Tunisair, Tunisia’s national airline, is facing an unprecedented crisis marked by widespread delays and severe operational disarray, particularly at the height of the tourist season.
The government’s recent dismissal of its CEO underscores a determined effort to stabilize and turn around the struggling airline amidst mounting public outrage and criticism.
In response to the escalating chaos, including severe delays and cancellations, Tunisian authorities have announced a series of emergency measures. The Ministry of Transport has issued a “stern warning” to station managers and company representatives abroad, demanding immediate improvements in operational oversight, as reported by La Presse de Tunisie. Kapitalis further indicates that urgent actions include staff redeployment, flight schedule reorganization, and intensified technical service mobilization.
Despite these efforts, public dissatisfaction remains high. Faouzi Ben Abderrahmane, a former Minister of Employment, criticized what he termed “empty rhetoric and inaction” from authorities, advocating instead for a comprehensive structural overhaul of the airline, according to Business News.
Once a cornerstone of Tunisia’s air transport sector, Tunisair is struggling under seasonal pressure, compounded by years of underinvestment, internal labor tensions, and poor governance. The situation has dramatically worsened in recent days, with some delays extending up to 24 hours without adequate explanation, as reported by Le Matin d’Algérie. Le360 Afrique adds that Tunisair recorded the region’s worst punctuality rate in June 2025, plummeting to just 48%.
Furthermore, the 2024 AirHelp report, cited by Webmanagercenter, ranks Tunisair among the worst global airlines for service quality and claims processing.
Financially, the airline’s outlook remains bleak. Kapitalis reports that Tunisair’s debt surpassed 760 million dinars by the end of 2023, with available liquidity standing at a mere 117 million dinars. While the average seat occupancy rate reached 75.1% between October 2024 and March 2025, this was insufficient to offset the substantial fixed costs, which included 177 million dinars in aircraft lease payments and nearly 40 million dinars in financial charges.
While the government attempts to regain control, the current crisis starkly highlights Tunisair’s chronic fragility and its persistent inability to implement meaningful reforms, despite repeated warnings.
MB/ac/sf/lb/abj/APA