Why did an Air France A350 taxi into a military zone at Abidjan Airport?
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience.
Air France canceled a flight from Abidjan after an Airbus A350 mistakenly taxied into a restricted military zone, sparking a safety investigation.
Key Takeaways
- •Air France A350 entered a restricted military zone at Abidjan Airport on February 3, 2026.
- •The return flight to Paris was canceled, causing significant passenger delays.
- •Ivorian aviation authorities (ANAC) have launched a formal safety investigation.
- •The incident highlights the risks of taxiing errors at complex international hubs.
An Air France Airbus A350 made a mistake. It taxied into a restricted military area. This happened at Abidjan Airport on February 3. The plane had just landed from Paris. It missed a turn on the taxiway. The crew entered the local air base. Military guards stopped the large jet. This caused a major security alert.
Incident Details
The aircraft is an Airbus A350-900. It is a very modern wide-body jet. Abidjan Airport has a nearby military zone. This zone is strictly off-limits to airlines. The pilots followed the wrong ground path. They moved toward the military hangars instead. Ground controllers noticed the error very quickly. They told the pilots to stop immediately.
Impact on Operations
The return flight to Paris was canceled. Passengers had to stay in local hotels. Air France sent a new flight later. This caused a long delay for travelers. The airline apologized for the major trouble. Engineers checked the plane for any damage. No injuries were reported during the event. The aircraft remained on the ground for days.
Safety and Investigation
Ivorian authorities are now investigating the error. The ICAO sets rules for airport signs. Investigators will look at the taxiway lights. They will also talk to the pilots. Taxiing errors can be very dangerous events. They are often called runway incursions. The IATA tracks these safety trends globally. Clear signs help pilots find their way.
Industry Context
Abidjan is a busy hub in Africa. Its airport handles many international flights daily. Pilots must follow strict ground instructions carefully. Air France is cooperating with the probe. Safety remains the top priority for everyone. Regulators want to prevent this from happening again. New training may be required for crews. Better markings might be added to taxiways. This story shows how complex airports are. Even modern jets can take wrong turns.
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Written by Ujjwal Sukhwani
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience. Covers flight operations, safety regulations, and market trends with expert analysis.
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