ASKY, the Pan-African Airline, will strengthen historical, cultural and commercial ties between Kano and Niamey with a new air service linking the two cities from September 2, 2026. The new connection will make Kano the 31st destination on ASKY’s growing network, which spans more than 30 cities across 28 countries.
Routed through ASKY’s hub in Lomé, the service will provide passengers travelling between Kano and Niamey with onward connections to key business and leisure destinations across West and Central Africa. The new link will therefore extend Kano’s regional reach while giving passengers a more convenient option for travelling across the continent.
The service also revives a historic trade corridor that has connected the region for more than a thousand years. Long before modern aviation, the route was travelled by foot and camel caravan, and later by road. Kano has historically served as a major commercial centre and an important hub of the pre-colonial trans-Saharan trade routes.
Those historic trading networks connected present-day Nigeria with markets across North Africa, including Morocco and Egypt. The commercial importance of the corridor helped establish Kano as a major centre for trade and regional exchange. The new air service gives that longstanding relationship a modern transport connection.
Kano and Niamey gain stronger regional connectivity
The launch could significantly improve travel between northern Nigeria and Niger. By providing an air connection, ASKY will reduce travel time for passengers while creating easier access to important markets and destinations across the region.
The service could also support the continued growth of trade and tourism between both countries. Businesses will have another option for moving between the two markets, while tourists and other travellers could benefit from faster regional mobility.
Beyond its immediate benefits, the new connection reinforces the longstanding ties between Nigeria and Niger. Kano and Niamey have strong historical and commercial links, making improved air connectivity particularly relevant to the wider movement of people and commerce.
ASKY said the new service reflects its mission of connecting African cities, supporting regional integration and facilitating economic and cultural exchange across the continent.
The September 2 launch will consequently give an established trade corridor a new aviation dimension. It will also place Kano and Niamey within ASKY’s wider network through Lomé, creating opportunities for passengers travelling beyond the two cities.
