Air France has extended the suspension of its flights to and from Bamako and Ouagadougou until August 18.. This decision is attributed to the recent coup in Niger and the ongoing ‘geopolitical instability in the Sahel region’, as stated by the airline on Friday.
Earlier this week, Air France initially suspended its flights to Mali and Burkina Faso until the end of the week, coinciding with the closure of neighboring Niger’s airspace.
The authorities of Mali and Burkina Faso expressed support for the individuals responsible for the coup in Niger that occurred on July 26. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which is strongly backed by the West, approved the use of force on Thursday to reinstate ousted President Mohamed Bazoum.
The airspace closure in Niger is compelling airlines to take extensive detours to reach Europe, consequently prolonging flight durations.
Air France has emphasized its continuous coordination with the French authorities to diligently monitor the evolving geopolitical conditions in the areas served and traversed by its aircraft.
