Malian airspace closure disrupts British Airways flight

Ghana’s airport authorities have clarified that British Airways (BA) flight bound for Accra from London was unable to land at the specified destination on Friday night (April 8, 2022) due to the airspace restrictions in Bamako, Mali.

As a result, Flight BA 081 had to return to London.

A joint press statement dated April 9, 2022, issued by the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) in Accra said: “GCAA and GACL wish to inform the general public that British Airways has reported that its Flight BA 081 outbound flight (London-Accra), was unable to land in Accra on Friday, April 8, 2022 due to the Airspace Restrictions in Bamako, Mali.

“Consequently, the BA flight had to return to London. British Airways has informed its passengers accordingly.”

Next step

The statement said BA will operate two flights on Saturday, April 9, 2022.

“Details of the additional flights are to be communicated to passengers. British Airways Passenger handling and Ticketing staff will be available this evening [Saturday], to offer assistance to affected passengers and also direct those who have been rebooked onto other carriers.

“Managements of GCAA and GACL would like to assure the travelling public that it will provide British Airways with the needed assistance for the smooth facilitation of affected passengers,” the statement added.