Introduction.

Aviation experts from 19 countries across five African regional blocs have endorsed a model bilateral air services agreement designed to accelerate the long-delayed liberalization of Africa’s skies under the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM). Backed by the European Union, the template aims to harmonize fragmented rules, dismantle restrictions, and speed up implementation of the Yamoussoukro Decision (YD). IATA estimates that liberalizing just 12 key markets could unlock US$1.3 billion in annual GDP and create 155,000 jobs, while officials stress the need for growth to benefit all citizens as passenger traffic is expected to double by 2040. So far, 34 nations representing over 80% of Africa’s aviation market, including Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Egypt, and Morocco, have signed onto SAATM. The push comes amid a rebound in Africa’s aviation sector, with passenger traffic projected to rise 15.3% to 113 million in 2025 and airlines reporting strong revenue growth, though capacity constraints and reliance on bilateral accords continue to limit full connectivity.

Conferences & Events

The 34th Airports Council International – ACI Africa Annual General Assembly, Regional Conference & Exhibition is currently underway in Lusaka, Zambia (13–19 September 2025), under the theme “Powering African Airports for Strategic Growth.” The gathering brings together airport operators, regulators, service providers, and key aviation stakeholders to explore strategies for strengthening African airports through innovation, technology, sustainability, financial resilience, and improved passenger experience. Alongside the main conference sessions, the event features board and committee meetings, policy dialogues, and an exhibition showcasing cutting-edge products and solutions, making it a pivotal platform for collaboration and shaping the future of Africa’s aviation sector.

AOCs/ASLs/Regulations.

The Federal Government of Nigeria has confirmed that the full implementation of the new Tax Reforms Act will begin on January 1, 2026, requiring airlines and allied businesses to pay Value Added Tax (VAT) on aircraft, engines, spare parts, and air tickets—items previously exempt since 2021. The government argues the reforms will boost revenue, improve compliance, and harmonize taxes, but the move has sparked backlash from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and industry experts. Critics say the reforms contravene international treaties signed by Nigeria under ECOWAS Commission and International Civil Aviation Organization, both of which prohibit taxes on air passengers and cargo, and warn that the 7.5% VAT alongside the existing 5% Ticket and Cargo Sales Charges will amount to multiple taxation, inflate ticket prices, discourage travel, and further strain an already overburdened aviation sector. Stakeholders are urging the government to reconsider, citing the risk of reduced passenger numbers, weakened industry growth, and a violation of international obligations.

Gabon’s Agence Nationale de l’Aviation Civile (ANAC) has requested the suspension of the N7 passenger security fee, collected by Westminster Group plc, amid growing concerns over rising aviation taxes. Airlines have been advised not to settle pending invoices as authorities review the impact of these levies on competitiveness. The move follows warnings from International Air Transport Association (IATA) and African Airlines Association (AFRAA) that Gabon’s aviation charges are among the highest in Africa and exceed ICAO-recommended cost-recovery principles, raising fears that excessive fees could undermine connectivity, increase ticket prices, and weaken Libreville’s position as a regional hub.

Aviation Projections and Statistics.

In August 2025, Boeing delivered 57 jets—its strongest August since 2018—up from 48 in July and bringing its year-to-date total to 385, already surpassing the full-year 2024 tally of 348. The deliveries included 42 Boeing 737 MAXs, 14 widebodies (nine 787s, four 777s, and one 767), with notable recipients including Ryanair, United Airlines, and several Chinese carriers. During the month, Boeing also booked 26 gross orders, led by Cathay Pacific’s purchase of 14 Boeing 777-9s, along with five 737 MAXs and seven 787s, though it saw two 737 MAX cancellations. By August’s end, the company had logged 725 gross orders in 2025 (against 46 cancellations and conversions), while its official backlog stood at 5,994 aircraft. Meanwhile, rival Airbus Aircraft delivered 61 jets in August, raising its total for the year to 434.

