Introduction.

On April 7, 2025, Algeria and Mali escalated their diplomatic conflict by implementing reciprocal bans on flights to and from each other’s airspace. This action follows the April 1 incident, where Algerian forces shot down a Malian military drone near Tinzaouaten, close to their shared border. Algeria claimed the drone had violated its airspace, while Mali denied the accusation, asserting the wreckage was found within its territory. In response to the downing, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger recalled their ambassadors from Algiers. Despite the standoff, the airspace bans have had minimal impact on commercial aviation, as no scheduled flights were operating between the two countries before the suspension.

AOCs/ASLs/Operations.

VivaJets Private Jet Charter, a Lagos-based aviation company, has reached a significant milestone by securing an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). This certification grants VivaJets the official authority to operate commercial air transport services, marking a major step forward in the company’s evolution from a private jet broker to a fully licensed operator within Nigeria’s rapidly growing business aviation sector.

The Ghanaian government has announced a new partnership with World Aviation Group (WAG) to establish a national airline, a renewed effort to create a sustainable and modern carrier headquartered in Accra. This collaboration aims to develop a fleet of advanced aircraft and build a robust international presence for the airline. WAG brings significant expertise in airline startups and airport development, adding credibility to the venture. The airline plans to operate key high-demand routes, including Accra-Lagos, Accra-London, and Accra-Dubai, with projections to serve over 670,000 annual passengers.

African Aviation: Projections and Statistics.

Lomé–Tokoin International Airport (LFW) is quickly establishing itself as a pivotal travel hub in West Africa, recording remarkable passenger growth and enhancing its strategic significance in the region. In 2024, the airport welcomed 1,506,946 million passengers, reflecting a 6.2% increase over the 1.4 million travelers in 2023. The airport’s growth trajectory shows no signs of slowing down. If current trends continue, passenger traffic is projected to reach 1.66 million in 2025, marking a 10.6% increase year-on-year.

ASKY AIRLINES, the dominant carrier at Lomé–Tokoin International Airport (LFW), is set to expand its capacity to 1.61 million seats, reinforcing its central role in Togo‘s aviation sector. In 2024, ASKY Airlines accounted for an impressive 97.3% of the total passenger traffic at Lomé Airport, solidifying its position as the airport’s largest carrier and a key driver of its growth. The airline’s strong market share underscores the vital contribution of ASKY to the airport’s success and its growing influence in the West African air travel market.

South African Airways (SAA) achieved solid growth in 2024, with its network average load factor reaching 72%. The airline carried just over 1.6 million passengers, excluding direct and online bookings, showcasing steady performance across its routes. The airline’s international network demonstrated strong results, with the Cape Town-São Paulo route standing out as the top performer, boasting a 78% load factor. Other successful international routes included Johannesburg-Lagos (77%) and Johannesburg-Mauritius (82%). Domestically, the airline also showed solid performance. The highly competitive Cape Town-Johannesburg route achieved an average load factor of 78.6%, while other domestic routes, such as Johannesburg-Port Elizabeth, posted load factors of around 70%. However, some regional routes performed dismal. The Johannesburg-Harare route achieved a load factor in the upper 50s, while the Johannesburg-Windhoek flights struggled to reach 70%. The Abidjan-Accra route showed the weakest performance, with load factors rarely topping 25%, despite the Johannesburg-Accra route performing well.

Air Service Agreements (ASA’s)/Airlines Agreements/Partnerships.

On Tuesday, April 7, 2025, Algeria and Qatar signed a significant air transport agreement in Doha, aimed at strengthening cooperation in civil aviation and expanding air traffic between the two nations. The deal was formalized by the transportation ministers of both countries and was announced by Qatar’s Ministry of Transport. The agreement allows designated airlines from each country to operate unlimited passenger and cargo flights between Algeria and Qatar. This partnership is part of Qatar’s broader strategy to enhance its global aviation network through bilateral collaborations.

On April 3, 2025, Ethiopia and Pakistan made significant strides in their bilateral relationship with a high-level meeting between Pakistan’s Ambassador to Ethiopia and the Director General of the Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority (ECAA). The meeting focused on aviation training, air connectivity, and medical tourism, underlining both nations’ commitment to deepening ties under Pakistan’s “Look Africa” and Ethiopia’s “Enter Africa” policies.

