Algeria Closes Airspace to Mali Amid Rising Tensions

Algeria announced on Monday the closure of its airspace to Mali, citing repeated violations of its airspace by the neighboring country.

The move marks a significant escalation in the diplomatic tensions between the two nations following the downing of a drone in late March.

In a brief statement, the Algerian Ministry of Defense confirmed the decision, stating that the airspace closure would apply to all flights coming from or heading to Mali, effective Monday, April 7, 2025.

"Due to the repeated breaches of our airspace by the State of Mali, the Algerian government has decided to close its airspace to all air navigation to and from Mali," the ministry said.

Algeria’s state television clarified that the decision took effect immediately and would impact all forms of air traffic between the two countries.

Earlier on Monday, the Algerian government rejected a statement issued by Mali that accused Algeria of hostile actions, particularly concerning the downing of a Malian drone. Algeria criticized the accusations as serious and unfounded.

Tensions have been mounting since Sunday, when Mali, along with Niger and Burkina Faso, recalled their ambassadors from Algeria. The three countries, part of the Sahel States Alliance, accused Algeria of shooting down a Malian military drone near the shared border.

The incident stems from an event on April 1, when Algeria announced it had downed an armed reconnaissance drone that had allegedly entered its airspace without authorization. Bamako, however, condemned the downing, describing it as a "deliberate hostile act."