Introduction.
At the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) Annual General Meeting in Angola, IATA, Airlines Association of Southern Africa (AASA), and AFRAA resolved to form a unified task force to address Africa’s escalating aviation taxes and safety challenges, with IATA noting that airline taxes and charges across the continent are already 15% higher than the global average. IATA highlighted the severe financial strain on African carriers, which earn only USD 1.2 profit per seat, compared to the global average of USD 7.7 per seat, undermining competitiveness and growth. A major concern is the rapid rise of new levies, including Advanced Passenger Information System (APIS) taxes: Nigeria, for example, initially proposed a USD 50 per passenger fee, which IATA negotiated down to USD 11.5, effective 1 December. Safety performance remains another critical issue, with Africa recording 10.59 accidents per one million flights, nearly ten times higher than the global rate of 1.13 accidents per million flights, according to IATA’s 2024 Safety Report. Additional industry worries include ground-handling monopolies that limit airline bargaining power.
Conferences, Events and Exhibitions.
The 57th Annual General Assembly (AGA) of the African Airlines Association (AFRAA), hosted by TAAG-Linhas Aereas de Angola in Luanda, brought together delegates from 49 countries, including airline executives, government officials, regulators, and industry partners, to discuss connectivity, cooperation, and sustainability in African aviation. Held under the theme “Redefining African Aviation: Cooperation, Sustainability, and Strategic Growth,” the event positioned Luanda as a key forum for shaping the continent’s air transport future. High-level sessions addressed airline business model adaptation, cost structures, partnerships, hub strategies, and the transformation of Angolan civil aviation, providing practical insights on route development, fleet planning, and regulatory frameworks. The AGA emphasized structural barriers to growth, including market access and fragmentation, and highlighted the importance of strategic hubs to enhance intra-African connectivity.
The Nigeria International Air Show (NIA), a new biennial aviation and aerospace event, held its inaugural edition from 2–4 December 2025 at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. The three-day event brought together airlines, aircraft manufacturers, regulators, financiers, and other industry stakeholders to discuss key themes such as aviation infrastructure, safety, aircraft financing, MRO, advanced aerial mobility, and regional connectivity under AfCFTA and SAATM. The show featured impressive aerial demonstrations by the Nigerian Air Force alongside static aircraft displays, blending civil and defense aviation elements. Delivered through a Public-Private Partnership model with no direct government funding, the NIA aimed to attract global investment, cutting-edge technology, and industry expertise, while positioning Nigeria as a leading aviation hub in Africa.
AOCs/ASLs/Regulations.
HPG International has received its first ground handling operator certificate from Gabon’s Agence Nationale de l’Aviation Civile (ANAC), marking a major step in the company’s expansion into Central Africa. The certification authorizes HPG International to provide a full suite of ground handling services at Libreville’s Léon-Mba International Airport, including passenger handling, ramp operations, aircraft servicing, and cargo support. The approval came after a rigorous multi-phase evaluation process covering operational capability, safety management systems, equipment standards, staff competency, and compliance with Gabon’s updated ground handling regulatory framework.
Aviation Projections and Statistics.
Airbus Aircraft delivered 72 aircraft to 42 customers in November 2025, bringing its year-to-date total to 657 and leaving 133 deliveries needed in December to meet its revised annual target of 790—already reduced from “around 820” due to a fuselage panel quality issue affecting A320 Family production. While the new goal would still exceed the 766 deliveries in 2024 and 735 in 2023, it remains well below the pre-pandemic peak of 863 in 2019, and the extent of required inspections on hundreds of jets—including more than 240 still on the assembly line—has effectively ruled out achieving the original target. Airbus also logged 75 gross orders in November, including widebody purchases by an undisclosed A350-1000 customer, narrowbody orders from two undisclosed buyers, and additional commitments from IndiGo (InterGlobe Aviation Ltd), Etihad, Air China Cargo, and Silk Way West Airlines.
