Guinea-Bissau military command clears airlines for flight resumption

Guinea-Bissau's military command has authorized several international airlines to resume scheduled flights to and from Bissau, the capital, following a temporary suspension. This decision comes a day after the armed forces seized full control of state power, citing attempts by certain politicians to destabilize the country. The authorization was conveyed in an official notice issued by Caramo Camara, chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority, to the affected carriers.

The airlines cleared to operate regular services include Royal Air Maroc, Asky, TAP Air Portugal, Euroatlantic Airways, and Air Cote d'Ivoire. These carriers received "high-level" approval from the High Military Command for the Restoration of National Security and Public Order. Notably, Air Senegal was not among the airlines authorized to resume service, indicating a selective approach to flight resumptions.

The military's takeover on Wednesday had led to the imposition of several emergency measures, including the closure of all land, sea, and air borders, alongside a mandatory curfew and suspension of the electoral process. The swift authorization for commercial flights suggests a move towards restoring some level of normalcy and international connectivity, despite the ongoing political transition and the swearing-in of senior military officer Horta Inta-A as transitional president for a one-year term.

This development is crucial for the affected airlines, allowing them to reinstate vital routes and passenger services to Guinea-Bissau. The resumption of flights underscores the complex interplay between political stability and commercial aviation operations in the region, with airlines navigating rapidly changing regulatory landscapes to maintain their networks.