In a move to bolster bilateral ties, Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, welcomed the request by AIR TANZANIA COMPANY LIMITED to initiate direct flights between Tanzania and Nigeria. The request was made by the Head of Chancery of the Tanzania High Commission, Mrs. Judica Elfadhili Nagunwa, and was discussed on April 13, 2025.

On April 10, 2025, Angola and Zambia took a significant step to improve bilateral air connectivity by signing an agreement for direct flights between their capitals, Luanda and Lusaka. The agreement, signed by Angola’s Minister of Transport, Ricardo Viegas D’Abreu, and his Zambian counterpart, Frank Tayali, aims to facilitate trade, tourism, and cultural exchange while enhancing regional integration.

On April 10, 2025, Kenya Airways and Embraer signed a Collaborative Inventory Planning (ECIP) program agreement aimed at optimizing inventory levels and reducing operational costs for the airline’s E190 jets. The contract, which covers 13 aircraft, is designed to improve spare parts management by utilizing Embraer’s advanced data-driven tools and materials management expertise. This partnership will provide Kenya Airways with cost-effective solutions and improved operational efficiency for its growing fleet.

Ethiopian Airlines, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Safran for the supply of Z400 economy class seats for 8 Boeing 777-9 aircraft. This deal, announced at the Aircraft International Exhibition in Hamburg, Germany, will see the delivery of the aircraft in mid-2027, with each equipped with 383 economy class seats. The Z400 seats, chosen for their advanced design and lightweight materials, will enhance passenger comfort and provide improved in-flight entertainment with 13-inch screens, a significant upgrade from the previous generation.

TAAG-Linhas Aereas de Angola has been announced as the launch customer for the Unum One business class seat developed by UK-based startup Unum Aircraft Seating. The announcement was made at the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg, held April 7-9, 2025. The lie-flat business class seat, currently undergoing certification, is expected to be delivered to TAAG starting in 2026. This new seating will offer enhanced comfort and functionality, contributing to a more premium travel experience for passengers on long-haul flights.

Air Botswana has partnered with the Airborne Lifeline Foundation, a non-profit organization focused on delivering essential medical services to underserved communities across the country. Under the partnership, Air Botswana will sponsor six tickets per month for a year, enabling medical professionals and essential personnel to travel between Gaborone, Maun, and Kasane.

Skyway Aviation handling company Plc (SAHCO), a leading ground handling service provider in Nigeria, has secured a comprehensive ground handling contract with Air Algérie. The new agreement will see SAHCO provide ground services for Air Algeria’s flights operating twice a week from Abuja to Algiers. The scope of services includes ramp handling, passenger services, baggage handling, cargo handling, and aircraft cleaning, further strengthening SAHCO’s position in the competitive Nigerian aviation services market.

Routes and Airline Connectivity.

On Saturday, April 5, 2025, Air Cairo launched its inaugural flight between Sharm El Sheikh and Milan Bergamo, establishing a twice-weekly connection between Northern Italy and one of Egypt’s most iconic Red Sea destinations. Operating every Thursday and Saturday on modern Embraer E190 aircraft, the new service provides a convenient and direct travel option for leisure travelers and culture enthusiasts looking to explore the region.

Overland Airways Limited resumed its Abuja-Jalingo flight services on April 3, 2025, following a temporary suspension due to expansion work at Danbaba Suntai Airport. The airline now operates three weekly flights on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, using an Embraer 175 jet. This resumption strengthens connectivity for passengers across Overland’s network, allowing connections to cities like Lagos, Akure, Ibadan, and Ilorin through its Abuja hub.

On Wednesday, April 9, 2025, fastjet Zimbabwe inaugurated a new scheduled flight from Harare to Lusaka, Zambia. The route will operate three times a week—on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays—using a 50-seater Embraer ERJ145 aircraft, providing improved air connectivity between the two capitals.

South African Airways (SAA) announced plans to launch a new fifth freedom route linking Cape Town to the United States via Accra, Ghana. This move is part of SAA’s strategy to expand its presence in West Africa, enhancing connectivity between Southern Africa, West Africa, and North America. The new service would allow SAA to carry passengers between Accra and the U.S., in addition to those traveling from Cape Town, further strengthening its international network.

