Air France has decided to stop flights over the Red Sea after a pilot raised concerns about safety while flying over Sudan. This decision has left many passengers worried and has changed travel plans for several flights.
The airline issued a statement to AFP, a news agency, saying that they are taking this precautionary measure to keep everyone safe. As a result, some flight routes have been changed to avoid flying over the Red Sea completely. In some cases, planes had to turn around and return to Paris before continuing on to their destinations.
Air France emphasizes that the safety of its pilots, flight attendants, and passengers is their top priority. They constantly monitor the security situation of their flights, especially those flying near conflict zones like Sudan.
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has issued warnings about flying in areas around the Red Sea. This includes countries like Israel, Sudan, and Yemen, which have ongoing conflicts. EASA has published several active conflict zone information bulletins to alert airlines about the risks in these regions.
For instance, the bulletin about Yemen advises airlines to avoid flying in the airspace around Sana’a, Yemen, at all altitudes. Airlines are encouraged to stay updated on the safety situation in these areas and to follow guidelines from aviation authorities.
As a result of the recent tensions, Air France has changed its flight paths. On November 3, a flight from Paris to Nairobi had to turn back just before entering Egyptian airspace. The next day, the same flight took a completely different route, flying south over France and Spain before entering Africa through Algeria.
Another flight from Zanzibar to Paris also had to alter its path, flying over Burkina Faso instead of the Red Sea region.
The changes have caused confusion and concern among travelers, especially those who are uncertain about their flight plans. Air France’s swift actions show just how seriously they take safety in light of current events. Passengers are urged to check with the airline for updates on their flights and any possible changes to their itineraries.
Air France’s decision to suspend flights over the Red Sea highlights the airline’s commitment to passenger safety amid rising tensions in the region. As the situation develops, travelers should remain vigilant and stay informed about their travel arrangements.
