promising framework, significant hurdles remain. Niger’s limited domestic market, the high cost of investment, intense regional competition, and lingering effects from the 2023 political crisis pose serious challenges.
Notably, the country’s airspace was temporarily closed following the crisis, leading to the suspension of Air France services—a ban still in place, with flights expected to resume only in September 2025. Aircraft registered in France remain barred from Nigerien airspace.
As Niger looks to Morocco’s support, the success of reviving a national airline could mark a pivotal moment in the country’s quest to strengthen its air transport infrastructure and boost regional connectivity across the Sahel.
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