Turkish Airlines has secured the necessary licences to resume flights to Mombasa, Kenya from Istanbul, Turkey, marking a return after a five-year absence. This news offers more options for travelers heading to Kenya’s popular coastline and its safari destinations, and it introduces competition that is expected to keep airfares competitive. While flight dates have yet to be announced, the restored licenses signal an imminent relaunch and new flight schedules.

In partnership with Safari Air, Classic Portfolio is set to introduce a new twice-weekly flight route connecting Beira (BEW) and Vilanculos (VNX), Mozambique, starting June 2, 2025. This service will provide seamless access to Gorongosa National Park, as well as the Bazaruto Archipelago beaches. The new connection will also enhance international accessibility through Ethiopian Airlines via Beira.

flynas, Saudi Arabia‘s leading budget airline, has commenced direct cargo flights between Entebbe, Uganda, and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Operating on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, the service provides 6 tons of weekly cargo capacity, with each flight capable of carrying 2 tons. This route, designed primarily for perishables, complements Flynas’s recent passenger service launch between Riyadh and Entebbe in January 2025.

Africa World Airlines Limited (AWA) is set to launch a new route connecting Accra, Ghana, to Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, beginning June 3, 2025. The service will operate three times a week using AWA’s Embraer ERJ-145 aircraft. This route expansion follows successful regulatory engagements with Burkinabe aviation authorities and will be AWA’s third international destination, joining Lagos and Abuja in its network.

Ryanair – Europe’s Favourite Airline has found itself at the center of a geopolitical dispute over its flights to Dakhla, in Western Sahara. The low-cost airline operates routes from Madrid and Lanzarote to Dakhla, a region claimed by the Polisario Front but largely controlled by Morocco. This controversial route, launched in January 2025, has sparked diplomatic tensions, with some critics accusing Ryanair of violating international agreements over the disputed territory.

Airline Fleets and ACMI’s.

On April 11, 2025, Libyan carrier BURAQ AIR TRANSPORT expanded its fleet with the addition of an Airbus Aircraft A320-200, marking the second A320 delivered to the airline this year. The 13.3-year-old aircraft, which features 180 economy seats, is registered as 5A-BAC. Leased from Arena Aviation Capital, the aircraft was previously operated by Cebu Pacific Air. This addition further strengthens Buraq Air’s operational capabilities as it continues to grow its fleet.

Nouvelair Tunisia is pleased to announce the delivery of a 19.1-year-old Airbus A320, registered LZ-EAD and leased from Electra Airways. Based in Djerba, the aircraft is configured with 180 economy seats and will support the airline’s growing presence in Europe. With the addition of this aircraft, Nouvelair’s fleet now includes 14 Airbus A320s. As part of its strategic vision, the airline plans to operate a 25-aircraft fleet by 2034, with a transition to a full A320neo fleet by 2030 as part of its sustainability and modernization efforts.

Aviation Infrastructure, Financing & Profitability.

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has officially phased out physical luggage screening at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos, replacing it with four high-capacity scanning machines. The upgrade follows the installation of advanced Rapiscan screening systems and surveillance technologies at critical checkpoints across both the old and new terminals. This move aims to streamline security procedures, enhance passenger experience, and reduce pre-flight check-in times.

As of April 2025, the Kenyan government has announced that an additional Sh4.8 billion is required to bring Isiolo International Airport up to international operational standards. Despite its commissioning in 2017, the airport remains underutilized and incomplete, limiting both passenger and cargo services. Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir noted that Sh1.5 billion is needed to rehabilitate the existing 1.4-kilometer runway, and an additional Sh1.5 billion is required to extend it to 3.5 kilometers. Spanning approximately 800 acres across Isiolo and Meru counties, the airport was envisioned as a strategic hub within the LAPSSET Corridor. However, the current runway classification is insufficient for international flights, and sections have been damaged by flooding. The facility has been labeled a “white elephant”, as no scheduled aircraft operations have occurred since its launch.

