Mali’s National Civil Aviation Agency announced that several domestic airlines, including Sky Mali, have suspended both local and international flights due to a fuel shortage at Modibo Keita Senou International Airport in Bamako.
The fuel crisis has left travelers stranded and disrupted the country’s air transportation network, raising concerns about the management of the aviation sector.
Director General of the agency, Col. Yaya Toure indicated that the situation might persist until July 15, urging airlines to inform passengers about rescheduling options. Sky Mali attributed the disruptions to the shortage of jet A1 fuel.
The public response in Mali has highlighted concerns about the country’s fuel stock management, with some attributing the issue to the ongoing political transition following a coup. Mamadou Ismaila Konate, a lawyer and former Malian Minister of Justice, took to the social media platform X to criticize 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.
The National Civil Aviation Agency’s acknowledgment of the issue and the call for airlines to inform passengers about the situation is a step in the right direction. However, the long-term solution will require a thorough investigation into the root causes of the fuel shortage and the implementation of more robust fuel stock management practices to ensure the reliable operation of the country’s air transportation network.