International Air Transport Association (IATA) data reveals that aircraft burn significant amounts of fuel while stationary on the ground, with Airbus A320s consuming an average of 54 kg per flight and Boeing B777s using 200 kg per flight during taxi and holding times. Across the 5.6 million A320 flights in 2024, this fuel burn amounted to nearly USD 200 million, while the 700,000 B777 flights accounted for around USD 100 million. Remarkably, 45% of fuel burned on the ground occurs while aircraft are stationary, producing no operational value. This idle fuel use translates to 900 kilotons of CO₂ emissions annually for the A320 fleet alone. With fuel representing over 30% of airline operating costs and being a major contributor to carbon emissions, these figures underscore the importance of data-driven operational improvements. Solutions like Airport Collaborative Decision Making (A-CDM), which enhances coordination among airlines, airports, and air navigation service providers, can reduce ground idle time, cut fuel costs, and lower emissions, supporting the industry’s pathway toward net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Morocco’s tourism sector achieved a historic milestone in 2025, recording 18 million arrivals in the first eleven months, surpassing the full-year 2024 total by over 600,000 visitors, a 13.5% increase year-on-year. The growth is attributed to the 2023–2026 tourism roadmap, which focused on enhanced air connectivity, international promotion, and diversified tourism offerings. By October 2025, travel revenues had reached MAD 113.26 billion (≈$11.32 billion), already exceeding the 2024 total of MAD 112.5 billion (≈$11.25 billion), marking a 16.7% rise, with expenditures at MAD 27.54 billion (≈$2.75 billion) and a surplus of MAD 85.71 billion (≈$8.57 billion). Morocco’s 2023–2026 targets of 17.5–18 million visitors, MAD 120–124 billion (≈$12–12.4 billion) in revenues, and 200,000 new jobs are being met ahead of schedule, positioning the kingdom toward its 2030 goal of 26 million tourists. Strategic initiatives include diversifying tourism experiences beyond sun-and-sea offerings, infrastructure expansion such as doubling airport capacity from 38 to 80 million passengers by 2030, extending high-speed rail to Marrakech and Agadir, and preparing World Cup-related stadiums and transport upgrades.
Air Algérie carried nearly 8 million passengers in 2024 and projected 8.5 million passengers in 2025, excluding its domestic subsidiary, Domestic Airlines which is expected to add another 1.5 million passengers. To meet rising demand, especially during peak seasons, the airline planned to increase its summer 2025 daily flight frequency by one-third, operating over 320 flights per day, up from 230 daily flights in summer 2024. CEO Hamza Benhamouda acknowledged that this rapid capacity growth had caused some operational disruptions but noted that the introduction of new aircraft would help stabilize performance. He also highlighted expanded promotional fares, competitive pricing strategies, and strengthened commercial partnerships aimed at enhancing affordability, route competitiveness, and overall service quality.
Cairo International Airport experienced a strong recovery in November 2025, handling 2,694,470 passengers, up 10% from 2,442,368 in November 2024. Air traffic also increased, with 19,556 flights operated compared to 17,646 a year earlier, marking an 11% rise. Departing passengers totaled 1,364,016 across 9,788 flights, while arriving passengers numbered 1,330,454 on 9,768 flights. These statistics underscore the airport’s high operational efficiency, demonstrating its capacity to manage rising passenger volumes and flight movements while maintaining high service standards.
Air Service Agreements (ASA’s)/Airlines Agreements/Partnerships.
TAAG-Linhas Aereas de Angola and South African Airways have launched a strategic codeshare partnership effective 1 December 2025, creating a unified network built around the Luanda, Johannesburg, and Cape Town hubs to enhance continental and intercontinental connectivity across Africa, Europe, and South America. The agreement allows SAA to place its code on TAAG-operated flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town to Luanda—with onward links to Lisbon and São Paulo—while TAAG gains access to SAA’s key regional destinations, including Durban, Gqeberha, Harare, Lusaka, and Cape Town. Passengers benefit from single-ticket itineraries, through-check-in, integrated baggage handling, and coordinated schedules that shorten connection times and simplify transfers.
Turkish Airlines, Türkiye’s flag carrier, announced a codeshare agreement with South African Airways, set to commence on 1 March 2026, aimed at enhancing connectivity between Africa and Türkiye and providing passengers with more travel options. The agreement, signed in Geneva by Turkish Airlines Chairman Ahmet Bolat and South African Airways CEO John Lamola, is intended to strengthen commercial, cultural, and tourism ties between the two countries while supporting trade and sustainable economic growth. Under the partnership, South African Airways will codeshare on regional routes including Johannesburg–Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth, Windhoek, Harare, Victoria Falls, and Mauritius, while Turkish Airlines will codeshare on international routes such as Istanbul–Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Frankfurt, Paris, and London.
