The validity of the CZIB was extended until 31 October 2024, the description and recommendation were updated. Referenced publications were removed for consistency purposes.
Referenced publication(s):
Aeronautical Publications issued by or on behalf of Mali, by the Aviation Authorities of the neighbouring States and by the State of Operator.
Mali airspace, FIR Niamey (DRRR) and FIR Dakar (GOOO) at altitudes below Flight Level (FL) 260.
This CZIB is issued on the basis of information available to EU Member States and EU institutions. The presence of violent non-state actors (VNSA) groups with access to anti-aviation weaponry is assessed to pose a HIGH risk to operations in FIR Niamey (DRRR) and FIR Dakar (GOOO) within the territory
and airspace of Mali below FL260. The significant increase of severe VNSA attacks and their activity in the north-east of Mali poses a particular high risk to civil aviation in that area and highlights the volatile situation in the country and continuous potential for miscalculation and/or misidentification. VNSA groups are in likely possession of man-portable air-defence systems (MANPADS) and surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) which creates both intentional and unintentional risks for civil aviation operations. Additionally, the Agency draws the attention of the aviation community to the above referenced information, copies of which are attached to this CZIB.
EASA recommends air operators to avoid operations in FIR Niamey (DRRR) and FIR Dakar (GOOO) within the territory and airspace of Mali below FL260, in particular at the north-east of Mali.
Air operators should closely monitor airspace developments in the region and follow all available aeronautical publications issued by Mali, or on their behalf by the Aviation Authorities of the neighbouring States, including information shared through the European Information Sharing and Cooperation Platform on Conflict Zones, alongside available guidance or direction from their national authorities.
