Mali: Fuel shortages disrupt flights from airport

Several airlines have announced cancellations or changes to flights at Mali’s Bamako due to fuel shortages, as reported by RFI and agencies on January 14th.

Air Burkina, Sky Mali, and Corsair have all had to cancel or modify some flights, with Corsair citing “fuel restrictions at Bamako airport”, Air Burkina reporting “difficulties in fuel supply at Bamako airport”, and Sky Mali describing” logistical constraints in the fuel supply chain.”

Mali has been under a fuel blockade since September 9th, 2025, which was imposed by the Al-Qaeda-linked Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) terrorist group.

The purpose of the blockade, which targeted regions surrounding the nation’s capital, Bamako, was purportedly to destabilise Mali’s military junta government and incite civil unrest amongst the Malian public, who were forced to scavenge for fuel.

As a result of Mali’s reliance on fuel imports from neighbouring countries due to its landlocked status, the blockade proved highly effective in bringing the nation to a standstill, with two-week-long school closures announced in October.

Since assuming power in 2020, the junta has increasingly been criticised for its anti-democratic practices, such as the junta’s leader, Assimi Goïta, passing legislation to extend his presidency until 2030.

It was reported on November 4th that the blockade had economically crippled Bamako, with JNIM fighters targeting major Malian supply routes, along with seizing commercial transport and burning fuel tankers.

Civilian movement was restricted in areas under JNIM control, with the group establishing roadblocks around Bamako and the surrounding areas.

Drivers of fuel tankers have been attacked by JNIM fighters, even when being escorted by the Malian military; similarly, drivers have been kidnapped by the group.

Throughout 2025, JNIM fighters used the kidnapping of foreign nationals for ransom as a form of so-called “economic jihad“, with the ransom payments being used to fund their campaign against the junta and ultimately impose a new Islamic state in Mali.

Widespread destabilisation of authorities and the economy has forced Malians to seek refuge in neighbouring countries such as Mauritania and the Ivory Coast.

However, global humanitarian aid cuts have severely impacted Malian refugees in Mauritania, leading to food and other essential resources being difficult to obtain, while nutrition programs for malnourished children and women have been halted.

RFI and agencies, Maghrebi.org