Cairo International Airport welcomed 2.87 million passengers in August 2025, reflecting an 8% year-on-year increase from 2.65 million in August 2024 and an 8.4% month-on-month rise from 2.65 million in July 2025. This translated into a strong 84.4% load factor against the 3,400,337 airline seats tracked by AeroTrail for the month. Flight activity also expanded, with 20,050 movements in August, up 7% from July’s 18,729 and 5% higher year-on-year than the 19,049 flights recorded in August 2024. These consistent gains reinforce Cairo’s position as Egypt’s primary gateway and a leading regional hub, with both passenger traffic and flight operations maintaining robust growth momentum.

Entebbe International Airport achieved a new milestone in August 2025, processing 243,089 international passengers—116,507 arrivals and 126,582 departures—with a daily average of 7,841 travelers. This surpassed the previous records of 230,577 passengers in July 2025 and 222,301 in December 2024, representing a 79.8% load factor against the 304,660 airline seats tracked by AeroTrail for the month. Cargo volumes also remained robust at 5,257 metric tonnes, split between 2,010 tonnes of imports and 3,247 tonnes of exports. Over the first half of 2025, the airport handled 1,133,366 passenger movements (550,439 arrivals and 582,927 departures), marking year-on-year growth of 4.3% in arrivals and 7.6% in departures compared to 2024.

Cameroon’s airports handled 1.8 million passengers in 2024, marking a 5.6% year-on-year increase, with growth largely driven by international traffic as domestic demand remained weak due to CAMAIR-CO’s structural challenges. The market was highly concentrated, with 10 carriers handling nearly all passenger and cargo movements. Camair-Co led domestically with 11,606 flights and 549,303 passengers, though profitability and load factors remain problematic. On international routes, Ethiopian Airlines dominated cargo with 5,880 tons (38% of total freight) and carried 259,067 passengers on 1,921 flights, while Air France carried 243,749 passengers and 5,042 tons of cargo on 1,365 flights, and Brussels Airlines moved 172,276 passengers and 3,727 tons of freight. Regional connectivity was supported by ASKY AIRLINES with 111,517 passengers on 2,199 flights, alongside Air Côte d’Ivoire and Afrijet Business Service, which jointly carried 115,158 passengers on more than 3,200 flights. Other notable contributors included Turkish Airlines (84,694 passengers, 339 tons of cargo), Royal Air Maroc (66,457 passengers), and RwandAir Ltd (63,306 passengers).

Morocco’s tourism sector continues to surge, welcoming 13.5 million visitors by the end of August 2025, marking a 15% increase from the same period in 2024, with the summer months of July and August alone attracting 4.6 million tourists, a 6% year-on-year growth. By July, visitor arrivals had already reached 11.6 million, bolstered by the return of Moroccans living abroad (MREs), though some diaspora travelers have raised concerns over rising travel costs and service quality. The sector generated MAD 67 billion (around $6.7 billion) in travel receipts by the end of July, contributing roughly 7% to Morocco’s GDP, with July alone recording MAD 13 billion ($1.3 billion), a 26% increase from 2024. Growth has been supported by improved air connectivity, including new Ryanair – Europe’s Favourite Airline routes and Royal Air Maroc fleet expansion. Looking ahead, Morocco aims to attract 26 million visitors by 2030, leveraging infrastructure upgrades, major events such as the 2030 FIFA World Cup, and strategic investments to enhance tourism offerings.

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

Senegal and Rwanda have signed a new Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) on September 8, 2025, aimed at enhancing air connectivity and strengthening economic cooperation between the two nations. The deal is expected to open opportunities for trade, tourism, and travel, building on earlier diplomatic engagements between Presidents Paul Kagame and Bassirou Diomaye Faye. While specific airlines and routes are yet to be announced, the agreement marks a significant step toward deeper regional integration and collaboration in civil aviation.

On September 10, 2025, Rwanda and Liberia signed two key Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) in Monrovia to deepen bilateral relations. The agreements, signed by Rwanda’s Foreign Minister Olivier Jean Patrick Nduhungirehe and his Liberian counterpart Sara Beysolow Nyanti, include the establishment of a Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation to enhance collaboration across multiple sectors, and a Visa Waiver Agreement to facilitate easier travel between the two countries. Building on existing partnerships in security and parliamentary diplomacy—highlighted by a 2024 meeting of both nations’ police chiefs in Kigali—the new MoUs are expected to strengthen political, economic, and people-to-people ties between Rwanda and Liberia.

