Turkish Airlines has declared that it would cancel flights from Nigeria beginning September 2 owing to the shutdown of Niger’s airspace.
The airline stated that the interruption will mostly affect flights to London and a few other undisclosed locations.
Following the July 26 military coup that deposed President Mohamed Bazoum, the West African country’s junta, commanded by General Abdourahmane Tchiani, barred its airspace to overflying aircraft. The restriction went into force on the evening of August 6, when numerous planes were already in the air.
To accommodate the new adjustment, the airline stated on Tuesday that it would provide passengers the option of changing their travel to the next available day at no cost or receiving a full refund if they choose to cancel the trip.
According to the airline statement distributed to travel firms and obtained by our correspondent:
“Due to the closure of the Niger Airspace, starting 2nd of September there will be schedule changes on tickets departing from Nigeria. Tickets connecting to London and some other destinations will be greatly affected.
“In order not to have your clients stranded and also angry at the airport we advise the following:
“If there’s no availability for the same date, do the availability of a new date -7/+30 days and revalidate or reissue involuntarily due to the schedule change.
“Involuntary refund (full refund) if the new dates are not suitable for your clients.
“If the same date has other flight options, kindly reissue to a later time free of charge.”
cc: Punch Ng
