Niger is to return to the skies with a new national airline. The government has promised to open Niger Air International in 2026, roughly two and a half years after the country's former national airline, Niger Airlines, shut down.

The Council of Ministers approved the project last month as a joint-venture between the state and private investors. Officials say they hope to create a national airline that will be free of the financial and safety problems that plagued its predecessor.

Niger Airlines was launched in 2012 and commenced operations two years later. In 2022, it was grounded on a record of issues with its fleet and finances. Its final aircraft, a Fokker 50, was auctioned off in March this year, the final blow for the veteran airline.

A Different Approach

In order to avoid the same fate as its predecessor, Niger Air International is currently in negotiations with Morocco to obtain technical expertise and managerial support. This support will range from route planning support to training to regulatory compliance.

Ministers state that the new airline will focus on regulation, current safety practices, and a careful approach to finances.

Among the key issues still to be addressed are securing licenses, procuring reliable planes, and creating a strong route network. Political stability is also a problem following Niger's closure of its airspace in 2023 after a coup. That interruption still resonates in deals with foreign carriers.

If Niger Air International gets off to a strong start in 2026, it could reopen routes to West Africa, and potentially North Africa and the Middle East. It could drive commerce, tourism, and patriotic pride. To many Nigerians, the new airline isn't merely about travel; it's a step towards rebuilding connectivity lost in recent years.