Air France flights over Libya raise crew union concerns despite other airlines overflying since 2025

The airline is utilizing Libyan airspace to save fuel and reduce flight times to African cities, such as Kinshasa and Johannesburg, by nearly an hour. However, the SNPNCFO union for hostesses and stewards deems this decision irresponsible, noting that their professions lack a right of withdrawal and that the European Air Transport Authority advises against overflying Libya. Air France maintains that the French Directorate General of Civil Aviation approved flights through a specific corridor and highlights that other major carriers like Qatar Airways, Emirates, EgyptAir, and Turkish Airlines have been using Libyan airspace daily since January 2025.

The airline also emphasizes that safety is a priority and that captains retain the ultimate decision-making authority to reroute if necessary. The increased overflights by various airlines suggest a perception of improved safety and stability in Libya, which has been working to reinstate international flights and generate revenue from airspace fees. The US Federal Aviation Authority also reviewed its flight ban over Libyan airspace in March 2019, permitting US carriers to fly above 300 meters.