Algeria Reopens Airspace to Mali After Year-Long Diplomatic Rift

Effective Friday, July 10 2026, Algeria fully reopened its national airspace to all Malian civil and military flights, including routes to international destinations. The decision ends a closure that began in April 2025 after a disputed incident involving a Malian surveillance drone.

The Straits Times

In April 2025 Algeria’s military shot down a Malian surveillance drone it said had entered Algerian airspace. Mali contested the claim, asserting the drone had crashed on Malian territory. The disagreement triggered reciprocal recalls of ambassadors and the suspension of reciprocal air traffic. Algeria recalled its ambassador, Kamel Retieb, for consultations on 7 April 2025; Mali’s ambassador to Algiers was also withdrawn. The row unfolded against Mali’s broader security crisis, which has persisted since 2012 and intensified after the 2025 termination of a 2015 peace accord with Tuareg rebels that Algeria had mediated.

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Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune ordered the return of the Algerian ambassador to Bamako, signaling a diplomatic thaw. The Algerian defence ministry announced that the reopening “includes all flights to and from Mali via various international destinations.” Mali’s foreign ministry confirmed that its ambassador would resume duties in Algiers and that its airspace would reopen “to all civilian and military aircraft” from or to Algeria.

The Straits TimesThe New ArabAlgeria Mali Deplomatic Ties in full Swing With Both Ambassadors return

• “Sign up now: Get insights on Asia's fast-moving developments July 10 - Algeria has fully reopened its national airspace to air traffic from Mali, effective Friday, allowing all flights to and from the West African country, Algerian state media reported.” — Algerian state media

The Straits Times

• “Mali rejected Algeria's account, saying the drone crashed inside Malian territory.” — Mali’s response

The Straits Times

• “Algeria's defence ministry said its decision was effective from Friday and "includes all flights to and from Mali via various international destinations".” — Algerian defence ministry

The New Arab

• “Mali said its airspace would reopen "to all civilian and military aircraft" from or to its northern neighbour.” — Mali’s statement

The New Arab

These steps mark a tentative restoration of bilateral ties and a resumption of air connectivity that had been disrupted for more than a year.

Algeria Mali Deplomatic Ties in full Swing With Both Ambassadors return