Air Algérie Flight 5017, a scheduled passenger flight from Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, to Algiers, Algeria, encountered difficulties shortly after takeoff on July 24, 2014. The aircraft, a McDonnell Douglas MD-83, was reported to have lost contact with air traffic controllers approximately 50 minutes into its flight. The loss of communication raised immediate concerns regarding the aircraft's safety and location, leading to extensive search and rescue operations. Despite efforts by various agencies, the aircraft's wreckage was not located for several days, unveiling challenges in searching remote regions of Mali.

The flight had on board 116 individuals, with a diverse mixture of passengers and crew. The destination, Algiers, was particularly significant as it connected several international routes. Investigations revealed that the region through which the flight traversed had been experiencing ongoing instability and conflict, complicating the search efforts further. In the following days, debris from the aircraft was confirmed to be located in northern Mali, leading to the unfortunate confirmation that all passengers and crew members had perished in the incident.

In the aftermath, numerous discussions emerged concerning aviation safety standards, particularly in conflict zones. This tragedy served as a somber reminder of the potential risks associated with air travel over regions experiencing turmoil. The loss was felt across both Algeria and the countries connected to this flight, highlighting international concerns regarding the safety and coordination of aviation operations under such circumstances.