The African Airlines Association (AFRAA) and AfriSAF formalised a new cooperation framework to accelerate the development of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) across Africa. Announced in Luanda during AFRAA’s 57th AGA, the agreement — signed by AFRAA Secretary-General Abderahmane Berthé and AfriSAF CEO Kwame Bekoe — aims to support airlines, strengthen feedstock supply chains, and advance bankable SAF projects on the continent. This partnership marks a strategic step in positioning Africa within the global energy transition.
Angola announce that it had brought in Lufthansa Consulting to lead a major transformation of TAAG-Linhas Aereas de Angola, as part of a broader bilateral air services agreement with Germany aimed at strengthening connectivity, investment, and tourism. The government described the partnership as essential to its vision of developing Angola into a regional aviation hub, with Transport Minister Ricardo Viegas D’Abreu stressing the goal of boosting TAAG’s efficiency and profitability.
Nigeria took a major step to strengthen its position in the global aviation value chain by announcing a landmark partnership with Boeing and Cranfield University to establish advanced Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities in Lagos and Abuja. The initiative aims to reduce Nigeria’s annual $200 million expenditure on overseas aircraft maintenance and foster a sustainable civil aviation ecosystem. The project, led locally by Aero Contractors of Nigeria Ltd and XEJet Limited, builds on a 2024 memorandum of understanding with Boeing, which provided training, technical support, and operational assessments. The move comes amid strong sector growth, with passenger traffic rising from 15.89 million in 2023 and projected to reach 25.7 million by 2029, and aviation contributing about 2.5% of Nigeria’s GDP.
The Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management (IBUAM) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Auxano Consulting Nigeria Limited (Auxano Aviation) to acquire 30 Jabiru J430 training aircraft, enhancing its pilot-training capacity. The agreement, formalized at the Nigeria International Airshow in Abuja, involved IBUAM Founder Isaac Balami, Vice Chancellor Air Vice Marshal (Rtd.) P. O. Jemitola, and Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo, who hailed the MoU as a landmark achievement of the event. Under the partnership, Auxano Aviation, an authorized Jabiru distributor, will deliver 10 aircraft per year over three years, providing airworthiness documentation, initial spare parts, tools, handbooks, instructor familiarization, and ongoing technical support. The aircraft will be used exclusively for pilot training, aeronautical research, and flight operations, with IBUAM maintaining NCAA compliance and ensuring qualified personnel manage the fleet.
Military – At the 2025 Egypt Defence Expo (EDEX), held from 1 to 2 December 2025 in Cairo, the state-owned Arab Organisation for Industrialisation (AOI) signed a landmark agreement with French manufacturer Dassault Aviation to become a certified supplier of spare parts for Rafale aircraft, strengthening Egypt’s defence industry and regional manufacturing capabilities. The deal, signed by AOI Chairman Major General Engineer Mokhtar Abdel Latif and French Ambassador Eric Chevallier on 1 December 2025, allows AOI to produce components at its Engine Factory south of Cairo to Fourth Industrial Revolution standards, ensuring compliance with Dassault’s stringent quality requirements. The partnership also aims to expand industrial cooperation, knowledge exchange, and potential exports to Arab and African markets, supporting Egypt’s Vision 2030 goals of localising advanced technology, increasing domestic manufacturing content, and attracting investment.
Routes and Airline Connectivity.
Delta Air Lines officially launched its expanded seasonal Accra–Atlanta service on 3 December 2025 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Kotoka International Airport (KIA), responding to strong travel demand between Ghana and the United States during the peak holiday period. Operating daily for six weeks through 16 January 2026 using the Airbus A330-900neo, the route enhances Delta’s existing year-round New York JFK service, providing passengers with premium options including Delta One Suites, Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort, and Delta Main, alongside seatback entertainment and complimentary transatlantic Wi-Fi. The launch underscores the economic, diplomatic, and cultural significance of stronger Ghana–U.S. connectivity, offering seamless onward links to over 215 destinations in the U.S., and builds on Delta’s 19 years of service in Ghana, during which it has transported approximately 1.5 million passengers on the Accra–New York route and over 7.5 million across Africa.
BELAVIA – Belarusian Airlines resumed its direct flight operations to Sharm El-Sheikh after a multi-year hiatus, marking a significant return to Egypt’s popular Red Sea destination. The inaugural flight from Brest to Sharm El-Sheikh departed on 1 December 2025, following a four-year suspension, and was fully booked, with all 189 seats on the Boeing 737-800 occupied by passengers seeking to escape the December cold for Egypt’s warmer climate. The flights are being organized in partnership with the tour operator AeroBelService, which is handling flight consolidations and package arrangements. Earlier, on 22 November 2025, Belavia also restarted charter flights from Mogilev to Sharm El-Sheikh after nearly five years without service, signaling the airline’s broader push to restore access to Egypt for leisure travelers and support the country’s tourism sector.
