Sky Mali has officially launched its new commercial flight route linking Bamako to Niamey, with a stopover in Gao—a move widely hailed as a significant leap forward in strengthening air connectivity across the Sahel region.
The inaugural flight took off on Tuesday, 8 April 2025, from Bamako’s Modibo Keïta International Airport.
On board were Sky Mali’s Director General, members of the company’s Board of Directors, and representatives of key aviation stakeholders including ANAC Mali, ASECNA, ASAM, and ADM.
“This flight embodies our commitment to bringing people closer and promoting safe and rapid mobility across the region,” said the Director General of Sky Mali during the departure ceremony.
The journey’s first leg lasted approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes, concluding with a warm reception in Gao, northern Mali.
Local dignitaries including the Governor and the Mayor welcomed the flight, celebrating the long-awaited service.
“This route responds to a strong demand from the people of Gao who have long sought more reliable access to Niamey,” said local authorities at the welcoming event.
From Gao, the aircraft continued on to Niger’s capital, carrying regional officials from Gao onboard.
Upon arrival in Niamey, the flight was greeted by a high-level delegation that included Niger’s Minister of Transport and Equipment, Colonel-Major Salissou Mahaman Salissou, and the Minister of Handicrafts and Tourism.
“This route marks a crucial milestone in deepening bilateral ties between Mali and Niger,” declared the Nigerien Minister of Transport on the tarmac.
An official ceremony followed at Niamey International Airport, featuring speeches from representatives of Sky Mali and the Malian Embassy in Niger, culminating in a convivial reception attended by invited guests.
The return flight to Bamako, again via Gao, marked the close of a day described by Sky Mali as “historic” for regional aviation.
This development comes as Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso deepen their integration under the Alliance of Sahel States, having formally withdrawn from ECOWAS in January 2025.
