Proceedings have begun in Paris in the long-awaited trial of Spanish aviation company Swiftair, which is facing manslaughter charges related to the 2014 crash of an aircraft operated for Air Algérie.
The case, which opened on Monday before a Paris criminal court, comes nearly twelve years after the tragic accident that claimed the lives of all 116 people on board. Several dozen relatives of the victims attended the opening session of the trial to follow the proceedings.
The 2014 Sahel Air Disaster
The aircraft involved in the crash was a McDonnell Douglas MD-83 that had been leased by Swiftair to Air Algérie together with its crew.
On July 24, 2014, the plane was operating a scheduled flight from Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso to Algiers in Algeria when it crashed in the Sahel region of northern Mali.
All passengers and crew were killed in the accident, including 54 French nationals, 23 Burkinabe citizens, as well as passengers from Lebanon and Algeria.
The tragedy remains one of the deadliest aviation disasters in the region.
Findings From the Investigation
Investigations into the crash determined that the aircraft encountered severe storm conditions during the flight. According to investigators, the crew failed to activate the plane’s anti-icing system, allowing ice crystals to accumulate in engine pressure sensors.
The malfunction affected engine performance and caused the aircraft to lose speed before entering a fatal stall from which it could not recover.
French investigating judges concluded that the airline bore responsibility due to several operational shortcomings, including alleged deficiencies in crew training and operational procedures.
Swiftair’s Defence
Swiftair has rejected the accusations, arguing that the crash was caused by a combination of external factors beyond its control.
The company has also sought to have the case dismissed in France, pointing out that proceedings in Spain were previously closed without prosecution.
However, French courts decided the case should proceed, leading to the current trial, which is expected to last at least four weeks.
Families Seek Accountability
For many families of the victims, the trial represents a long-awaited opportunity to establish responsibility for the disaster.
More than a decade after the crash, relatives say the proceedings are essential in uncovering the full circumstances surrounding the tragedy and ensuring accountability within the aviation industry.
The court will hear testimony from investigators, aviation experts, and company representatives as it examines whether Swiftair’s actions contributed to the fatal crash.