On 1 December 2025, RwandAir Ltd launched a new Kigali–Zanzibar–Mombasa service while officially resuming flights to Moi International Airport in Mombasa after a six-year hiatus, re-establishing its connection with the Kenyan coast. The airline now operates four weekly flights on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays using a Boeing 737, linking Rwanda, Tanzania, and Kenya in a single route. The inaugural flights received a warm reception from tourism and aviation stakeholders, highlighting the potential boost for coastal tourism, regional connectivity, and business travel. The service aims to strengthen East African travel links, enhance tourism flows to Zanzibar and Mombasa, and offer convenient options for travelers seeking efficient connections across key regional destinations.
On 3 December 2025, EGYPTAIR officially commenced its twice-weekly direct service between Alexandria Borg El Arab International Airport (HBE) and Benghazi Benina International Airport (BEN), operated using Boeing 737‑800 aircraft. The flights, scheduled on Wednesdays and Saturdays, mark the resumption of direct connectivity between northern Egypt and eastern Libya, enhancing regional air travel options. This new route strengthens EgyptAir’s regional network and supports bilateral trade, tourism, and business ties between the two countries, while providing passengers with convenient travel across North Africa.
Royal Air Maroc (RAM) has launched a fourth weekly flight between Casablanca and São Paulo, Brazil, with the inaugural departure from Casablanca on December 3, 2025, and the return from São Paulo scheduled for the following day. Operating every Wednesday, the additional service is expected to handle over 30% of Brazil’s air traffic to Morocco and strengthen connectivity between Latin America, North Africa, and Europe amid rising demand for direct routes. The new flight is part of a collaboration with Embratur, Brazil’s federal tourism agency, and São Paulo–Guarulhos International Airport, positioning Morocco as a strategic hub for South Atlantic travel.
United Nigeria Airlines launched direct flights from Lagos to Ilorin on Friday, 5 December 2025, establishing a new domestic link that strengthens Ilorin’s role as an emerging aviation hub in Nigeria’s North Central region. The inaugural flight, operated with an Embraer ERJ-145 carrying 41 passengers, received a traditional water salute upon arrival at Tunde Idiagbon Airport, marking a strategic expansion in the airline’s network. Director of Operations Captain Ahmad Ibrahim explained that the route forms part of the airline’s broader growth strategy, which has seen it expand to 14 domestic destinations since February 2021 with a fleet of nine aircraft, including recent international additions like the Accra service.
Freedom Airline Express Ltd officially launched its new Nairobi–Mombasa service on 5 December 2025, offering flights three times a week using a Bombardier CRJ-200 aircraft. The route enhances regional connectivity and is expected to support tourism and business travel between the capital and Kenya’s coast. The inauguration ceremony at Moi International Airport featured prominent attendees including the Mombasa County Governor, Freedom Air leadership, and senior officials from the Kenya Airports Authority.
Qantas has officially relaunched its non-stop flights between Perth, Australia, and Johannesburg, South Africa, with the inaugural service, QF65, departing at 1:30 pm on Sunday, 7 December 2025. The flight, operated on an Airbus Aircraft A330, is scheduled to cover the 11-hour-and-20-minute journey, arriving in Johannesburg at 6:50 pm local time. In addition to Sundays, Qantas will operate the route on Tuesdays and Fridays, providing increased connectivity between Western Australia and South Africa. Prior to Qantas’ return, the route had been exclusively served by South African Airways, making this relaunch a significant expansion of options for both leisure and business travelers seeking direct travel across the South Indian Ocean.
easyJet announced the launch of a new route connecting Porto, Portugal, to São Vicente, Cape Verde, starting 30 March 2026. The service will operate twice weekly, on Mondays and Fridays, providing Porto with direct access to four Cape Verdean islands, mirroring easyJet’s existing Lisbon connections. This expansion reinforces the airline’s strategy to enhance tourism and improve connectivity in northern Portugal, offering travelers from Porto similar international access as the capital.
