The United Nations Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS) in Niger transported 5,845 passengers between January and June 30, 2026, facilitating humanitarian operations across the country. Among these, UNHAS carried out 8 emergency evacuations or transports, providing a critical link, including to Dirkou. UNHAS, which has been present in Niger since 2008, enables aid workers to reach remote areas. "The most suitable means is by air," UNHAS stated, emphasizing that humanitarian agents require secure access to distant locations. The organization noted that its flights often operate with fewer passengers than commercial flights due to the specific nature of humanitarian travel.
Operational Scope and Reach
UNHAS in Niger is led by Country Office Head Mr. Gaston Nikiema, with assistance from his deputy, Mr. Charles Kabeya. The service operates in collaboration with Nigerien authorities, particularly the Ministry of Transport. It hosts 143 partners working across humanitarian and development sectors. Hosted by the World Food Programme (WFP), UNHAS also maintains a total of 25 agents for its medical or security evacuation missions. UNHAS stated that this service significantly impacts the finances of donors. "In order for them to continue to assist or finance, the transport of non-humanitarian passengers is not authorized. Business is excluded," UNHAS clarified. The organization explained that in cases requiring evacuation, "if it is a person who is taken care of by a structure working in humanitarian aid, it is the organization that takes care of the patient who expresses the need."
Service Mandate and Funding
UNHAS operates strictly as a non-commercial service, dedicated solely to the movement of humanitarian personnel, according to the organization. Transporting non-humanitarian passengers is not permitted, and UNHAS clarified that family members of its personnel are also not transported. "Afin que ces derniers continuent à assister ou bien à financer, il n’est pas autorisé le transport des passagers qui ne font pas l’humanitaire. Le business y est exclu," UNHAS stated, indicating its focus on aid operations.
The service operates with authorization from Niger's Civil Aviation Authority. Financially, ticket prices for UNHAS flights cover only 40 percent of the operational costs, with donor contributions funding the remaining 60 percent.
Impact and Importance
UNHAS transported 7,840 kg of light cargo, predominantly consisting of medicines, electronic equipment, and vaccines, according to the organization. This cargo supports humanitarian efforts across the country. UNHAS operates a regular program three days a week, with round trips scheduled for Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. The service maintains six regular destinations within Niger: Niamey, Maradi, Zinder, Diffa, Tahoua, and Agadez, facilitating access to various regions.
The fleet utilized by UNHAS in Niger includes an Embraer 145 with a capacity of 50 seats and a Dash 8, which can accommodate 35 seats. UNHAS emphasized the importance of rapid response in emergencies. "When there are emergencies, floods, or epidemic situations, in a short time, the humanitarian air service can bring partners to the field, who will intervene to stabilize the situation," UNHAS stated. The organization noted the critical timing for such interventions. "Very often, the first days of a disaster, the signal is very important. If you have to take two days to arrive, whereas as soon as there is an event, we can transport these people quickly to their destination," UNHAS added.