The political crisis in Libya and the conflict in Sudan means those countries are already closed to commercial flights, with the latter extending its ban until the end of the month.
Now the shutdown of Niger's airspace means the area in central Africa where commercial flights are off limits has been widened.
As a result, flights between Europe and southern Africa will have to travel an extra 620 miles, according to plane-tracking website Flightradar24.
It comes after Niger's coup leaders were given a week to restore ousted President Mohamed Bazoum or face the possibility of military action from the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas).
After the deadline passed last night, Niger's mutinous military closed the country's airspace and accused foreign powers of preparing an attack, and said any attempt to fly over the country would be met with 'an energetic and immediate response'.
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