Eswatini Air announced plans to expand its regional operations with the acquisition of a third Embraer ERJ‑145 aircraft and the launch of a new direct route linking King Mswati III International Airport in Eswatini to Lusaka’s Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Zambia. The additional aircraft will increase the airline’s capacity, enabling higher flight frequencies, more stable schedules, and the ability to serve new destinations, enhancing flexibility and connectivity for travellers. The Lusaka route is expected to stimulate tourism by linking Eswatini’s cultural and natural attractions with Zambia’s safari destinations and Victoria Falls, while facilitating multi-destination travel packages across Southern Africa with existing services to South Africa and Zimbabwe.
Airline Fleets and ACMI’s.
Fly X Airlines, a Zimbabwean start-up carrier still progressing toward full certification and commercial launch, took delivery of an Airbus A340-300 on December 6, 2025, now registered as Z-FLE. The aircraft, 23.9 years old, has an extensive operational history beginning with Iberia in 2002 as EC-ICF, followed by service with Philippine Airlines, Philiph Aviation Consulting, Plus Ultra Líneas Aéreas, NFC459, and later Gaynor Fly. Over its lifetime, it has undergone multiple storage periods, configuration changes, and re-registrations before joining Fly X in a C24Y265 layout, powered by four CFM engines, as the airline continues building its fleet ahead of its planned launch.
Military – Calidus, LLC announced that it has received a Letter of Intent (LOI) from the Republic of Angola to acquire 12 B-250T training aircraft, a move aimed at bolstering advanced pilot training programs and showcasing confidence in national defence capabilities. The B-250T, developed by Calidus Aerospace, is a high-performance, versatile trainer featuring a state-of-the-art carbon fibre structure, fifth-generation cockpit, and advanced avionics enabling air-to-air and air-to-ground operations, day-and-night missions, and sophisticated simulations. Its unique aerodynamic design provides exceptional aerobatic manoeuvrability and pilot endurance, while offering flexibility for multiple configurations, easy maintenance, and future upgrades.
Aviation Infrastructure, Financing & Profitability.
The Cameroonian government announced plans to conduct feasibility studies in 2026 for a new “world-class” international airport in the Douala metropolitan area, strategically located between Douala, Édéa, and Kribi, aimed at addressing capacity constraints and establishing Douala as a major aviation hub for Central Africa. The initial phase, covering regulatory preparation, development planning, and investment assessment, was allocated approximately CFA 1.2 billion (~USD 1.9 million). In parallel, Cameroon confirmed the rehabilitation of three secondary airports — Bertoua in the East, Kribi in the South, and Tiko in the South-West — with works scheduled to commence in 2026 under the 2024–2026 Priority Investment Program, with a total budget of CFA 72 billion (~USD 110 million). Preparatory activities have already begun, including compensation for affected residents, such as the CFA 490 million (~USD 750,000) set aside in Bertoua for property owners and farmers prior to clearance and construction.
Ghana and the Netherlands deepened their security cooperation in late November 2025 when the Dutch government formally handed over funding to Ghana’s Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) to procure new full‑body and baggage security scanners for Kotoka International Airport (KIA) in Accra. The equipment donation was delivered during a ceremony attended by the Dutch Minister of Justice and Security, alongside Ghana’s Interior and Foreign Affairs Ministers, highlighting the bilateral commitment to combating transnational organized crime and drug trafficking. The new scanners are expected to significantly enhance Ghana’s capacity to detect concealed narcotics and other illicit items, replacing outdated screening equipment that had previously forced NACOC to rely on sniffer dogs at the airport.
Kenya has unveiled a new, ambitious master‑plan to expand JKIA following the collapse of the previous agreement with Adani Group. The revised blueprint envisions an airport capable of handling more than 22 million passengers — a sharp increase from recent traffic — supported by a brand‑new terminal building and a second parallel runway, aiming to end the airport’s dependency on its single existing runway. The new terminal is slated to feature a modern processing hall, multiple piers, expanded security and immigration facilities, and separated domestic and international operations — designed to process up to 10 million passengers in its first phase, with capacity expandable to 15 million as demand grows. The parallel runway will enable simultaneous take-offs and landings, reducing congestion and improving operational resilience, particularly during maintenance or emergency periods.
Mauritania began construction of a new US $4 million headquarters for its Civil Aviation Authority (ANAC) in Nouakchott, following a foundation-stone ceremony on 1 December 2025. The 18-month project aims to deliver a modern, secure and energy-efficient facility that will enhance ANAC’s regulatory and administrative capacity. The development forms part of Mauritania’s broader effort to strengthen its civil-aviation infrastructure and align more closely with international standards while supporting the country’s long-term air transport growth.
