Introduction.
Ethiopian Aviation University, Africa’s largest aviation center of excellence, graduated 457 aviation professionals from 12 countries on 17 January 2026, including 58 pilots, 115 aircraft maintenance technicians, and 284 cabin crew members. The graduates, trained through the university’s Pilot Training, Aircraft Maintenance, and Cabin Crew schools, reflect the institution’s growing international reach, with trainees from countries including Ethiopia, Cameroon, Chad, Gabon, Italy, Madagascar, Malawi, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Uganda, and Yemen. Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew highlighted the university’s pivotal role in supplying skilled aviation professionals to the airline and the global aviation industry.
AOCs/ASLs/Regulations.
South Sudan Civil Aviation Authority has ordered all operators at Juba International Airport to remove grounded, unserviceable, or abandoned aircraft from taxiways, aprons, and other movement areas by 10 February 2026, giving them 30 days to comply or face enforcement action. The directive, issued on 10 January 2026, aims to address serious safety, security, and operational risks posed by dormant aircraft that impede efficient use of the airport’s infrastructure and reflects efforts by new leadership to strengthen safety oversight at the capital’s main international gateway.
Egypt has formally submitted its National Aviation Action Plan through 2028, a strategic roadmap designed to align the development of its civil aviation sector with global sustainability standards under Egypt Vision 2030. The plan aims to enhance competitiveness, support economic growth, boost tourism, and improve international connectivity by improving operational and air navigation efficiency, advancing aircraft technologies, introducing sustainable aviation fuel, developing green airports, and optimising flight routes within Egyptian airspace. Developed collaboratively by national aviation authorities and international safety partners, the roadmap includes 25 operational measures to reduce fuel use and emissions over the next three years, reflecting Egypt’s commitment to environmentally sustainable air transport expansion. The plan also projects international air traffic growth of around 6 percent annually through 2027 and 7 percent up to 2050, underscoring long‑term sector growth expectations
Liberia has launched the Civil Aviation Master Plan (CAMP) 2025–2045, a comprehensive 20-year strategy aimed at reforming, modernising, and restoring global confidence in the country’s aviation sector after decades of conflict, underinvestment, and regulatory ضعف. Unveiled in Monrovia by the Liberia Civil Aviation Authority (LCAA), the plan responds directly to ICAO safety and security audit findings and aligns with national development priorities, the African Union’s Agenda 2063, and international aviation standards. It sets out a roadmap to strengthen regulatory oversight, modernise Roberts International Airport and selected domestic aerodromes, upgrade air navigation services, and build sustainable human and institutional capacity, repositioning the LCAA as a credible and independent regulator.
Aviation Projections and Statistics.
Cape Town International Airport set a new record in 2025, handling 11.1 million two-way passengers, with 3.3 million international passengers (up 7% from 2024) and 7.8 million domestic passengers . December alone saw 1.12 million passengers, including 754,000 domestic travelers and 364,000 international travellers, marking an 8% year-on-year increase. Air cargo volumes surged 42% over the first 10 months of 2025, underscoring the airport’s growing role in regional logistics. The airport reached over one million passengers in October, signaling early travel momentum, while new routes planned for 2026—including LATAM Airlines’ São Paulo–Cape Town service and AIR TANZANIA COMPANY LIMITED’s Dar es Salaam–Victoria Falls–Cape Town triangular route—along with increased frequencies from Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Ethiopian Airlines, are set to strengthen connectivity further.
Air Cairo carried 5.8 million passengers in 2025, underpinned by continued network expansion and a highly standardised fleet strategy. The EGYPTAIR low-fare subsidiary operated 39 aircraft, all from the Airbus A320 family, consolidating its position as Africa’s largest A320 operator. This fleet scale and uniformity supported efficient short- and medium-haul operations across domestic, regional, and international leisure markets from key bases including Cairo, Hurghada, and Sharm El Sheikh, reinforcing Air Cairo’s growing role within the EGYPTAIR Group and Egypt’s broader aviation and tourism ecosystem.
