Mali’s National Civil Aviation Agency announced that several domestic airlines have suspended both local and international flights due to a fuel shortage, with concerns that the issue may persist for several days.
Sky Mali, a private aviation company, confirmed in a statement that it has cancelled flights from Bamako due to the fuel shortage affecting operations at Modibo Keita Senou International Airport. “Due to a fuel shortage at the Modibo Keita Senou International Airport, Sky Mali regrets to announce the cancellation of its flights,” the statement read.
Sky Mali emphasised that the fuel shortage has impacted all airlines and assured that it is taking necessary steps to resume flights as soon as possible.
Col. Yaya Toure, Director General of the National Civil Aviation Agency, indicated that the situation might remain uncertain until July 15. He urged airlines to inform passengers about the need to reschedule their flights or seek alternative options. Toure attributed the flight suspensions to a shortage of jet A1 fuel at the airport’s depot.
The public response in Mali has highlighted concerns about poor fuel stock management, with some attributing the issue to the country’s ongoing political transition following a coup. Mamadou Ismaila Konate, a lawyer and former Malian Minister of Justice, commented on social media platform X: “A shortage resulting either from unforeseen circumstances or from poor or lack of planning in the management and administration of stocks of a product that is at once necessary, sensitive and precious.”
Konate criticised the situation, noting the lack of accountability. “Rerouted planes, stranded passengers, delayed freight, not to mention departing passengers forced to wait for days on the ground. Our countries must be capable of more efficient and coherent management. Pending the outcome of an investigation that must necessarily and usefully be commissioned,” he stated.