Flights by European airlines across the African continent faced disruption and cancellations on Monday after Niger shut its airspace.
Some carriers were reported to be facing detours of up to 620 miles due to the clampdown by the west African nation following a military coup last month.
British Airways “apologised to those customers affected for the disruption to their journeys,” and said it was working hard to get them on their way again as quickly as possible, Reuters reported.
Air France, Lufthansa and Brussels Airlines were reporting longer flight times.
The French carrier suspended flights to Burkina Faso and Mali until August 11.
The closure of landlocked Niger’s airspace complicates flight paths for airlines flying between Europe and southern Africa, which have already been skirting around Libya and Sudan because of the conflict in those countries, according to the Financial Times.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all travel to the country, including the capital city of Niamey, “for security reasons”.
The latest travel update for the African nation says: “There are some scheduled commercial flights from Niger, but flights are being cancelled at short notice so please check with your airline before departure.
“There has been a military takeover in Niger, which has led to protests and unrest.
“These protests may be violent and the situation could change quickly without warning.
“Due to the security situation the British Embassy in Niamey is temporarily reducing the number of its staff.”