About fifty Royal Air Maroc passengers staged a protest on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, in Bangui, gathering in front of the airline's downtown agency. The passengers denounced repeated flight cancellations by the airline, demanding explanations for a series of flight cancellations despite having purchased tickets. Their demonstration noted frustrations over the repeated disruptions to their travel plans, which have left many stranded and facing significant personal and professional consequences. The protest, which took place directly outside the Royal Air Maroc agency located in the city's central business district, drew attention to the growing discontent among travelers.
Protesters Demand Answers
The passengers, numbering around fifty, assembled to voice their collective outrage. They sought immediate and clear explanations from Royal Air Maroc officials regarding the successive flight cancellations that have plagued their journeys. Many of those present had purchased tickets well in advance, only to face continuous postponements or outright cancellations without adequate communication or resolution from the airline. The protesters emphasized that their movement would continue until a satisfactory response is obtained from Royal Air Maroc and relevant authorities. They stressed that their primary demand was not just for information, but for concrete actions to resolve their travel predicaments and ensure their safe and timely return to their destinations. The prolonged uncertainty and lack of transparency have exacerbated their frustrations, leading to Tuesday's public demonstration.
Authorities and Airline Response
Police intervened to disperse the protesters, arriving at the scene shortly after the demonstration began. According to testimonies from those present, some individuals had their belongings retained by the police during the intervention, adding another layer of distress to an already tense situation. The intervention by law enforcement showed the gravity of the protest and the passengers' determination to make their grievances heard. The protesters are calling on Central African authorities, including the Minister of Civil Aviation, to find an urgent solution to their predicament. They urged the government to mediate with Royal Air Maroc to ensure that passengers' rights are upheld and that a resolution is found for their disrupted travel plans. Royal Air Maroc officials, however, did not respond to solicitations for comment regarding the cancellations or the passenger demonstration, maintaining a notable silence on the issue. This lack of response from the airline has further fueled the anger and frustration of the affected travelers. The situation remains unresolved for the affected travelers, with many still uncertain about when they will be able to complete their journeys.
Passenger Grievances and Impact
One passenger, Jean-Paul, detailed the personal impact of the cancellations, stating that his Royal Air Maroc flight has been postponed for over a month. This extended delay has prevented him from returning to Paris, where he is due to work. This disruption has left him without income and stranded in Bangui, severely affecting his professional responsibilities and financial stability. Jean-Paul's plight is representative of many other passengers who have faced similar, prolonged delays, leading to missed appointments, lost wages, and significant personal hardship. The prolonged uncertainty regarding his travel arrangements creates significant financial and logistical challenges for him and other affected travelers, who are now left in limbo, uncertain of their next steps or when they might finally reach their intended destinations. The repeated cancellations have not only caused inconvenience but have also inflicted substantial economic and emotional distress on the passengers.
