Lagos, Nigeria — Air France has announced plans to resume flights to Bamako (Mali), Niamey (Niger), and Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso), reinforcing its commitment to the African market despite ongoing instability in the Sahel region. These routes, suspended earlier this year, are part of the airline’s broader strategy to strengthen its presence across the continent.
“Africa remains an extremely important market: we serve 37 destinations in 28 [African] countries,” said CEO Anne Rigail in an interview with Jeune Afrique. Speaking at Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport before departing for Abidjan, Rigail emphasised the continent’s strategic role in Air France’s long-haul operations, where it accounts for approximately 15% of revenue.
The suspended routes to Bamako, Niamey, and Ouagadougou were halted due to security and operational concerns amid political unrest in the Sahel. The planned resumption reflects a cautious yet optimistic approach to maintaining connectivity in the region, which is vital for trade and economic recovery.
Rigail’s visit to Abidjan includes meetings with Laurent Loukou, CEO of Air Côte d’Ivoire, and General Abdoulaye Coulibaly, the airline’s chairman. Discussions are expected to finalise a codeshare agreement aimed at enhancing travel options between West Africa and Europe.
This collaboration reflects Air France’s strategy to leverage regional partnerships to expand its network. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), intra-African passenger demand is expected to grow by 5.2% annually over the next decade, underscoring the need for enhanced connectivity.
Africa remains a key growth market for Air France, generating an estimated €1.2 billion in annual revenue. However, the airline faces stiff competition from Gulf carriers such as Emirates and Qatar Airways, as well as Turkish Airlines, which offer lower fares—often 20-30% below those of European competitors—and extensive route networks.
To address this, Air France is investing in fleet modernisation, with fuel-efficient Airbus A350 aircraft being deployed on African routes. These aircraft reduce operating costs by up to 25% per seat compared to older models.
The airline has faced criticism over high ticket prices on African routes, with economy-class fares often exceeding €800, compared to significantly lower prices offered by rivals. Rigail acknowledged the issue, stating: “We are working to adjust our pricing models to ensure greater affordability while maintaining the quality of service that Air France passengers expect.”
Despite these challenges, the African aviation market presents significant opportunities. IATA projects that passenger demand across the continent will double by 2040, driven by a growing middle class and increasing trade. Air France has positioned itself to benefit from this growth, particularly in high-demand regions such as West and Central Africa.
In 2023, the airline carried over 2.5 million passengers on African routes, and this figure is expected to grow by 10% annually following the resumption of suspended services.
With 37 destinations across 28 countries, Air France operates one of the most extensive African networks of any European carrier. Partnerships with KLM and Delta Air Lines further enhance connectivity for transatlantic passengers, positioning the airline as a key player in Africa-Europe travel.
The decision to return to the Sahelian routes aligns with Air France’s long-term strategy to prioritise growth markets. The airline’s focus on regional collaboration and operational efficiency is seen as critical to maintaining its competitive edge.
Air France’s resumption of services to Bamako, Niamey, and Ouagadougou demonstrates its confidence in the resilience of the African market. By strengthening partnerships and modernising its fleet, the airline aims to consolidate its position as a leader in one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation regions.
As Air France navigates the challenges of operating in a complex geopolitical environment, its ability to balance passenger needs, security concerns, and profitability will be pivotal to its continued success in Africa.