Uganda Airlines has requested a supplementary budget of UGX 422.3 billion (approximately USD 117 million) to fund the acquisition of 10 new aircraft, including four narrow‑body Airbus Aircraft jets, four wide‑body Boeing aircraft, and two Boeing‑converted freighters. This request was presented on 1 December 2025 before Parliament’s Budget Committee as part of the 2025/2026 funding plan. The pre-delivery payments are structured in two tranches: UGX 247.0 billion (≈ USD 68 million) now and UGX 275.2 billion (≈ USD 76 million) in January 2026. The fleet expansion aims to strengthen Uganda Airlines’ capacity to serve more destinations and handle both passenger and cargo demand.
People/Appointments.
Morocco’s National Airports Office (ONDA) has appointed four new directors to lead its key airports: Soumia Tabeg at Marrakech Menara, Othmane Hassani at Tangier Ibn Battouta, Kamal Ait Chrifa at Fez Saiss, and Abdelmounaim Aoutoul at Agadir Al Massira. These strategic appointments are part of the national “Airports 2030” plan, aimed at strengthening operational governance, enhancing passenger experience, and supporting infrastructure development to accommodate growing air traffic. Marrakech Menara, Morocco’s primary tourist gateway, is preparing for capacity expansion, while Tangier, a northern industrial and logistics hub, enters a new growth phase. Fez seeks to bolster its appeal as a spiritual and heritage destination, and Agadir focuses on sustainable, high-end tourism development.
Mr. Bankole Bernard, Group Managing Director of Finchglow Holdings, which oversees six travel and aviation-focused businesses, has been appointed Chairman of the Cargo Accounts Settlement Systems (CASS) Nigeria Local Consultative Council (LCC). CASS Nigeria, through its LCC, plays a critical role in the country’s aviation sector by ensuring transparency and strengthening financial settlement processes between airlines, cargo operators, and logistics partners. Bernard’s appointment, confirmed by CASS Nigeria, comes at a pivotal moment for the council, requiring experienced leadership to unify stakeholders, drive reforms, and build a resilient, future-ready cargo settlement environment. Previously, Bernard served as Chairman of the Agency Programme Joint Council (APJC), where he advanced global and regional initiatives to improve airline-agency relationships, promote transparency, and bolster industry confidence.
Namibia and the African aviation sector are mourning the loss of Angeline Simana, a distinguished aviation leader who passed away on 30 November 2025. Simana had a remarkable career spanning more than two decades, beginning in 2000 at Namibia’s Ministry of Works and Transport as a Transport Economist and rising to Deputy Director and later Director of Transportation Policy and Regulation. She went on to serve as Executive Director of the Namibia Civil Aviation Authority, where she implemented key reforms to strengthen aviation oversight. On the continental stage, Simana served as Director of Air Transport at the African Civil Aviation Commission AFCAC and was appointed Interim Secretary-General in January 2022. She was a strong advocate for the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), promoting liberalization, regional connectivity, and market integration across Africa.
VISA/Passports/Consulates/Travel.
The Trump administration announced a pause on all immigration applications—including green cards and U.S. citizenship—for immigrants from 19 non-European countries, citing national security and public safety concerns. The policy targets nations already affected by a partial travel ban in June, including Afghanistan, Somalia, Iran, Libya, Yemen, and others, and requires applicants to undergo a thorough re-review process, potentially including new interviews. The memorandum referenced the recent attack on U.S. National Guard members in Washington, allegedly committed by an Afghan man, as a justification for the restrictions. The new measures mark a heightened focus on legal immigration controls, complementing Trump’s broader enforcement actions since returning to office in January, including deportations and border restrictions. Reports indicate that oath ceremonies, naturalization interviews, and adjustment of status interviews for affected individuals have been delayed or cancelled, reflecting the sweeping impact of the policy on immigration from the 19 targeted countries.
Mauritius is set to implement a new electronic travel authorization (e-TA) system in the coming months to streamline arrivals at its airports, particularly at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport in Port Louis, which handles the majority of international flights. The system will allow travelers to apply online before departure, submit necessary documentation, and receive a QR code or digital confirmation for faster processing through immigration, reducing queues, paperwork, and airport congestion. With Mauritius receiving an average of 1.5 million visitors annually, the e-TA is expected to enhance efficiency, passenger satisfaction, and airport operations, while improving security through more accurate tracking and verification of arrivals.
