Mali: Air France returns to Bamako after a one-month absence
At loggerheads on the diplomatic front with its neighbors in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Mali has been under an embargo since January 9, accentuated by sanctions imposed by the French government. Following fruitful talks between Bamako and Paris, things seem to be gradually returning to normal, particularly in the area of civil aviation.
Tensions between Bamako and Paris seem to be dissipating with the return of the national flag to Mali. Indeed, on Wednesday 16 February, Air France resumed its service to Bamako after a month's absence.
This return to Mali is justified by "the decision of the French authorities to lift restrictions on flights to/from the country", the company said in a press release.
For the moment, the direct Paris - Bamako route is operated at the rate of one daily flight (unlike the two flights offered before the embargo). For this service, the company continues to use its Boeing 777 fleet. However, the return flight makes a stopover in Nouakchott, Mauritania, where the crew change takes place. This choice of relief is justified by internal resolutions within the company in view of the political and security situation in Mali.
Air France joins Turkish Airlines, Asky Airlines, Sky Mali, Ethiopian Airlines, Mauritania Airlines, Royal Air Maroc and Tunisair on the tarmac of Bamako-Modibo Keita airport. The return of the main airlines in the subregion remains dependent on the lifting of ECOWAS sanctions.
During the embargo period, the alternative Paris-Bamako flight went either through Istanbul (via Turkish Airlines) or Addis Ababa (via Ethiopian Airlines) or Tunis (Tunisair), but with few weekly rotations in the latter case.