On April 7, 2025, Kenya Airways launched its New Distribution Capability (NDC) content through the Amadeus Travel Platform, starting with travel sellers in Kenya, and later expanding to South Africa and the United Kingdom. Leveraging the Altéa NDC solution, the airline aims to modernize its retailing strategy, offering more personalized, dynamic travel options. The integration with Amadeus will enable faster deployment of NDC offers, shorten time-to-market, and boost productivity for travel agencies and partners.

As of April 8, 2025, South Africa’s Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS) has updated the status of Instrument Flight Procedures (IFPs) across several airports. While major hubs have successfully secured IFP reapprovals, a number of regional airports have seen their procedures suspended due to expired regulatory approvals. Among those affected are Bram Fischer International Airport (Bloemfontein), Richards Bay Airport, and Upington Airport, which are now limited to Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC) only. This means aircraft can no longer operate during poor weather until compliance is restored and the IFPs are revalidated.

Following the recapture of Khartoum International Airport in Sudan, a preliminary assessment reveals that Tarco Aviation has sustained losses exceeding $100 million due to the destruction of six Boeing aircraft during recent hostilities. These damages have significantly crippled the airline’s fleet capacity and pose a major challenge to its financial recovery. The destruction of key infrastructure and aircraft not only disrupts immediate operations but also threatens the long-term viability of Tarco and the broader Sudanese aviation sector. The ongoing conflict has led to severe disruptions in air connectivity, heightened safety concerns, and diminished investor confidence in the region’s aviation future.

VISA/Passports.

Saudi Arabia has temporarily suspended the issuance of Umrah, business, and family visit visas for citizens of 14 countries, citing overcrowding and safety concerns during the upcoming Hajj pilgrimage. The suspension, effective until mid-June 2025, applies to nationals from Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sudan, Tunisia, and Yemen. According to Saudi authorities, Sunday April 13 was the final day to issue Umrah visas before the suspension takes full effect.

Latvia is set to deepen diplomatic and economic ties with Kenya by opening a consulate in Nairobi before the end of the year. The mission aims to streamline business engagement and enhance bilateral cooperation. Latvia’s Ambassador to Kenya, Andris Razans—based in Egypt and accredited to several African nations—highlighted Kenya’s strategic position as a leading tech-driven economy, citing opportunities for collaboration in technology, agriculture, and start-up development. The move aligns with Kenya’s push for greater global trade integration and supports its broader economic transformation agenda.

In a move to strengthen bilateral relations, Seychelles and Egypt have signed a visa waiver agreement for diplomatic and official passport holders. The agreement was formalized in Cairo during the official visit of Seychelles’ Minister of Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Mr. Sylvestre Radegonde, from April 5–6, 2025, at the invitation of Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration, and Expatriates Affairs, H.E. Badr Abdelatty. This milestone is expected to enhance cooperation and ease official travel between the two nations.

Tanzania has announced a visa exemption for Angolan citizens traveling for tourism purposes. The decision, made during President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s state visit to Angola on April 8, 2025, follows bilateral talks with President João Lourenço. The exemption allows Angolan nationals to visit Tanzania visa-free for up to 90 days, a move intended to boost tourism, trade, and investment between the two countries.

People/Appointment.

The namibia airports company (NAC) has appointed seasoned economist Namene Kalili (MBA)(M.Inst.D) as its new Executive for Commercial Services and Strategy, effective 1 April 2025. In his new role, Kalili will be responsible for driving revenue growth through enhanced commercial services and leading the development and execution of the NAC’s new five-year Integrated Strategic Business Plan. He holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration and is a member of the Institute of Directors, bringing strong governance expertise to the organization.

Egyptair Holding Company has appointed Tamer Abdallah Youssef Ali Fayed as the Acting Director General of the Public Relations and Protocol Department. Fayed will oversee public relations functions within the General Secretariat and manage affairs related to the Board of Directors and the Chairman’s Office. His role will be pivotal in enhancing EGYPTAIR’s corporate image and coordinating official engagements.

EGYPTAIR has paid tribute to Sama El-Doghidi, former Director General of the Chairman’s Office, for her over 40 years of dedicated service to the national carrier. During a special ceremony led by Captain Ahmed Adel, Chairman of EgyptAir Holding, El-Doghidi was honored with the company’s honorary shield in recognition of her exceptional professionalism and lasting contributions to the airline. Widely regarded as an “icon” of EgyptAir, El-Doghidi played a significant role in the airline’s evolution and was lauded by generations of company leadership for her impactful legacy.

