Why Did an Air France A350 Taxi Into the Abidjan Military Zone?
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience.
Air France A350 Flight AF702 mistakenly entered a restricted military zone at Félix Houphouët-Boigny International Airport, sparking a security alert and investigation.
An Air France wide-body jet triggered a major security alert. The Airbus A350-900 mistakenly entered a restricted military zone. This incident occurred at Félix Houphouët-Boigny International Airport (ABJ). The operational error happened in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.
Incident Details and Operational Disruption
Air France Flight AF702 arrived from Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG). The aircraft, an Airbus A350-900 (F-HUVM), landed safely on February 3, 2026. Trouble began during the ground movement phase. Air traffic control (ATC) instructed the crew to use a parallel taxiway. Instead, the pilots made a wrong turn onto a route leading to the Abidjan Military Air Base.
Logistical Deadlock
The military taxiway was not designed for a wide-body jet. The large Air France A350 military zone entry caused the aircraft to become immobilized. Its size prevented safe maneuvering or turning around. The misrouting placed the jet inside a high-security defense area. This prompted an immediate security alert from airport authorities.
The flight carried 283 passengers and 12 crew members. No injuries were reported during the event. However, the Abidjan airport taxi incident caused multi-hour delays. Passengers were finally disembarked after a prolonged wait. Ground teams needed specialized towing equipment for the recovery operation.
Investigation and Industry Impact
The operational error had significant ripple effects for the airline. The return Flight AF702 wrong turn resulted in the cancellation of the subsequent flight, AF703. Air France dispatched a technical team from Paris. They inspected the aircraft's landing gear and tires for damage. This was necessary due to taxiing on the non-standard surface.
Ivorian aviation authorities have opened a formal inquiry. The ground movement investigation focuses on cockpit-to-tower communication. This review aims to determine the exact cause of the pilot navigation error.
Aviation Safety Procedures
This incident highlights the importance of precise aviation safety procedures. Taxiing is a critical phase of flight often overlooked. Errors on the ground can lead to serious security risks and delays. Incidents at airports with civil-military airport operations require strict coordination.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) promotes global safety standards. Clear signage and standardized procedures are vital. This case will inform future protocols for wide-body aircraft taxiing at shared airfields. The Franco-Ivorian cooperation is key to enhancing regional safety.
- The A350's size compounded the problem on the narrow military taxiway.
- The incident prompted a formal investigation by Ivorian authorities.
- The return flight to Paris (AF703) was subsequently canceled.
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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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