Mali | Sky Mali Cancels Flights Amid Fuel Shortages and Rising Insecurity

Bamako, January 6, 2026 - Sky Mali, the national airline, has announced the cancellation of multiple flights and schedule changes over the coming days due to severe fuel shortages in the capital. According to airline management, the situation is beyond their control, stemming from logistical constraints in the fuel supply chain. Fuel scarcity in Bamako has been described as a critical issue, with panic buying, black market surges, and prolonged shortages affecting residents and businesses alike. The crisis has been aggravated by the resurgence of attacks by JNIM jihadists, who control key access points to the capital and had previously disrupted fuel deliveries between September and October 2025. Although a temporary lull occurred following a military council agreement in November 2025, the end of the truce on December 5, 2025, led to renewed attacks on fuel convoys and public transportation. The capital is currently facing power outages lasting from hours to over a day, limited fuel availability, and widespread insecurity in surrounding areas, including Fana, Kassela, Zantiguila, Kita, and Bougouni. Sky Mali has pledged to reschedule affected flights and keep passengers informed, emphasizing its commitment to safety, service quality, and transparency. Residents, meanwhile, are struggling with daily disruptions, describing their situation as forced resilience amid energy shortages and rising insecurity.