Air France Flight AF718 From Paris to Dakar Makes Emergency Return After Squawking 7700, Shocking Passengers in France, Senegal, USA, and UK!

Published on November 30, 2025

By: Paramita Sarkar

On November 29, 2025, Air France flight AF718, operating from Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) to Dakar Blaise Diagne International (DSS), declared a general emergency shortly after departure. The aircraft, a Boeing 777-300ER with the registration F-GZNH, was en route to Senegal when it squawked 7700 on its transponder, an emergency code that alerts air traffic control to an in-flight emergency. The crew initiated an emergency descent and safely returned to Paris, where the plane landed without further issues or injuries.

What Happened?

Flight AF718 took off from Paris at approximately 15:30 GMT, bound for Dakar, Senegal. After reaching cruising altitude near Bordeaux, the aircraft started a rapid descent before eventually making a U-turn and heading back toward its point of origin at CDG. The flight’s unexpected turn raised immediate concern, with aviation tracking platforms like Flightradar24 noting the aircraft’s rapid descent from about 32,000 feet. The incident led to speculation about a potential technical issue, with some online discussions suggesting that an engine problem could have been a factor, though no official statements have confirmed this.

The flight’s quick return to Paris marked a rare and intense aviation event, though no injuries were reported among the 300+ passengers aboard. After landing back at Charles de Gaulle, the aircraft was safely brought to a gate, where passengers disembarked. Despite the emergency nature of the situation, the crew followed standard procedures for in-flight emergencies, and air traffic control prioritized the aircraft’s return.

Where Did This Incident Occur?

The emergency began shortly after Air France flight AF718 took off from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), the busiest airport in France. It was scheduled to operate a long-haul service to Dakar Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS) in Senegal. The flight reached cruising altitude, near the city of Bordeaux, before beginning its emergency descent back toward Paris.

Air France operates this route regularly with Boeing 777 aircraft, which are well-suited for long-haul services, carrying hundreds of passengers. The same aircraft was also previously involved in a separate emergency in August 2025, albeit for a different reason: a disruptive passenger incident, which also led to a return to Paris after squawking 7700.

When Did It Occur?

The event unfolded in the late afternoon of November 29, 2025. Flight AF718 took off at around 15:30 GMT and had only been airborne for a short time before it began its descent. Within an hour, the aircraft made a safe return to Paris, landing back at CDG without any further complications. No official reason for the emergency has been disclosed yet, though aviation experts and enthusiasts speculated about a potential technical failure.

Why Did This Happen?

The official cause of the emergency remains unclear. While some aviation forums and experts have speculated that a technical issue, such as an engine problem, might have contributed to the aircraft’s rapid descent, there is no concrete evidence to support these claims. Air France has yet to release an official statement, as investigations into the emergency are likely ongoing. However, it is common for airlines to withhold detailed information regarding in-flight emergencies until investigations are complete.

For the time being, the aviation community has been left to speculate on the cause, with many focusing on the rapid descent observed from flight tracking platforms. Regardless of the reason, the incident prompted a standard emergency response, with air traffic control providing priority handling and the crew taking the necessary actions to ensure the safety of everyone on board.

How Was It Resolved?

Air France flight AF718 successfully landed back at Charles de Gaulle without any injuries to passengers or crew. Upon landing, the aircraft was directed to a gate, where passengers were allowed to disembark. As of now, no further complications have been reported, though the airline and relevant aviation authorities are likely conducting a thorough investigation into the cause of the emergency.

While Air France has not yet made an official statement on the cause of the emergency, the incident follows a pattern of routine procedures for such in-flight situations, including squawking 7700 and coordinating with air traffic control to ensure the aircraft’s safe return.

What’s Next for Passengers and Air France?

Passengers on the delayed flight were rebooked on alternative services, and no further cancellations or delays have been reported at Paris Charles de Gaulle related to this emergency. As for Air France, the airline’s immediate focus will likely be to investigate the cause of the emergency and ensure that the aircraft is thoroughly inspected before being cleared for future flights.

Interestingly, this was not the first time flight AF718 experienced a return to Paris after declaring a 7700 emergency. In August 2025, a different aircraft operating the same flight number was forced to return to Paris after a disruptive passenger caused a disturbance. This incident, however, was unrelated to technical issues.

For those looking to stay informed, ongoing updates from Air France and aviation authorities are expected in the coming days. Aviation enthusiasts and passengers tracking flights can also monitor platforms like Flightradar24 and FlightAware for real-time data regarding the aircraft’s status and any further developments.

Conclusion

Air France flight AF718’s emergency return to Paris is a rare but important reminder of the complexities involved in long-haul aviation. While the exact cause remains undetermined, the aircraft’s safe landing and the absence of injuries are a testament to the professionalism of the flight crew and air traffic control. Passengers affected by the delay were rebooked on alternative flights, and no further disruptions have been reported at Paris Charles de Gaulle. As investigations continue, aviation authorities will provide more updates as necessary, and the airline will ensure that any necessary repairs or inspections are carried out before the aircraft returns to service.