Awards, Recognition, Certifications & Milestones.

Cape Town International Airport has once again cemented its position as a regional leader by sweeping top honors at the 2025 Skytrax World Airport Awards , held on April 9, 2025, in Madrid, Spain. Ranked 62nd globally, Cape Town was named: Best Airport in Africa, Cleanest Airport in Africa, and recognized for having the Best Airport Staff Service in Africa. The airport also retains its 4-Star Airport Rating from Skytrax, highlighting excellence in terminal comfort, cleanliness, retail and dining options, and customer service. In the Top 100 globally the other airports to rank in Africa are also from South Africa these been OR Tambo International at position 75 and Durban King Shaka International Airport at position 83. All three airports are operated by the Airports Company South Africa (ACSA).

Madagascar has achieved a significant milestone in its aviation security journey, recording a score of 67.07% in the 2025 Universal Security Audit Programme – Continuous Monitoring Approach (USAP-CMA) by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). This marks a substantial improvement from its 2013 score of 41.22%, reflecting the country’s growing commitment to aligning with international aviation security standards.The audit, conducted in Antananarivo, assessed Madagascar’s compliance with ICAO’s Annex 17 provisions on aviation security, as well as relevant elements of Annex 9 relating to facilitation. It focused on key areas such as the existence and implementation of a national civil aviation security program, the capacity of oversight authorities, airport-level security protocols, personnel training, and the state’s ability to respond to threats and emergencies.

Ethiopian Airlines marked its 79th anniversary on April 8, 2025, commemorating the carrier’s first international flight from Addis Ababa to Cairo in 1946. From its humble beginnings with five C-47 aircraft, the airline has grown into Africa’s largest aviation group, with a global network and industry-leading fleet. The anniversary underscores Ethiopian’s resilience, innovation, and unmatched leadership in African aviation.

At the 2025 Nigeria Aviation Awards and Ministerial Dinner (NIGAV), Henry Amaefule of ValueJet and Aisha Yakub of XEJet Limited were crowned King and Queen of the Air. The titles were awarded following a live selection process involving 13 contestants in Lagos. The event, themed “Foundation for Accelerated Aviation Growth”, celebrated frontline excellence and spotlighted young professionals driving Nigeria’s aviation future.

fastjet Zimbabwe has officially joined the International Air Transport Association (IATA) (IATA), becoming the latest airline to gain airline membership. This milestone follows the airline’s successful IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) registration in 2024, affirming its commitment to global safety and operational standards. As a growing regional player with a strong domestic presence and expanding international routes, Fastjet’s IATA membership marks a key step in enhancing connectivity, credibility, and collaboration within the global aviation community.

The terminal building at Tri-State Steuben County Municipal Airport, Angola, will soon bear the name of a man who dedicated—and ultimately gave—his life to aviation: the late Randy Strebig. On Monday, April 7, 2025, the Steuben County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a measure to rename the facility the Randal D. Strebig Terminal Building. The terminal was originally constructed by Strebig Construction, the company founded by Randy himself, further deepening the tribute’s significance.

Lawsuits.

A federal civil trial scheduled to begin on Monday, April 7, 2025, in Chicago was halted after Boeing reached a last-minute out-of-court settlement with the families of Antoine Lewis and Darcy Belanger, two victims of the 2019 Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 crash involving a Boeing 737 MAX 8. The settlement was finalized on Sunday, April 6, avoiding what would have been a high-profile civil trial. Antoine Lewis, a 39-year-old U.S. Army Captain from Illinois, and Darcy Belanger, a 46-year-old environmental advocate from Colorado, were among the 157 people killed when the aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff from Addis Ababa. As with similar previous settlements, the terms remain confidential.