Air Service Agreements (ASA’s)/Airlines Agreements/Partnerships.
South African Airways and CemAir (Pty)Ltd have launched an exclusive domestic codeshare agreement, announced on 16 January 2026, with bookings opening from 26 January. The partnership allows both airlines to place their codes on each other’s domestic flights across South Africa, improving connectivity between major cities and regional or leisure destinations without adding new capacity. The agreement strengthens SAA’s reach into secondary markets while giving CemAir access to SAA’s broader distribution and brand presence. The collaboration is positioned as a pragmatic approach to enhancing domestic connectivity, improving network efficiency, and supporting sustainable growth in South Africa’s evolving aviation market.
Etihad and TUNISAIR have signed a codeshare agreement to enhance connectivity between Abu Dhabi and North Africa, allowing travellers to book flights between Abu Dhabi and Tunis under either airline’s code. Effective 16 January 2026, the partnership covers Etihad’s three weekly Abu Dhabi–Tunis flights operated with Airbus A321LR aircraft, offering streamlined services including single-ticket booking, one check-in, and automatic baggage transfer. The agreement aims to support growing travel, tourism, and business demand, giving Tunisair customers easier access to Abu Dhabi while expanding Etihad’s reach in North Africa. Both airlines highlighted the strategic importance of the partnership in strengthening regional connectivity and offering passengers more seamless travel options across their networks.
The Liberia Airport Authority (LAA) has signed a Transportation Contract Agreement with the National Transit Authority (NTA) to provide free, scheduled bus services for employees commuting between Monrovia and Roberts International Airport (RIA), addressing long-standing logistical and financial challenges. The initiative, which covers daily five-day transport at no cost to staff, aims to improve welfare, punctuality, morale, and operational efficiency, particularly benefiting junior and female employees who previously faced costly, unreliable commutes. LAA leadership framed the move as part of a broader reform agenda focused on safety, security, and customer service, emphasizing that employee satisfaction is critical to achieving international standards in airport management.
Algeria and the IOM – UN Migration have signed an agreement to use the Airport Hotel in Dar El Beida, Algiers, to accommodate irregular migrants enrolled in the Voluntary Return and Reintegration Assistance Program to their countries of origin. The signing ceremony, held at the Wilaya of Algiers, was attended by Algerian Interior Minister Said Sayoud, IOM Director General Amy Pope, the Governor of Algiers, and diplomatic representatives. Minister Sayoud highlighted Algeria’s substantial resources and efforts to assist irregular migrants and emphasized the importance of addressing migration at its source. Amy Pope commended Algeria’s “responsible and humane management” of irregular migration and expressed readiness to expand cooperation for sustainable solutions.
Routes and Airline Connectivity.
Royal Jordanian launched its new Amman–Misrata service on 15 January 2026, restoring direct connectivity between Jordan and Libya’s commercial hub of Misrata. The route operates twice weekly, on Sundays and Thursdays, using Embraer E190-E2 aircraft, and marks Royal Jordanian’s third destination in Libya, alongside Tripoli and Benghazi. The service is aimed at supporting business travel, diaspora movements, and onward international connections via Amman, reflecting growing confidence in Libya’s aviation market and Royal Jordanian’s strategy to strengthen regional connectivity in North Africa and the Middle East.
Royal Air Maroc is set to launch its first regular direct flights between Saint Petersburg, Russia, and Casablanca, Morocco, with the inaugural service scheduled for 21 January 2026. Operated three times weekly—on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays—the route will use Boeing 737-800 aircraft. This new connection establishes the first direct air link between Russia’s second-largest city and Morocco’s main aviation hub, enabling passengers to access Royal Air Maroc’s extensive network through Casablanca, with onward connections to destinations across Europe, Africa, and Latin America. The route strengthens Morocco-Russia connectivity and expands travel options for both business and leisure travelers.
