Bamako (BKO) · EC261
Paris-Bamako flight delayed? Up to €600 per passenger
Bamako is the capital of Mali and one of the most populous cities in West Africa. The Malian diaspora in France is very large (more than 200,000 people). Since 2022, direct Air France flights have been suspended due to political tensions - connections now run mainly via Dakar, Casablanca or Istanbul. On Europe → Bamako (BKO) flights, EC Regulation 261/2004 can entitle you to €600 per passenger in case of delay, cancellation or overbooking. Robin des Airs takes 25% only if successful (you receive 75% net).
Distance and compensation
✈️ CDG → BKO: 4,480 km
💶 EC261 tier: €600 / passenger
👨👩👧👦 Family of 4: up to €2,400
⏱ Minimum delay: 3h on arrival
📅 Limitation period: 5 years (French Civil Code)
🏛 Airport: Modibo Keïta International Airport (BKO)
File a claim
Robin des Airs handles everything: claim, follow-ups, mediation. Only 25% if successful - €0 if we fail.
No payment upfront. €0 charged if no result.
EU carriers - coverage both ways
✔ Air FranceEU - Direct CDG-BKO flights. ⚠️ Suspended since 2022 (Mali sanctions). 5-year history still valid.
✔ Brussels AirlinesEU - BRU-BKO. Check availability by period. EC261 both ways.
Non-EU carriers - departing the EU only
⚠ Air SénégalNon-EU - Via Dakar (DKR). EC261 only when departing the EU.
⚠ Ethiopian AirlinesNon-EU - Via Addis Ababa. EC261 only when departing the EU.
⚠ Turkish AirlinesNon-EU - Via Istanbul. EC261 only when departing the EU.
⚠ Royal Air MarocNon-EU - Via Casablanca. EC261 only when departing the EU.
Key rule: for non-EU carriers, EC261 only covers flights departing the European Union (Paris, Brussels, Madrid, Lisbon, Rome...) (Paris → Bamako). The return leg (Bamako → Paris) is not covered by EC261 with these carriers.
Frequently asked questions
- Does Air France still fly to Bamako?
Air France suspended its direct CDG-BKO flights in 2022 due to sanctions and diplomatic tensions with Mali. For flights before the suspension, claims remain valid for 5 years. Connections currently run via Dakar (Air Sénégal), Casablanca (RAM) or Istanbul (Turkish).
- How can I reach Bamako from Paris with an EU carrier?
The best current EU option is Brussels Airlines via Brussels, if available. Otherwise, Air Sénégal via Dakar lets you benefit from EC261 on the Paris→Dakar segment (single ticket Paris→Dakar→Bamako, claim on the total distance if the incident occurs on the EU segment).
- I had a delay on a Paris-Bamako Air France flight in 2022, can I still claim?
Yes, the limitation period is 5 years. An Air France CDG-BKO flight delayed in 2022 remains claimable until 2027. The suspension of flights since then does not erase your past rights.