South Africa and Algeria have begun negotiations to restore their suspended air services and create new cargo and passenger routes as part of a broader economic cooperation agenda. The talks, held during the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) 2025 in Algiers, focused on implementing a December 2024 Memorandum of Understanding on Economic Cooperation that covers aviation, trade, and infrastructure development. Both countries stressed that efficient air connectivity is vital to boosting intra-African trade, tourism, and regional integration. A major outcome will be the restoration of direct flights between Johannesburg and Algiers, expected to enhance business, tourism, and cultural exchange while addressing Africa’s fragmented air transport networks.

Kenya Airways has signed a partnership with ROAMBUDDY to launch KQSafari Data, a solution developed at the Fahari Innovation Hub through the airline’s Open Innovation Challenge. The service, offering over 2,250 affordable roaming plans across 180 countries, aims to provide travelers with seamless, reliable, and cost-effective global data connectivity, addressing one of the key challenges for international passengers. By enhancing convenience and digital access, the initiative strengthens customer loyalty, improves the end-to-end travel experience, and reinforces Kenya Airways’ positioning as Africa’s most customer-centric and innovative airline.

Morocco is advancing its airport digitalization with the launch of SoftPOS Morocco, a contactless payment solution at Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport. Developed through a partnership between Royal Air Maroc, Al Barid Bank, IBA Group, and Berexia Payment, the system uses IBA’s tapXphone technology to turn smartphones and tablets into secure payment terminals. Travelers can now make cashless payments at check-in desks, transit areas, and boarding gates, accessing services such as seat selection, lounge access, and cabin upgrades. The initiative aims to create a fully digital-first passenger experience, improving convenience, speed, security, and flexibility. Phase one is limited to Casablanca, with plans to expand to other airports, including Paris Orly, positioning Morocco as a regional leader in airport digital payments and a model for broader African adoption.

Cape Town-based BOOTLEGGER COFFEE COMPANY LIMITED has partnered exclusively with FlySafair to serve four of its premium beverages—Colombian freeze-dried coffee, cappuccino, chocolate latte, and tea—across all domestic flights starting 17 September 2025. This collaboration supports Bootlegger’s strategic diversification, enabling the brand to expand beyond retail outlets while preparing for its first international expansion in Windhoek, Namibia. With 86 outlets currently and plans to reach 100 by the end of 2025 and 200 by 2028, Bootlegger aims to capture the South African airline beverage market, which remains largely underserved.

South Africa’s Alt. Academy, a Johannesburg-based SACAA-accredited aviation training institution located near O.R. Tambo International Airport, has entered into a strategic partnership with Africa Charter Airline (ACA) to enhance pilot training, instructor development, and cabin crew career pathways. The academy, which offers Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 type ratings alongside pilot, cabin crew, and ground handling programs, will provide ACA with access to a pool of qualified instructors. The agreement also introduces a three-month rotational internship for cabin crew, offering hands-on industry experience and creating a sustainable pipeline of skilled professionals to support Africa’s growing air transport sector.

Routes and Airline Connectivity.

AFRIQIYAH AIRWAYS commenced direct flights between Tripoli and Damascus on September 9, 2025, restoring air connectivity between Libya and Syria after a prolonged hiatus. This followed Syrian Arab Airlines’ resumption of charter services to Tripoli on August 17, 2025, reflecting coordinated efforts by both countries to enhance bilateral travel and strengthen diplomatic and economic ties. Operating between Mitiga International Airport in Tripoli and Damascus International Airport, the flights provide a vital link for passengers and contribute to regional cooperation, facilitating both tourism and business exchanges while marking a significant step in rebuilding post-conflict connectivity in the Middle East and North Africa.