Airlink has announced plans to expand its 2025 network into 2026 by selling codeshare flights between Johannesburg and major European hubs—Paris, Frankfurt, and London. The airline applied to the International Air Services Council to amend its licence to market one return flight per week to each destination on partner-operated flights under an Airlink flight number. Currently holding unilateral agreements with airlines such as Air France, Lufthansa, Condor Flugdienst GmbH, British Airways, and Virgin Atlantic, Airlink could transition some of these into bilateral codeshare partnerships if regulatory approval is granted. The move aligns with Airlink’s strategy of connecting Southern and East African destinations, including Madagascar and St Helena, with convenient access to international networks.
Volotea is set to launch a new daily Marseille–Algiers flight on 29 March 2026, marking its fifth Algerian destination from Marseille and reinforcing its strategic focus on France–Algeria connectivity. The summer schedule will offer up to 12 weekly flights, with two flights daily except on Wednesdays and Saturdays, while the winter schedule will provide 14 weekly flights. This expansion is supported by a fourth aircraft based at Marseille, enabling Volotea to also increase services to Constantine and Tlemcen. The new route will add around 176,000 seats, bringing the total Marseille–Algeria capacity to 447,000 seats, complementing existing connections to Béjaïa, Constantine, Oran, and Tlemcen.
Airline Fleets and ACMI’s.
On 17 January 2026, Air Peace Limited took delivery of two Boeing 737 variants, expanding its 737 fleet and boosting capacity for domestic and regional operations. The first, OM-JEX, is a 24-year-old 737-8AS(WL) with first flight on 29 November 2001, built at Boeing’s Renton facility and equipped with two CFM56-7B26 engines, a Y189 seating configuration, and winglets added in December 2006. OM-JEX has an extensive operational history, having flown with carriers including Ryanair – Europe’s Favourite Airline, Orenair, Rossiya Airlines, TUI fly Belgium, Travel Service, El Al, Sundor, and Jet2, often under leases from Avolon, Carlyle Aviation Partners, and Apollo Aviation Group. The second, OM-LEX, is an 18.8-year-old 737-8BK(WL) with first flight on 12 April 2007, also powered by two CFM56-7B26 engines and featuring a Y189 layout. OM-LEX has previously served airlines such as Sunwing Airlines Inc., Smartwings, TUI fly Belgium, Fly All Ways, Badr Airlines, Enter Air Sp. z o.o., and Jet2, mostly under leases from Avolon and AirExplore. Both aircraft were leased from AirExplore, marking the latest additions to Air Peace’s fleet and strengthening the airline’s operational flexibility across its network.
Royal Air Maroc took delivery of a Boeing 737-8 MAX, registered CN-RHM, on 16 January 2026. The aircraft, with Manufacturer Serial Number (MSN) 43316 and Line Number 7611, was originally built at Boeing’s Renton (RNT) production site and had its first flight on 21 June 2019, making it 6.6 years old at delivery. Powered by two CFMI LEAP-1B28 engines and configured in C8Y168, CN-RHM was previously operated by multiple airlines under various leases, including S7 Airlines (VP-BXE), Qatar Airways (A7-BSA), and IndiGo (InterGlobe Aviation Ltd) (A7-BSA), with several periods of standard parking and ferry flights. The aircraft was acquired by Royal Air Maroc via a lease from Avolon and ferried from its last location at DIA to Casablanca (CMN) on the day of delivery. This addition reinforces Royal Air Maroc’s fleet of modern single-aisle aircraft, supporting its short- and medium-haul network expansion.
Air Algérie received delivery of an Airbus Aircraft A330-941, registered 7T-VLA, on 14 January 2026. The aircraft, with Manufacturer Serial Number (MSN) 1844, was built at Airbus’ Toulouse (TLS) production site and had its first flight on 7 March 2019, making it 6.9 years old at delivery. Powered by two Rolls-Royce Trent 7000-72 engines, it carries a C30W21Y235 configuration and hex code 0A00CD. Prior to joining Air Algérie, the aircraft had a complex operational history, having been operated by Air Belgium, LOT Polish Airlines, airberlin, and RwandAir Ltd through various leases. Delivered via a ferry flight from its previous location at LDE to Algiers (ALG), 7T-VLA strengthens Air Algérie’s long-haul fleet capacity, supporting the airline’s international expansion and modernization of its widebody operations.
