With the ongoing military incursion in Mali, Air France (AF) and Aigle Azur (ZI) have offered their respective clients the option of deferring travel to and from Bamako until a later date. France's military has been fighting against Islamist militants in northern Mali since Friday, helping Malian government forces recapture the central town of Konna. On Sunday, French Mirage jets bombed the town of Gao in eastern Mali, extending their raids deep into rebel territory.  |
| Air France A340 arrives in Bamako under military protection (lemonde) |
Until 26 January 2013, Air France offers the following options to customers who have booked a flight from Charles de Gaulle airport and Bamako from 11 to 26 January, regardless of the fare type selected.
- They may defer travel up to and including 31 March 2013 with rebooking possible without charge at the same rate, subject to availability, or by paying the difference for another fare. This modification can be made online, in the "View / modify your reservations."
- Passengers can also change the destination or point of departure, by contacting their point of sale before January 26.
As of this week, Air France is still offering its daily rotation between CDG and Bamako, on board an Airbus A330-200.
Aigle Azur is offering ticket changes for free as one of two options:
- For travel to/from Bamako between 12 and 26 January 2013, passengers can change the travel date (up to March 31, 2013) free,
- They can "transform their ticket voucher" for use in the purchase of another ticket on the Aigle Azur network (the price difference being the passenger's responsibility.)
Paris Orly - Bamako is operated on Monday, Wednesday and Friday by an Aigle Azur Airbus A321, departing at 17:15 (arrival 10:05 p.m.) and return at 23:45 (arrival day at 6:30 am).
Source [AirJournal]