Air France Reroutes Flights to Avoid Red Sea After Missile Sighting

Air France (AF, Paris CDG) has announced it will reroute all flights to avoid overflying the Red Sea after a potential missile sighting by the crew of a B777-200ER en route from Paris CDG to Antananarivo. The incident occurred on November 3, 2024, when the crew spotted what they described as a “luminous object at high altitude” near Sudan, prompting immediate action from the airline to ensure safety.

Details of the Incident and Flight Changes

The crew of flight F-GSPZ (msn 32310) observed the unidentified object while flying over the Red Sea. In response, they made the decision to turn back, returning to Paris CDG. The flight later resumed its journey to Antananarivo the same day. Additionally, a separate Air France service to Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta, operated by a B787-9 (F-HRBC, msn 38770), also returned to Paris after the object sighting and prior to entering Egyptian airspace, according to Flightradar24 data.

Impact on African Routes

The decision to avoid the Red Sea impacts several Air France routes between Paris and key African destinations, including Antananarivo, Zanzibar/Dar es Salaam, Nairobi, Mauritius, and St. Denis de la Réunion. These routes will now bypass the Red Sea, diverting over Saudi Arabia and Oman. This adjustment may lead to longer flight times due to detours, as Sudanese and Yemeni airspaces remain closed.

The safety measure affects a limited but vital part of Air France’s African network. Despite the added delays, Air France prioritizes passenger and crew safety and will maintain these rerouted flights to continue serving its African destinations.

Ongoing Red Sea Overflights by Other Airlines

While Air France has temporarily suspended flights over the Red Sea, other international airlines continue to operate over this region. The airspace surrounding the Red Sea is typically a busy corridor for flights between Europe, Africa, and Asia, despite current regional tensions and restricted zones due to conflict.

The Sudanese airspace, except for Port Sudan International Airport, has been closed since April 2023 due to the ongoing civil war. The Yemeni airspace is also largely restricted, further complicating route planning for airlines operating in the vicinity.

Enhanced Safety Precautions

Air France’s decision reflects heightened caution for flights in potentially volatile airspace. Given recent geopolitical developments in the region, the airline’s proactive rerouting aims to avoid possible hazards and enhance passenger safety. The airline has not disclosed a timeline for when it may resume direct routes over the Red Sea and is likely to assess the situation closely with relevant aviation authorities.

In rerouting its African flights, Air France demonstrates its commitment to passenger and crew safety amid unpredictable regional conditions. Passengers on affected routes may experience extended travel times, but Air France assures them that it is taking all necessary steps to minimize delays while upholding the highest safety standards.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com