South Africa’s Minister of Home Affairs, Dr. Leon Schreiber, has revoked the 90-day visa exemption for Palestinian passport holders following the arrival of 153 Palestinians on a chartered flight from Kenya last month. Investigations by national intelligence and consultations within the Security Cluster revealed systematic abuse of the visa exemption, with Israeli-linked actors allegedly orchestrating travel from Gaza not for tourism or short-term stays, but to relocate Palestinians abroad. Many passengers arrived with one-way tickets, minimal luggage, and no confirmed accommodation or onward travel, leaving them dependent on humanitarian assistance. Authorities determined that intermediaries, rather than the travelers themselves, arranged the charter flights, and evidence suggested this was part of a broader, ongoing effort to move Palestinians globally, potentially coordinated by organisations such as Dubai-based brokers and Al-Majd Europe.
Last Monday, Burkina Faso’s leader Ibrahim Traoré became the first head of state of the Sahel Alliance to receive an identity card issued under the bloc’s confederation, presented by the country’s security minister. The introduction of biometric ID cards aims to raise the profile of the Sahel Alliance and strengthen regional integration, signaling Burkina Faso, along with Mali and Niger, in their intent to distance themselves from the West African bloc ECOWAS. The identity card features advanced security measures designed to ensure reliable personal identification and robust data protection, reflecting the Alliance’s push toward technological and political autonomy in the region.
Awards, Recognition, Certifications & Milestones.
Ethiopian Airlines reinforced its position as Africa’s leading carrier by winning four major awards at the AFRAA 57th Annual General Assembly in Luanda, Angola, highlighting its profitability, connectivity growth, industry leadership, and pioneering role in the Free Route Airspace initiative. The airline was recognised as Airline of the Year for Best Profitability in Global Operations (2024), Best Improved Intra-Africa Connectivity (2024), recipient of the Outstanding Service Award for its broader contribution to African aviation, and honoured with the Distinguished Service Award for its instrumental role in advancing the continent’s Free Route Airspace project.
Earlier Ethiopian Cargo & Logistics Services was named ‘Best Cargo Airline – Africa’ for the third consecutive year at the Arabian Cargo Awards 2025, held on 24 November in Dubai, recognizing the airline’s operational efficiency, safety, and expanding role in global logistics. The carrier operates Africa’s largest cargo network, serving over 70 cargo-dedicated destinations and more than 145 passenger belly-hold connections, with an annual handling capacity of 1 million tons across sectors including horticulture, pharmaceuticals, valuables, live animals, e-commerce, and courier services.
ASKY AIRLINES was honored with two awards at the 57th Annual General Assembly of the African Airlines Association (AFRAA), held from November 30 to December 2, 2025, in Luanda, Angola. The airline received the Distinguished Service Award for its role as a Champion Airline in the Free Route Airspace Project, recognizing its pioneering leadership in enhancing African airspace efficiency and connectivity. Additionally, ASKY was presented with the Airline of the Year Award for Best Financial Performance (Regional Operations), highlighting its strong business model, robust corporate governance, and operational excellence.
Air Peace Limited, Nigeria’s largest airline, was awarded Airline of the Year at the maiden Nigeria International Air Show in Abuja, while its Chairman and CEO, Dr. Allen Onyema, received the Aviation Executive of the Year award. Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, presented the honors, recognizing Air Peace’s role in transforming Nigeria’s aviation sector and restoring national pride in local carriers. Since its founding in 2014 with a modest fleet of Dornier 328s and Boeing 737s, Air Peace has expanded into a formidable airline with a diverse fleet including wide-body Boeing 777s and modern Embraer 195-E2 jets.
XEJet Limited was honoured with the Best In-flight Service Award at the Nigeria International Airshow in Abuja, presented by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, in recognition of the airline’s exceptional commitment to premium inflight hospitality and service innovation. CEO Emmanuel Iza described the award as validation of XEJet’s efforts to elevate domestic air travel standards, emphasizing the airline’s focus on curated onboard experiences for First-Class passengers, from carefully selected amenities to refined hospitality that ensures comfort, privacy, and professionalism.
