Abidjan Airport suffers from Ivory Coast conflict

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The continuing conflict between the government and rebels in the West African nation Ivory Coast has seriously affected passenger numbers and duty-free sales at the capital's Abidjan Airport, a spokesperson has told DFNI

Abidjan Airport has seen a dramatic drop in passenger numbers travelling through the airport, and customers in the duty-free shops are down by 25%, the spokesperson said. The shops stock a range of liquor, fragrance and tobacco products.

"During this time we have reorganised this department, reducing our charges from operating costs and running costs," explained the spokesperson. "We have only maintained the necessary expenses. Being an effective manager is a great asset for us to keep our airport functional at this time."

The airport hopes that once the conflict is resolved it can return to its position as the "best in West Africa" since, said the spokesperson, it has a strong infrastructure with modern technology and facilities.

"We are not hopeless," concluded the spokesperson. "Most of our tourists are investors so, when the economy of Côte d'Ivoire increases again after the political issue, tourists and investors will naturally come back to our country."