Niger Seeks Morocco’s Help to Launch New National Airline

Niger is looking to Morocco for support in launching a new national airline, as part of a broader push to enhance its transport infrastructure and regional connectivity. The initiative was discussed during a high-level meeting in Rabat on July 16 between Morocco’s transport minister Abdessamad Kayouh and Niger’s minister of transport and civil aviation, Abdourahamane Amadou.

According to Kayouh, Niger expressed strong interest in leveraging Morocco’s aviation expertise, particularly in establishing a new domestic flag carrier, as well as developing airport infrastructure and regulatory frameworks. Amadou emphasized Niger’s goal to build an integrated and efficient transport system to overcome its landlocked challenges.

Kayouh confirmed Morocco’s willingness to provide training, technical support, and knowledge transfer under a “win-win” cooperation framework. He also highlighted Morocco’s successful airport modernization program and its Atlantic Initiative, a 2023 strategy launched by King Mohammed VI to give landlocked Sahel countries like Niger access to Atlantic ports.

The meeting reinforced both countries’ commitment to deepening their partnership in transport and logistics. In February 2025, Niger announced plans not only for a national airline but also a regional carrier shared with member states of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES)—Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. This proposed carrier aims to connect Bamako, Niamey, and Ouagadougou, strengthening regional economic ties.

Niger’s previous national airline, Niger Airlines, ceased operations in 2022 due to safety issues. Its last aircraft, a Fokker 50, was sold to Busy Bee Congo in March 2025. Air France services remain suspended due to political tensions.

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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com