Summary: Air France has recently suspended flights over the Red Sea area due to an observation by a crew of a bright object at high altitude over Sudan. This decision, made as a precaution, leads to route modifications for certain flights. Meanwhile, the airline is implementing a significant increase in ticket prices following the imminent introduction of a tax called “solidarity tax,” which could triple the current amount.
Suspension of Flights over the Red Sea
On November 3, 2024, Air France announced the temporary suspension of flights over the maritime area between East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. This measure follows an alert issued after a crew observed a mysterious object in the Sudanese sky. According to Air France officials, this decision primarily aims to ensure the safety of passengers and flight crews. As a result, several flights had to change their routes or turn back.
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Diverted Flights: Connections to Antananarivo and Nairobi have been returned to Paris.
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Ongoing Monitoring: The company emphasizes its constant commitment to monitoring geopolitical developments that may affect its operations.
Price Increase: The Solidarity Tax
Alongside operational adjustments related to security conditions in East Africa, Air France-KLM has been implementing a ticket price increase since the end of October due to a new tax outlined in the 2025 Finance Law project. According to the legislative revisions contemplated by the French government:
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Significant Increase:
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For domestic and European routes: an increase from €2.63 to €9.50 in economy class.
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On long-haul flights (examples): increases up to €120 for a Paris-New York flight in business class.
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This pricing strategy is justified by Air France as necessary to avoid significant financial loss if the amendment were adopted without prior adjustment.
Reactions and Consequences
The public’s reaction to this increase remains mixed; many express their dissatisfaction on social media regarding what they call “unjustified anticipation.” Industry professionals also criticize this initiative as premature, given that the amendment has not yet been officially validated by the National Assembly.
In response to the criticisms regarding these anticipatory increases – which could potentially lead to a boycott – Air France has committed to its customers that any adjustments will be made if necessary after the laws are definitively voted on or modified.
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