On 13 January 2026, South African Airways (SAA) added a pre-owned Airbus A320-200 to its fleet as part of its ongoing fleet renewal strategy aimed at strengthening medium-haul connectivity across Southern and Central Africa. Previously operated by SAS – Scandinavian Airlines, the aircraft arrived in Johannesburg after painting in Shannon, Ireland, and provides enhanced flexibility, fuel efficiency, and passenger comfort on regional routes. Its deployment supports growing demand for intra-African travel and boosts access to major tourism and business destinations, including Cape Town, Durban, Victoria Falls, and Zanzibar, contributing to the recovery and growth of Africa’s tourism sector.
Airbus Helicopters has won a contract from Ghana’s Ministry of Defence for a mixed fleet of four helicopters, comprising two H175M multi-mission helicopters, one ACH175, and one ACH160. The H175Ms will support a wide range of defence and public service missions, including transport, search and rescue, emergency medical services, and disaster relief, while the ACH175 and ACH160 will be dedicated to transport roles. The agreement marks Airbus Helicopters’ return to the Ghanaian market with a renewed focus on long-term partnership and customer support, and positions Ghana as a leading West African operator of Airbus’ premium corporate helicopter range.
Tunisia’s new cargo airline, Cargo Wings Express, has taken delivery of two Boeing 737-300 converted freighters as it moves closer to launching operations from Tunis. The aircraft provide the carrier with dedicated short- and medium-haul cargo capacity, marking a notable development in a market historically reliant on passenger bellyhold space and a small number of local freighter operators. The entry of Cargo Wings Express is expected to increase capacity flexibility, improve reliability for time-sensitive shipments, and introduce additional competition into Tunisia’s air cargo sector, with potential implications for regional trade and logistics connectivity.
Air Zimbabwe Private Limited plans to acquire six new aircraft over the next three years at an estimated cost of USD 775.5 million as part of a five-year turnaround strategy backed by the Mutapa Investment Fund and the National Treasury. The fleet renewal aims to replace the airline’s ageing and now-inactive Boeing 737-200 and Boeing 767-200ER with more fuel-efficient and lower-maintenance aircraft, including two domestic aircraft, two regional jets, and two long-haul widebodies intended to support the resumption of direct international services. Currently, Air Zimbabwe operates only limited domestic and regional flights using a wet-leased ATR 42-500 from Kenya’s Renegade Air, as all of its own aircraft are grounded. Placed under MIF management in 2023, the airline’s modernisation aligns with Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 2, which prioritises improved air connectivity to boost tourism, trade, and broader economic growth.
South Africa’s Airlink is evaluating the Embraer E175‑E2 as a long‑term fleet replacement option once it begins retiring its ageing E135/E140 regional jets, according to CEO de Villiers Engelbrecht. The carrier, which is currently integrating Embraer E195‑E2s into its network with a planned 10‑aircraft lease programme, sees the E175‑E2 — seating approximately 80–90 passengers with improved fuel efficiency — as a potential next step to meet entry‑level capacity needs after the larger E195‑E2s are fully embedded. The E175‑E2’s enhanced range and 20–25% better fuel burn per seat compared to earlier models could support Airlink’s evolving domestic and regional strategy once Rolls‑Royce engine support for the E135 fleet winds down by about 2030–31, making the type a credible future replacement as the airline modernises its Embraer‑only fleet.
Tunisia’s Air Force has taken delivery of a former United States Air Force Lockheed Martin C‑130H tactical transport aircraft, handed over on 13 January 2026 at the Sidi Ahmed Air Base in Bizerte as part of ongoing military cooperation with the United States embassy and defence partners. The addition expands Tunisia’s Hercules transport fleet to an estimated six aircraft (five C‑130H and one C‑130B), alongside two newer C‑130J transports, and is intended to strengthen its airlift capability for joint exercises, air transport missions, security operations, and rapid response tasks across the region. The transfer reflects a continued U.S. commitment to support Tunisian air transport capacity and regional cooperation.
