“The decision is irresponsible and warns that these two professions do not have a right of withdrawal from Air France,” said a representative from SNPNCFO, voicing the concerns of flight crew unions regarding Air France’s recent move. The airline resumed flights over Libya at the end of March 2026, despite ongoing debates about flight safety in the region.
Air France claims that the French Directorate General of Civil Aviation approved flights over a specific corridor in Libyan airspace. This decision aims to save time on routes to several African cities. For instance, flights to Kinshasa now save 47 minutes, while those headed to Johannesburg save 52 minutes.
However, the European Air Transport Authority continues to recommend against flying over Libya, emphasizing the potential risks involved. Crew unions express deep concern about the implications for their members’ safety.
In a recent incident, Air France flight AF174 was diverted to Montréal due to a medical emergency onboard. The aircraft was approximately seven hours into its scheduled 11-hour journey when the captain decided to reroute—an action reflecting the ultimate responsibility that pilots hold.
“The captain is the ultimate decision-maker of a plane in the air and can decide to make a detour and not pass over Libya,” an Air France spokesperson stated, underscoring the airline’s commitment to safety amid these changes.
The successful emergency landing by EgyptAir at Kufra airport also played a role in allaying fears and encouraging more flights into Libya’s vast airspace. However, many still question whether this is sufficient assurance.
As Air France-KLM navigates rising jet fuel prices, which prompted a cut in its 2026 capacity growth outlook, the airline’s share price reacted positively with a 3.8 percent increase in one day. Yet, overall, it has seen a 26.2 percent decline year-to-date.
The next steps for Air France will likely depend on ongoing assessments of flight safety and potential reactions from crew unions as they monitor developments closely.