Royal Air Maroc (RAM), the official global partner of the CAF Confederation of African Football, has unveiled a comprehensive transportation strategy to support the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco. The national carrier will operate over 660 additional flights, boosting capacity by more than 50% to accommodate the anticipated influx of over 500,000 football fans, as confirmed by CAF during the ticket pre-registration launch. Key elements of the plan include doubling seat capacity on routes to African cities within RAM’s network—such as Dakar, Abidjan, Cairo, Tunis, Bamako, Lagos, and Douala—and increasing flight frequencies from European cities with significant African diaspora populations, including Paris, Brussels, Milan, London, Marseille, Lyon, Madrid, and Barcelona. A dedicated domestic air transport program will shuttle national teams between base camps and host cities, while special offers aim to facilitate African diaspora transit through Casablanca, enhancing opportunities to attend matches. The initiative builds on RAM’s April partnership with CAF, reflecting the airline’s commitment to connecting Africa and Europe via its Casablanca hub.

fastjet Zimbabwe is set to expand its Johannesburg–Harare route with the launch of new flights tailored for business travelers. Beginning September 29, the airline will introduce an early morning departure from Johannesburg and an evening return from Harare, operating daily except Saturdays with Embraer ERJ145 aircraft. According to Chief Commercial Officer Vivian Ruwuya, the move responds to growing demand from business passengers seeking flexible schedules that allow for a full working day in Harare. This expansion follows recent network additions, including Harare–Lusaka flights launched in April and Victoria Falls–Bulawayo service introduced last month.

AURIC AIR SERVICES LIMITED is expanding its network in Tanzania with new scheduled flights linking Dar es Salaam, Mwanza, and Bukoba starting October 1, 2025, operated with a newly inducted 50-seater Dash 8-300 aircraft. The service will run four times weekly (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday), offering convenient timings for both business and leisure travelers. The move is expected to enhance regional connectivity, making it easier to explore Mwanza’s lakeside attractions and Bukoba’s scenic hills while boosting domestic tourism and business travel.

China Eastern Airlines Global Holding, through its subsidiary Eastern Air Logistics, has completed its first-ever chartered flight transporting Egyptian cultural relics, returning 50 artifacts weighing 17.6 metric tons from Shanghai to Egypt after the exhibition “On Top of the Pyramid: The Civilization of Ancient Egypt” concluded on August 17. The exhibition was the largest of its kind, attracting 2.77 million visitors and generating over 30 billion online views worldwide. To ensure the safe transfer of the relics, China Eastern deployed an all-cargo aircraft, optimized the flight route, and assembled specialized teams for ground handling and logistics.

Airline Fleets and ACMI’s.

United Nigeria Airlines has signed a sale and purchase agreement with Southwest Airlines for six Boeing 737-800 aircraft, marking a major step in its growth and fleet expansion strategy. Facilitated by SkyWorks Holdings, LLC, the acquisition will boost the airline’s domestic, regional, and international operations with improved efficiency, capacity, and environmental performance. The 737-800, with a range of 2,935 nautical miles and seating for up to 189 passengers, will enhance passenger comfort and support profitable expansion. United Nigeria also expressed interest in acquiring four additional 737-800s, potentially expanding the order to ten aircraft to be delivered between 2026 and 2027, with Boeing and Southwest Airlines providing ongoing support in training and maintenance.

Malawi Airlines Limited has received a Boeing 737-700 (ET-BCF) leased from Ethiopian Airlines, officially delivered on 12 September 2025. The aircraft is 18.3 years old and has a varied service history, having first flown with TUIfly in 2007, later joining airberlin in 2009, and then RwandAir Ltd in 2013, where it remained until April 2025 before being stored in Shannon. Its induction marks a boost to Malawian Airlines’ fleet capacity as the carrier looks to strengthen regional connectivity across Southern Africa.