The Air Force of the Democratic Republic of the Congo has taken an Embraer E145 regional jet into military service that was formerly operated by Mont Gabaon Airlines of Goma. The aircraft, now registered 9T‑TEA (MSN 145497), was acquired from Kenya’s ALS Limited – Aircraft Leasing Services in 2025; in its civilian life it previously flew with Chautauqua Airlines and Shuttle America. The 24.3‑year‑old twin‑jet’s 9T registration reflects its new status as a military asset in the DRC, where the air force is also reported to operate an Embraer E135, a Boeing BBJ, and a varied mix of transport and utility aircraft in its fleet.
Aviation Infrastructure, Financing & Profitability.
Algeria is advancing a major development initiative in Boughezoul, south of Algiers, which includes constructing a new civilian airport and a sustainable city designed to accommodate 400,000 residents by 2035. The projects, funded partly through oil and gas revenues, aim to diversify the economy, boost the logistics and tourism sectors, and generate over 120,000 jobs. The airport, still awaiting final location approval, will enhance regional connectivity, support Air Algérie’s expanding operations, and facilitate the launch of a new domestic airline, with 16 ATR aircraft already procured to serve growing local and international travel demand. Boughezoul is being designed with renewable energy and modern infrastructure to promote eco-friendly urban growth and relieve pressure on Algeria’s overcrowded coastal regions. By improving air transport capacity and supporting tourism, these developments are expected to stimulate economic growth, create employment, and position Algeria as a strategic hub for sustainable urban development and regional air travel in North Africa.
VINCI Airports has completed the first phase of its airport modernisation programme in Cape Verde, marking a significant milestone in enhancing the country’s air connectivity and supporting economic growth. Phase 1A, completed in 2025 with €80 million investment, included runway renovations at Sal and São Nicolau, modernised terminals, upgraded aircraft parking, self-service check-in, advanced IT systems, and improved environmental performance via solar power, LED lighting, and enhanced oil and water management. Building on this, Phase 1B has been launched with a €142 million plan over three years to expand terminal capacity, add commercial areas, extend the runway at Boa Vista, and upgrade waste and wastewater treatment across the network. The programme is backed by a public-private partnership model with €60 million in sustainability-linked financing and shareholder equity, ensuring long-term investment resilience.
Tanzania has officially inaugurated the new VIP terminal at Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA) in Dar es Salaam, enhancing the country’s capacity to host heads of state and distinguished visitors. The opening ceremony was presided over by Vice-President Dr Emmanuel Nchimbi on 17 January 2026, marking the completion of the China Railway Jianchang Engineering Company–built facility. The terminal features modern VIP lounges, reception and meeting rooms, and supporting infrastructure, and is expected to boost business, improve diplomatic travel, and strengthen Tanzania’s position as a regional aviation hub.
Kabalega International Airport in Hoima District, Uganda, is nearing completion and is being prepared for local and international certification ahead of an official handover to the Ministry of Works and Transport, expected in March 2026 once contractor obligations are fulfilled. The facility is finalising key infrastructure—such as the mobile air traffic control tower and meteorological services required by the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) and International Civil Aviation Organization standards—and has already secured land for access and approach roads. The airport’s power needs are supported by a 2.5 MW hydropower substation with standby generators, and authorities are also considering additional solar power for security lighting, reinforcing readiness for operational status.
Al Kufra Airport in southeastern Libya will temporarily close for one month starting January 19, 2026, to carry out extensive runway maintenance, a measure aimed at improving infrastructure and ensuring air traffic safety. Serving the strategic oasis city near the borders of Sudan, Chad, and Egypt, the airport is the region’s only operational air hub, making the closure significant for civilian travel, medical transfers, student mobility, and cross-border logistics. The suspension also coincides with heightened regional tensions, including the conflict in Sudan and Egypt’s influence on Libyan factions, suggesting the closure may serve both technical and diplomatic purposes. This follows major renovations completed last May, and the airport’s management will announce the reopening date through official channels once maintenance is completed.
