French passengers traveling to Niamey (Niger) are being denied boarding by several airlines following an order from Niger authorities, which said French passengers would need permission to board flights to Niger.

The restriction on French passengers follows ongoing political tensions between the two countries following the July 2023 coup. It is reported that French troops have entered the old colony, which has led to the closure of airspace and a ban on French civil and military aircraft.

According to simpleflying.com, Royal Air Maroc is complying with the order, and Tunisair will begin flights to Niger via Ouagadougou.

The French government has denied receiving any official communications regarding restricting its citizens' access to Niger, claiming it is an act of xenophobia.

In other news, the French government has reportedly suspended the visas of several Nigerians who published criticism of France.

Source: travelnews.co.za

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