Flight restrictions in Niger force Air France to suspend certain routes to Africa. On Monday, Air France renewed the suspension of flights to Mali and Burkina Faso following the closure of airspace in neighbouring Niger.
The measure was initially temporary. But it has been extended to 18 August, and then to 10 September inclusive*.. There are still too many uncertainties surrounding the ban on overflights and flights in Niger's airspace.
However, this extension of the suspension has provoked the anger of the Malian authorities. They stated that Air France's decision did not comply with the terms of its authorisation to operate the route..
In a letter sent to Air France and verified by AFP on Friday, the French civil aviation authority said that the airline had not respected its notice period and had caused "inconvenience to passengers".
The agency has revoked Air France's right to operate services for the entire summer season, until the end of October.. Air France will have to reapply if it wishes to return to Mali.
The airline has also announced that it will suspend services between Paris-CDG and Freetown (FNA) in Sierra Leone from 31 October 2023..
KLM is also reducing its network. While Air France will be launching services between Paris CDG and Abu Dhabi on 29 October, KLM to suspend flights from Amsterdam to Kuwait (KWI) and Bahrain (BAH). The company will officially end this service on 28 October. The carrier has already closed the two destinations to sales.. Customers affected will be directed to alternative routes or refunded in full.
*Updated on 25/08
