SWISS re-routes flights due to Niger air space closure
Flights from Zurich to South Africa have been re-routed. There are, however, no direct flights to Nigeria.
Keystone/gaetan Bally
Swiss International Air Lines has adjusted its flight route as a result of the closure of the airspace over Niger due to the ongoing coup in Niger.
This content was published on
2 minutes
Keystone-SDA/amva
Passengers whose connections could not be made as a result of the flight re-route were rebooked by the airline on alternative connections, Swiss International Air Lines stated on Monday in response to a request from the Swiss News Agency Keystone-SDA. There is no direct connection from Zurich Airport to Niger.
Diori Hamani International Airport in Niger’s capital Niamey is currently continuing to operate commercial flights. The military junta in Niger stated it had closed the country’s air space because of the threat of military intervention by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). A statement by the junta’s spokesman on Nigerien national television on Sunday evening said that any attempt to violate the air space would be answered immediately and with force.
An ultimatum issued by ECOWAS over the weekend called on the military to reinstate the detained President Mohamed Bazoum and restore constitutional order. ECOWAS said it would otherwise take measures that could include force.
There are around 20 Swiss nationals still in Niger. As of Sunday, 13 Swiss nationals have been able to leave the country, the foreign ministry said in a statement to Keystone-SDA.
The ministry said it was in contact with the Swiss nationals who remain in Niger. An organised return was not currently planned and Swiss nationals who decide to leave the country were responsible for their own return, it said. But the ministry said it would provide assistance as much as possible.
Protein in abdominal fat could help shape obesity treatment
This content was published on
The study analysed fat cells from different locations in the body, and found that those in the abdomen have unique properties.
North African asylum claims fall after rapid Swiss processing
This content was published on
The accelerated procedure, now out of its test phase, has resulted in a significant drop in applications from North African countries.
This content was published on
The artist's song "The Code" focuses on their journey as a nonbinary individual. It is one of the favourites to win this year's contest.
Swiss climate activists block vehicles near Gotthard tunnel
This content was published on
Around ten climate activists briefly blocked the A2 motorway near the northern entrance of the Gotthard tunnel on Thursday.
Watches belonging to Michael Schumacher up for auction
This content was published on
Schumacher's family is auctioning off eight rare watches from his collection in Geneva. The Christie's auction will take place on Monday.
Joya Marleen and Baschi named best solo acts at Swiss Music Awards
This content was published on
St. Gallen singer Joya Marleen and Baschi from Basel were named artists of the year at the Swiss Music Awards 2024 on Wednesday night.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
‘The world can’t ignore things that are happening in Nigeria’
This content was published on
Diaspora Nigerian and ETH Zurich security expert Medinat Malefakis explains why the upcoming Nigerian elections are particularly important.
Swiss president pays tribute to ICRC during visit to Niger
This content was published on
Swiss President Ignazio Cassis has held talks in Niger about closer bilateral relations, international cooperation and humanitarian issues.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.