Ethiopian Airlines has expanded its domestic fleet with the acquisition of two De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited Twin Otter Classic 300-G aircraft, renowned for their Short Take-Off and Landing (STOL) capabilities and ability to perform water landings, making them ideal for remote and challenging operations. The versatile aircraft, each with capacity for up to 20 passengers or over 1,100 kg of cargo and a five-hour endurance, will support passenger and cargo transport, air ambulance services, airport calibration, inspection, and charter flights. Signed at the Paris Air Show, the deal supports Ethiopian’s Vision 2035 strategy to modernize its fleet, enhance domestic connectivity, boost tourism and regional integration, and strengthen its position as one of the world’s leading aviation groups through its growing multi-hub African operations.

Air Zimbabwe has added an ATR 42-500, registered 5Y-RNV, to its fleet on 5 September 2025 under a lease from Renegade Air. The aircraft, now 20.4 years old, was originally delivered to Czech Airlines (CSA) in May 2005 and carried the name Přerov until 2010. After years of service in Europe and subsequent leasing arrangements through operators such as Renegade Air, the turboprop—powered by two PWC PW127E engines—will now support Air Zimbabwe’s short-haul and regional operations, enhancing connectivity and capacity within Southern Africa.

Egypt has unveiled plans to expand its airline fleet by about 30% to meet rising tourism demand, according to Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly. The initiative, led in coordination with Civil Aviation Minister Sameh Hefny, forms part of a broader strategy to boost the country’s aviation and tourism sectors through hotel capacity growth, airport upgrades, and streamlined investment. Authorities are also preparing to offer some airports for private sector operation and bring in internationally recognized operators to manage facilities, ensuring efficiency and global competitiveness. This expansion underlines Cairo’s focus on positioning Egypt as a top tourism and air transport hub in the region.

Kenya is set to retire its presidential jet, Harambee One, a Fokker 70 Extended Range (ER) aircraft delivered in 1995, after nearly 30 years of service. The jet, registered KAF 308, was acquired under President Daniel Arap Moi and modified to carry about 26 passengers for regional flights within its 3,400–4,000 km range. Its retirement has been prompted by high maintenance costs, reduced operational reliability, and limited availability of spare parts since Fokker ceased aircraft production years ago. For long-haul trips, the government has increasingly relied on chartered aircraft, such as Kenya Airways’ Boeing 787, highlighting the jet’s limitations. The move reflects not only cost and safety concerns but also the symbolic need for Kenya’s head of state to operate with a modern, reliable aircraft comparable to those used by other global leaders.

Aviation Infrastructure, Financing & Profitability.

A new airport has officially opened in Buur Hakaba in Somalia’s Southwest State, despite ongoing security threats and military operations in the region. Commissioned on Sunday, 8 September 2025, the facility aims to improve trade, supply routes, and accessibility for locals. State leader Abdiaziz Lafta-Gareen and Somali Civil Aviation Authority Director Ahmed Macallin Hassan attended the inauguration. The airport was built through collaboration between the Southwest administration and Buur Hakaba residents, with funding coming from both the community and the state government. It is intended to handle delivery of exam materials, election equipment, goods and services, and to spur economic development. Although the facility is in “first phase” status—with future plans to pave the runway and expand its capacity—the airport is seen as strategically important given Buur Hakaba’s proximity to Baidoa, and the greater need for reliable air travel in areas where road travel can be unsafe or unreliable.

TAAG-Linhas Aereas de Angola has postponed the planned transfer of its international flights from Luanda’s 4 de Fevereiro Airport to the new Dr António Agostinho Neto International Airport (AIAAN), which was scheduled this Monday 15 September 2025. The delay is attributed to the need for further optimisation of operational conditions, including certification of ground handling and other essential services. Opened in November 2023, AIAAN initially began with cargo flights in December 2023, followed by domestic passenger flights in February 2024 and regional operations in November 2024. Located 40 km southeast of Luanda and built at a cost of USD 3.8 billion, the airport has a capacity of 15 million passengers and 130,000 metric tons of cargo annually, with room for future expansion. TAAG noted that a new date for the full transition will be announced once authorities and stakeholders confirm readiness.