Stanbic Bank Kenya and Kenya’s Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have reached a settlement, resolving a protracted legal dispute over a $7.2 million transaction involving Air Afrik Aviation Ltd. The agreement, adopted by High Court Judge Bahati Mwamuye on April 7, 2025, led to the withdrawal of all criminal investigations into Stanbic Bank, its CEO Joshua Oigara, and other senior executives. The case stemmed from a February 2016 incident, when Stanbic credited Air Afrik’s account based on a credit advice note from the Bank of South Sudan (BoSS). The airline withdrew approximately $1.1 million before it was discovered that the funds were never actually transferred. Stanbic reversed the remaining funds and blocked further withdrawals, prompting Air Afrik to claim the reversal collapsed a $20 million aircraft leasing deal with the South Sudanese government.

A South African court has granted the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) permission to sell a private jet belonging to fugitive religious leader Prophet Shepherd Bushiri, amid ongoing extradition and financial crimes proceedings. The North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria authorized the sale of the R50 million Bombardier Challenger 604, which has been held at Lanseria Airport since Bushiri and his wife fled South Africa in 2020. The NPA’s Asset Forfeiture Unit alleges the jet was acquired using illicit funds, a key element of its case. Bushiri has criticized the court’s ruling, urging authorities to reconsider the decision.

A Kenyan court has suspended the recruitment process for a new Managing Director of the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), citing transparency and constitutional concerns. The ruling follows legal petitions filed by the GEMA Watho Association and Francis Wanjiku, who challenged the December 2024 re-advertisement of the position, just months after it was initially posted in June 2024. The petitioners argued the process lacked transparency, failed to provide adequate justification, and violated fair employment practices. The court’s decision effectively freezes the recruitment until the matter is resolved.

Aviation Accidents/Incidents.

A tragic incident occurred aboard Kenya Airways flight KQ003 on April 11, 2025, when an elderly passenger died mid-flight during the airline’s longest route from New York to Nairobi. Despite immediate assistance from trained cabin crew and onboard medical professionals, the passenger’s condition deteriorated rapidly. The crew coordinated in real time with ground control and opted for an emergency diversion to Entebbe, Uganda. Unfortunately, the medical team onboard declared the passenger deceased before landing. The aircraft opted to procced to its intended destination, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi.

A Ministry of Defence (MOD) investigation has confirmed that the fatal helicopter crash that claimed the life of Kenyan Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) General Francis Ogolla and nine other military personnel on April 18, 2024, was caused by an engine malfunction. The Board of Inquiry, consisting of MOD technical experts and Kenya Air Force aviation investigators, concluded that the Kenya Air Force Huey helicopter (KAF 1501) suffered a catastrophic engine compressor stall, also known as a surge, shortly after taking off from Chesogon in West Pokot County.

A drone strike on April 11, 2025, destroyed a fuel depot at Dongola Airport in Sudan’s Northern State, according to local government officials. Authorities blamed the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) for the attack, which is part of a widening campaign targeting civilian and military infrastructure in the region.

A South African Air Force Beech B200C Super King Air encountered a mid-air emergency on April 11, 2025, shortly after departure from Waterkloof Air Force Base (WKF). The aircraft’s left-hand main cargo door blew open and detached, but the crew managed to return to WKF safely and without further incident. No injuries were reported.

On Saturday, April 12, 2025, at approximately 16:00 local time, an aircraft crashed into terrain east of Kitty Hawk Aerodrome (FAKT) in Pretoria, resulting in the death of the sole pilot onboard. Authorities confirmed that the individual was not affiliated with the Marksmen aerobatic team. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the accident.

In other news:

Somalia’s Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, Mohamed Farah Nuux, has issued a directive for urgent safety inspections of all aircraft operating in and out of the country. The move is aimed at ensuring compliance with international aviation safety standards and restoring public confidence in the country’s aviation sector. This initiative forms part of Somalia’s broader efforts to enhance aviation infrastructure, oversight, and regulatory enforcement. Recently, the government launched a new civil aviation oversight system designed to improve both the safety and efficiency of air services across Somali airspace. The Somali Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) has reassured the public and aviation stakeholders that the country’s airspace remains safe and secure, with operations aligned to global safety and regulatory standards.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) (IATA) has released a new Contactless Travel Guide aimed at accelerating the global transition toward touch-free air travel. The guide provides practical tools and recommendations for airlines and airports to implement contactless processes, from check-in to boarding. By eliminating the reliance on traditional paper documents, the guide seeks to streamline the passenger journey, enhance efficiency, and support health and safety in line with evolving passenger expectations in a post-pandemic world.