Ethiopia has taken a key step to expand its aviation services capacity after the Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority certified a second internationally compliant MRO facility on 13 January. The facility, although linked to the air force, has been licensed as a civilian operation and is authorised to provide maintenance services to private and commercial aircraft operators. The move is expected to ease maintenance capacity constraints, reduce aircraft downtime, and improve access to certified MRO services for non-state airlines, while strengthening Ethiopia’s position as a regional aviation maintenance hub.
Tunisia’s flag carrier TUNISAIR has recorded losses of over 316 million Tunisian dinars (approximately USD 100–105 million), according to a recent state audit by the Tunisian Court of Accounts, making it the most loss-making public enterprise reviewed. The audit found that Tunisair alone accounted for nearly 30% of the total TND 1.07 billion losses reported across 11 state-owned entities, with the deficit attributed to persistent governance and oversight failures, high operating costs, weak financial controls, and limited progress on restructuring. The findings highlight mounting pressure on public finances and reinforce calls for deep structural reforms as the airline continues to face operational and fleet-related constraints despite a broader post-pandemic recovery in air travel.
VISA/Passports/Consulates/Travel.
On January 12, 2026, the U.S. Department of State updated its travel advisory for Comoros, adding a “health” risk indicator to its Level 2 (“Exercise Increased Caution”) warning due to the country’s limited medical and emergency services. While Comoros remains low in violent crime, petty theft and occasional piracy are noted, and political unrest with sporadic protests can occur, primarily in the capital, Moroni. The advisory highlights that U.S. consular services are provided remotely from Madagascar, with no direct flights from Comoros, making medical evacuation often necessary for serious health issues.
Azerbaijan and Uganda have agreed to mutually waive visa requirements for holders of diplomatic and service passports, strengthening diplomatic ties and facilitating smoother official travel between the two countries. The visa‑exemption agreement, signed in Kampala on 15 October 2025 and recently approved by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, means that diplomats and government officials from both nations can now travel between Azerbaijan and Uganda without needing visas, simplifying movement for official duties and bilateral engagements. The exemption applies specifically to diplomatic and service passport holders and does not extend to ordinary passport holders, who must still follow standard visa procedures.
People/Appointments.
Kenya Airways has appointed Absolom Ngari as Head of Cargo Commercial and Global Sales with effect from January 5, 2026, replacing Peter Musola, who has moved into the role of Country Manager for Ghana. The appointment, confirmed by Cargo Director Fitsum Abadi Gebrehawaria and described as a replacement with a wider scope, reflects a strengthening of the airline’s cargo commercial leadership. Ngari brings 19 years of experience in air cargo management, strategy, and commercial operations, most recently serving as General Manager for the Africa region at Sharaf Group, and has previously held senior roles across several aviation and logistics organisations, including Turkish Airlines Cargo, Swissport Cargo Services, and TAL Aviation Group Cargo.
Four aviation unions in Nigeria have given the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria (NCAT) management 14 days to resolve staff welfare and conditions of service, warning of a potential shutdown if no action is taken. The unions—including the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, National Union of Air Transport Employees, Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals, and NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF AIRCRAFT PILOTS AND ENGINEERS —criticized NCAT for delays in finalizing its Conditions of Service review despite repeated engagements. They cautioned that a shutdown would disrupt training schedules, technical operations, and certification pipelines, exacerbating skills shortages in Nigeria’s aviation sector, while urging the college to move from dialogue to concrete action.
Awards, Recognition, Certifications & Milestones.
Tunisie Catering, the air catering subsidiary of TUNISAIR, has achieved dual ISO certifications—ISO 9001:2015 for quality management and ISO 22000:2018 for food safety—highlighting its commitment to operational excellence and compliance with international standards. The certifications recognize the company’s strong organizational processes, quality control, and ability to consistently deliver high-standard services. Established in 1948, Tunisie Catering has expanded across Tunisia with production units in Djerba, Monastir, and Tunis, holding an exclusive position in providing air catering for both national and international airlines. This achievement aligns with Tunisair Group’s broader strategy of continuous improvement and customer satisfaction.