The Kingdom of eSwatini has launched the Airport Free Zone, a landmark project led by Swiss banker Christopher Aleo and iSwiss Group, aimed at transforming the country into a major fiscal and banking hub for Southern Africa. Developed with direct backing from King Mswati III, the initiative combines rapid company incorporation—under three minutes via facial recognition and document verification—with instant multi-currency banking services linked to SEPA and SWIFT networks. Anchored by a 30-hectare complex connected to Manzini International Airport’s runway, the zone will feature offices, a gold refinery, and an underground vault with 3,000 safety deposit boxes. With tax incentives as low as 0% for startups, the project targets 600,000 to one million business registrations by 2026, positioning eSwatini as the “Switzerland of Africa” and a strategic gateway to the Southern African market.

Zimbabwe is pushing ahead with plans to upgrade Charles Prince Airport in Mount Hampden, near Harare, into the country’s fourth international gateway after RGM International, Bulawayo, and Victoria Falls airports. The government has set aside more than 300 hectares of land for expansion, which will enable the airport to accommodate wide-body aircraft and support new terminal and apron facilities. Feasibility studies are underway, with Chinese contractors already engaged in preliminary talks, and the development forms part of an US$88 million modernization program by the Airports Company of Zimbabwe (Private) Limited (ACZ). Once complete, the expanded airport is expected to ease pressure on Harare’s main hub, open new opportunities for business, charter, and international operations, and enhance Zimbabwe’s tourism and trade prospects.

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) has introduced the Electronic Flight Folder (e-Flight Folder) to digitize flight planning by providing pilots with flight plans, weather updates, NOTAMs, and maps via electronic devices, replacing manual processes. Announced at NiMet’s 2025 Stakeholders’ Forum in Lagos, the initiative aims to enhance safety, efficiency, and climate resilience in aviation. NiMet also launched an Aeronautical Meteorology Bulletin to improve understanding of weather impacts across the sector and highlighted its ISO-certified airports, now totaling five. Industry leaders, including the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau and Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, commended NiMet’s efforts, stressing the importance of proactive measures to address climate change risks such as turbulence, disrupted schedules, and higher airport maintenance costs.

The European Commission has committed €4 million to ICAO’s ACT-SAF programme to help African and other partner states advance sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) readiness through feasibility studies, certification capacity, and early-stage production pathways. The initiative, supported by the EASA – European Union Aviation Safety Agency, will benefit countries including Cameroon, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gabon, Kenya, Mauritania, Mozambique, Rwanda, Senegal, and South Africa, aiming to overcome key barriers such as weak certification systems, limited technical expertise, and lack of investment-ready projects. The funding comes as Europe tightens SAF mandates under ReFuelEU Aviation, creating stronger demand signals and subsidy-backed incentives that improve the business case for overseas supply. Africa, with abundant feedstock and refining potential—particularly in South Africa—stands to benefit if projects progress from pilot to commercial scale, though challenges around sustainable sourcing, hydrogen access, and compliance with strict EU standards remain.

Qatar Airways has formally denied any interest in acquiring a stake in Air Mauritius, despite earlier reports suggesting otherwise. This clarification comes amid discussions about the Mauritian government’s plan to open bids for a 49% stake in the national carrier. Air Mauritius Chairman Kishore Beegoo had previously warned against selling the airline to Qatar Airways, emphasizing that such a move would compromise the country’s economic sovereignty and control over its air transport sector. He highlighted the airline’s strategic importance and the need for careful consideration of any potential partnerships, focusing on restructuring and restoring operational stability.

Libya’s aviation and tourism sectors face heightened risk as political divisions stall the repayment of a $10.6 million debt owed to AFRIQIYAH AIRWAYS, the country’s national carrier. While the Government of National Unity approved funds to cover the liability, the Presidential Council challenged the transfer, suspending the process and leaving the airline financially vulnerable. Afriqiyah Airways is a critical enabler of connectivity between Libya and Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, and its instability threatens regional tourism flows, trade, and economic integration. The uncertainty highlights the structural weaknesses of Libya’s fragmented governance and underscores the broader challenge of sustaining national airlines in Africa, where political instability and weak fiscal oversight undermine investor confidence, operational resilience, and the continent’s aviation growth ambitions.

