CASABLANCA — An Air France Boeing 777-300ER bound for Paris has declared a general emergency mid-flight and initiated a sharp descent over Moroccan airspace, tracking data shows.
Flight AF711 departed Blaise Diagne International Airport in Dakar at 07:23 GMT, heading northbound toward Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG). Approximately two hours and 40 minutes into the journey, while cruising near the Moroccan coast, the flight crew broadcasted squawk code 7700—the international signal indicating an emergency on board.
Immediately following the alert, flight tracking telemetry captured the widebody aircraft (registration F-GZNG) executing a U-turn over Casablanca alongside a rapid reduction in altitude.
Flight Summary
- Flight Number: AF711 (Dakar to Paris CDG)
- Aircraft: Boeing 777-300ER (Reg: F-GZNG)
- Departure Time: 07:23 GMT
- Emergency Declared: ~10:03 GMT (2h 40m post-departure)
- Transponder Code: Squawk 7700
- Current Status: Descending over Casablanca, Morocco
The cause of the emergency has not yet been confirmed by Air France or regional air traffic control authorities. Standard aviation procedures for a squawk 7700 during a high-altitude turn and rapid descent typically point to technical issues, dynamic cabin depressurization, or urgent medical emergencies requiring immediate ground support.
Local air traffic controllers in Morocco are prioritizing the aircraft for potential diversion and emergency landing clearance, likely at Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca.
This is a developing story. Updates will follow as official statements are released.
UDPATE 12:25 CEST
The flight is diverting to CMN due to a medical emergency.
UDPATE 12:32 CEST
The airline is scheduling a stopover of 55 minutes hour.
UPDATE 13:55 CEST
The flight is resuming to Paris CDG.
