Sahel region operational update: Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger — March 2021
The Sahel corridor — spanning Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger — continues to present elevated operational risk for aviation operators. This update summarizes current conditions as of March 2021.
Mali (GABS/BKO)
Following the August 2020 and May 2021 coups, the political and security environment remains fluid. Bamako-Sénou International Airport continues to operate, though operators should monitor NOTAM activity closely. Permit processing times have extended to 96–120 hours.
Burkina Faso (DFFD/OUA)
Ouagadougou Airport remains operational. Security incidents in the north and east of the country have not directly impacted commercial aviation operations at the capital. Standard permit lead times of 72 hours apply.
Niger (DRRN/NIM)
Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey continues normal operations. Operators should be aware of restricted airspace zones along the Mali border. Overflight permits for these areas require additional approval from the Niger Armed Forces.
Recommendations
GAS advises all operators to consult current intelligence briefings before planning flights through the Sahel corridor. Our operations team can provide the latest NOTAM summaries, permit contact details, and on-the-ground handler status for all three countries.