Tanzania achieved a world record milestone as the 123rd country to host a solo hot air balloon flight, coordinated by the TANZANIA CIVIL AVIATION AUTHORITY(TCAA) in Tarangire National Park. The historic flight, undertaken by Dr. Pilot Allie Dunnington as part of her global ballooning journey, marked the first solo balloon flight within the reserve. TCAA facilitated the operation through meticulous safety assessments, technical planning, and regulatory oversight, ensuring compliance with legal and environmental requirements.
Aviation Accidents/Incidences.
On 30 November 2025, a privately operated The Airplane Factory Sling 2 (registration ZU-FWF) crashed shortly after takeoff from Morningstar Airfield in Cape Town following a reported engine failure during the initial climb. The aircraft, MSN 020, was on a private flight with two occupants, both of whom tragically lost their lives. The crash caused substantial damage to the aircraft.
On 30 November 2025 at 21:30 UTC, Air Arabia Maroc flight 3O122, an Airbus A320-214 registered CN-NMH and manufactured in 2012, experienced a landing incident at Nador-Taouima Airport in Morocco following its scheduled flight from Amsterdam Schiphol. The aircraft, powered by CFM56-5B4/P engines, reportedly suffered one or more burst or deflated tires upon landing. All occupants escaped without injury, and no fatalities were recorded. The extent of aircraft damage remains unknown.
On 2 December 2025, a Samaritan’s Purse Cessna 208B Grand Caravan carrying four occupants was involved in an unlawful interference incident while operating a cargo flight from Juba to Maiwut. An armed passenger reportedly hijacked the aircraft mid-flight and ordered the pilot to divert toward Chad. The pilot, citing insufficient fuel, continued flying for nearly an hour while persuading the hijacker to allow a landing, ultimately diverting safely to Wau Airport, where security forces apprehended the suspect without further incident. No injuries or damage were reported, and the crew later returned with the aircraft to Juba.
On 3 December 2025, Air Sénégal S.A flight HC305, an Airbus A320-214 registered LY-MAL and operated by GetJet Airlines, experienced an in-flight incident while en route from Dakar to Abidjan with 142 occupants on board. The 2007-built aircraft, powered by CFM56-5B4/P engines, reportedly suffered “critical damage to the windscreen” during the cruise phase between Dakar and Abidjan. As a precaution, the crew elected to return safely to Dakar-Blaise Diagne International Airport, where the aircraft landed without injuries and with only minor damage reported.
On 5 December 2025, a helicopter operating in the Democratic Republic of Congo crashed into Lake Tanganyika near the town of Yungu while on approach to Kalemie Airport after departing the MONUSCO heliport. The aircraft, carrying three occupants, was destroyed in the accident, and at least one fatality was reported, with the remaining occupants recovered in unspecified condition. Rescue operations continued into the late evening, and the incident is being investigated by the BPEA.
On 6 December 2025, a Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet A of the Nigerian Air Force crashed near Karabonde, Nigeria during the initial climb of a routine test flight departing from NAF Base Kainji. The two-person crew successfully ejected after maneuvering the aircraft away from populated areas. The jet was destroyed in the accident, but there were no fatalities.
Somaliland’s government confirmed a confrontation at Egal International Airport on 2 December 2025 during former President Muse Bihi Abdi’s departure to the United Arab Emirates. The incident reportedly occurred due to insufficient prior coordination between Bihi’s security detail and airport authorities, with the former president arriving with a convoy exceeding standard protocol limits. The situation escalated when bystanders attempted to force entry into restricted airport areas, prompting security personnel to discharge warning shots into the air. At least one soldier involved in the incident was detained pending investigation.
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Egypt has made significant strides in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) development with two major initiatives announced in December 2025. The Egyptian Sustainable Aviation Fuel Company (ESAF), a subsidiary of the Egyptian Petrochemicals Holding Company (ECHEM), signed an agreement with Honeywell UOP to establish the country’s first SAF facility in Alexandria. This plant will convert used cooking oil into up to 120,000 tonnes of jet fuel annually, reducing an estimated 400,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions per year. The facility will leverage Honeywell UOP’s advanced hydrogenation technology, capable of producing renewable jet fuel from non-edible oils, animal fats, and waste feedstocks, with approximately 80% conversion efficiency while meeting international aviation fuel standards. Complementing this, Shell signed a long-term offtake agreement with Green Sky Capital to secure 100% of the output from Egypt’s first commercial-scale SAF plant, expected to commence operations by the end of 2027. This plant will produce up to 145,000 tonnes of SAF annually, alongside bionaphtha and biopropane, contributing to an additional reduction of up to 500,000 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent emissions per year.