VISA/Passports/Consulates/Travel.

Burkina Faso has announced the removal of visa fees for all African travellers in a move aimed at facilitating intra-African mobility, trade, and tourism. Security Minister Mahamadou Sana clarified that while African visitors must still apply for visas online, no fees will be charged. The policy, introduced under military leader Capt Ibrahim Traoré, aligns with Pan-Africanist ideals and follows similar initiatives by countries like Ghana, Rwanda, and Kenya. Although West African citizens already enjoy visa-free access, the future of this arrangement remains uncertain due to Burkina Faso’s withdrawal from ECOWAS alongside Mali and Niger. The government said the measure will boost tourism, promote Burkinabe culture, and strengthen regional integration, even as the country continues to struggle with jihadist insurgency and political criticism of Traoré’s authoritarian style.

Since 1 September 2025, Somalia’s federal government has required all international travellers to apply for an e-Visa online before departure. However, this centralised system has been met with opposition from Puntland and Somaliland, two semi-autonomous regions. Puntland argues the measure is “illegal,” as it claims visa issuance and airport control fall under its regional authority, and some travellers arriving in Garowe have been charged an extra US$60 on arrival besides the US$64 paid online, highlighting practical confusion. Somaliland, which operates its own immigration and visa regime, has reaffirmed its visa-on-arrival policy, rejecting the federal e-Visa scheme and insisting that no external visa is valid for entry into Somaliland.

Awards, Recognition, Certifications & Milestones.

For the 2026 APEX (Airline Passenger Experience Association) Four Star™ and Five Star™ Awards, several African airlines earned recognition, underscoring the continent’s growing competitiveness in global aviation. Ethiopian Airlines and South African Airways were both awarded APEX Four Star™ Global Airline status, highlighting their strong international service quality and operational reliability. In the APEX Four Star™ Major Airlines category, Kenya Airways, Air Mauritius, EGYPTAIR, and Royal Air Maroc were recognized, reflecting their consistent delivery of passenger satisfaction across medium- and long-haul operations. Meanwhile, Airlink, Southern Africa’s largest independent regional airline, secured a Four Star™ Regional Airline rating, reinforcing its reputation for reliability, connectivity, and service excellence across underserved destinations.

Nesma Airlines of Egypt is rebranding itself under the new name flyplus. The carrier has announced this change as it seeks to refresh its corporate identity and align with its future strategic direction. Full operational and branding details—including timing, design changes, and whether this will affect its route network or fleet—are yet to be disclosed.

Lawsuits/Investigations.

Air Sénégal S.A has taken legal action against Intech Group, seeking 1.27 billion CFA francs (approx. USD 2.1 million), which includes 1,221,236,141 CFA francs (approx. USD 2 million) as the principal debt and 50 million CFA francs (approx. USD 82,000) in damages. The summons, dated August 26, 2025, sets the hearing for September 16, 2025, at the Commercial Court of Dakar. While the exact nature of the dispute has not been disclosed, the case highlights Air Senegal’s push to recover substantial sums as it works to strengthen its financial stability amid broader challenges in the West African aviation sector.

Aviation Accidents/Incidences.

A Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) probe revealed that a pilot and co-pilot tested positive for alcohol after their Air Peace Limited Boeing 737 veered off the runway during landing at Port Harcourt International Airport in July, while a crew member tested positive for cannabis. All 103 passengers were unharmed. Air Peace has since dismissed the 64-year-old pilot with over 18,000 flight hours for breaching safety rules, though the 28-year-old co-pilot, with 1,200 hours, was cleared by regulators and reinstated. The airline stated it has yet to officially receive the toxicology results from NSIB, which found traces of recent alcohol use in both pilots. The incident has prompted calls for stricter training, reinforced safety procedures, and stronger oversight, as Nigeria continues efforts to improve aviation safety despite recurring runway incidents.

President Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo was reportedly left stranded in the air after his plane was unable to land at N’djili Airport on September 10, 2025, following a return from Kazakhstan, where he had signed several cooperation agreements. It is alleged that a major power outage at the airport disrupted communications with multiple aircraft, including the presidential jet, forcing diversions to Brazzaville/Maya Maya Airport. The following day, the commander of N’djili Airport was fired, accused of leaving an incompetent technician in charge and failing to implement emergency procedures, though investigations are ongoing. While officials confirmed the outage, the dismissal has raised speculation of alleged sabotage, adding to the controversy surrounding the incident.

On Friday, September 12, 2025, over 200 passengers at Namibia‘s Hosea Kutako International Airport experienced significant delays in retrieving their luggage due to a malfunction in the airport’s baggage reclaim system. With the automated system offline, ground handling staff resorted to manually unloading luggage, resulting in delays of up to four hours. The situation was further complicated by language barriers, particularly with Angolan travelers, leading to increased confusion. In response, Dan Kamati, spokesperson for the Namibia Airports Company, issued an apology for the inconvenience

Two American tourists went viral on social media after mistakenly flying to Tunis, Tunisia, instead of Nice, France, due to a ticketing mix-up at Rome Fiumicino Airport. After missing their original flight to Nice, they asked an easyJet agent for new tickets “to Nice,” which was misheard as “to Tunis.” Realising their mistake mid-journey, the pair documented the ordeal on TikTok, with millions following their updates. Upon arrival in Tunis, they struggled with language barriers and airport staff before eventually securing a flight to Nice on September 8, 2025, after paying extra. The travellers later confirmed their safe arrival in France, describing the mix-up as the “craziest and most horrible” experience of their lives.

Other information:

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has called on domestic airlines to begin blacklisting unruly passengers as a deterrent to disruptive behavior that threatens aviation safety and order. Speaking at a stakeholder meeting with carriers including Air Peace, Arik Air, Aero, Ibom Air, United Nigeria, Max Air Ltd, ValueJet, Rano Air Limited, Green Africa, and Overland Airways Limited, NCAA’s director of public affairs, Michael Achimugu, warned that airlines’ reluctance to impose sanctions encourages indiscipline. He emphasized the need to protect cabin crew, enforce passenger responsibilities, and ensure grievances are escalated to NCAA rather than expressed through assault or abuse. The meeting also addressed refund delays, inadequate communication on rescheduled flights, RFID bag tags, flight monitoring technology, and poor airport infrastructure. NCAA stressed that while it will support airlines, carriers must also fulfill obligations to passengers who pay high fares and expect quality service.

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud this week made history by flying from Addis Ababa to Mogadishu aboard a Somali-owned and registered aircraft, the first time in 35 years a Somali head of state has traveled on a domestic carrier for an official trip. The Premier Airlines flight, registered 60-PAA, was warmly received at Aden Adde International Airport with a welcoming ceremony, underscoring Somalia’s growing aviation confidence and sovereignty. Officials framed the move as a milestone in reviving the country’s aviation sector, with many Somalis celebrating it on social media as a symbol of resilience, pride, and support for local enterprises. The development comes just months after the government announced the purchase of two Airbus A320s to relaunch Somali Airlines, aiming to restore both connectivity and a sense of national identity lost since the carrier’s collapse in 1991.

Juba International Airport has achieved a historic milestone with its first-ever nighttime departure on September 5, 2025, following the completion of major runway lighting upgrades. An Air Congo Boeing 737 took off at 10:15 PM, marking the start of 24/7 operations at South Sudan’s main gateway. The development enhances connectivity, cargo efficiency, and safety, positioning Juba as a more competitive hub in regional and international aviation.

De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited last week showcased the Twin Otter to the Kenyan aviation community, reaffirming its role as a reliable workhorse in the country. With over 90 De Havilland aircraft in service in Kenya, the Twin Otter continued to play a vital role in connecting remote communities, supporting safari tourism, and operating on challenging airstrips. The event in Nairobi brought together partners and aviation stakeholders, underscoring the aircraft’s versatility in passenger, cargo, medical, and humanitarian operations, and highlighting De Havilland’s commitment to supporting Kenya’s growing aviation needs.