Air France, in partnership with Alliance Française, launched an exhibition in Lagos on January 16, 2026, to celebrate 80 years of continuous operations in Nigeria, highlighting one of its longest-standing African partnerships. Titled “Bridging Cultures – The Nigerian-French Connection,” the exhibition at Alliance Française Lagos runs until February 7 and showcases the airline’s history, technological progress, crew uniform evolution, and contributions to cultural, economic, and aviation development in Nigeria. Air France began operations in Nigeria in 1946 with its Paris–Lagos inaugural flight and now operates daily Lagos–Paris flights and thrice-weekly Abuja–Paris services, connecting over 200 global destinations.
Lawsuits/Investigations.
The High Court in Moshi, Tanzania, has ruled in a long-running land dispute involving communities bordering Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA) that the Director General of the Tanzania Airports Authority (TAA) should be removed as a named defendant in the case, with the Authority itself substituted instead, because only the institution (not its head) has legal capacity to be sued under the Tanzania Airports Authority Act 2024. The ruling on 14 January 2026 by Judge Adrian Kilimi allows the case brought by 30 villagers from Sanya, Mtakuja, and Tindigani to proceed, following objections to how defendants were originally named, while rejecting the government’s request to dismiss another defendant without detailed evidence. The plaintiffs are seeking recognition of their land rights, an injunction against eviction, and compensation, arguing the government seized land they have long inhabited without consent.
Uganda Airlines’ proposed Boeing aircraft purchase is now the subject of a criminal investigation by the Uganda Police’s Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) working jointly with the State House Anti‑Corruption Unit, amid allegations of abuse of office, embezzlement of funds, and false accounting related to the procurement process. Investigators have formally requested extensive documentation, including Contracts Committee minutes approving the Boeing purchase, the airline’s business and implementation plans, financial records, and procurement files linked to service providers such as MixJet Flight Support Services, AEG Fuels, Nyanzi Tours and Travel, and ALS – Aircraft Leasing Services, reflecting scrutiny of whether approved procedures and budgets were followed. Parliament had previously approved supplementary funding of about UGX 422.26 billion (around USD 119 million) for the acquisition of Boeing and other aircraft, but the probe has introduced uncertainty into Uganda Airlines’ fleet expansion plans as authorities examine financial oversight, revenue accounting, and related transactions. Officials at the airline have not publicly commented on the investigation.
Aviation Accidents/Incidences.
A Qatar Airways flight with 248 passengers and 12 crew made a safe emergency landing at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, after a technical fault developed mid-air over Nigerian airspace on January 17, 2026. The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) activated its response plan, and with support from air traffic control and emergency responders, the pilot executed a controlled landing without injuries. All passengers and crew were safely evacuated, and the aircraft was later moved to the apron for detailed inspection and repairs.
Night flights at Tete Airport in Mozambique have been temporarily suspended after vandals damaged eight runway approach lights and stole essential 150- and 200-watt electrical cables. Aeroportos de Moçambique, E.P. announced that flights will remain halted until the equipment is fully restored and safety conditions are reestablished, while repair efforts are underway. The authority also urged the public to report vandalism, warning that such acts compromise civil aviation safety and disrupt airport operations.
Other information:
Kenya has moved closer to positioning itself as a regional hub for advanced aviation training through a new partnership linking African students to China’s Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics (NUAA), a globally recognised aerospace institution. The collaboration, led by Harmonics Air Centre in partnership with Kenya Aeronautical College, establishes structured pathways for African students to access world-class aerospace education, research facilities, and scholarships, addressing a growing skills gap as Africa’s aviation sector expands. With Kenya’s strong aviation ecosystem anchored by Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, the initiative enhances the country’s role in developing pilots, engineers, air traffic specialists, and researchers, while also promoting joint research, academic exchanges, and long-term skills transfer to support sustainable growth in African aviation and aerospace.
