Introduction.

The International Civil Aviation Organization Assembly has established a solid foundation to achieve universal access to air transport by 2050, in alignment with its long-term Strategic Plan. The decisions made focus on ensuring every nation develops both the infrastructure and regulatory capacity necessary for sustainable air connectivity. Advancing its No Country Left Behind initiative, ICAO approved 25 new capacity development agreements and expanded the TRAINAIR PLUS program to enhance global access to standardized aviation training. Strengthened mandates for the Next Generation of Aviation Professionals (NGAP) and Gender Equality programmes will help build a skilled and inclusive workforce. The Assembly also endorsed a facilitation strategy aligned with the Doha Declaration, promoting the rollout of Digital Travel Credentials and biometric solutions to achieve seamless travel, alongside improved standards for accessibility, crew management, and humanitarian response. Human rights and dignity were prioritized through enhanced protections for accident victims and stronger measures against human trafficking. On the economic front, the Assembly encouraged air transport liberalization via the Template Air Services Agreement (TASA), modernization of airport slot management, reaffirmation of principles against double taxation, and a review of ICAO’s Core Principles on Consumer Protection. Legally, delegates adopted a resolution commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Chicago Convention and emphasized the urgency of completing key treaty ratifications. Collectively, these outcomes provide the ICAO Council with a clear mandate to advance global progress toward sustainable, inclusive, and universally accessible air transport by 2050.

AOCs/ASLs/Regulations.

Libya’s Civil Aviation Authority has directed all airlines operating flights to the country not to allow any foreign worker entry without a health certificate approved by the National Center for Disease Control. The directive, issued following guidance from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, holds airlines responsible for returning any passengers who fail to comply. The measure stems from a September 21 letter by the National Programme for Expatriate Health under the Ministry of Health, aiming to strengthen health security and prevent potential health risks posed by incoming workers.

Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority‘s is exploring the certification of China’s COMAC C919 aircraft for local carriers as the country’s aviation sector expands and ties with Beijing deepen. Director General Capt. Chris Ona Najomo confirmed that the certification process—expected to take several months—is being considered despite the aircraft lacking validation from Western regulators. COMAC, which aims to penetrate the African market, has offered Nigeria maintenance and training support, along with potential dry-lease arrangements for airlines. Nigerian carrier NG Eagle expressed interest in the C919, contingent on proper certification and support. This move comes as Nigeria’s improved Aviation Working Group rating boosts leasing confidence, allowing its 13 airlines better access to modern aircraft.

Aviation Projections and Statistics.

The global aircraft insurance market is projected to grow from US$6.5 billion in 2024 to US$9.2 billion by 2033, representing a 4.5% CAGR between 2026 and 2033, according to Market Research Intellect. Growth is driven by rising passenger demand, fleet expansion, and stricter regulatory requirements mandating comprehensive coverage for hull damage, liability, passenger claims, and war risks. North America remains the largest market, followed by Europe, while Asia-Pacific is expected to see the fastest expansion due to rapid fleet growth and airport investments. Insurers are adopting AI-driven risk analytics, parametric models, and sustainability-linked policies as cyber and environmental risks gain prominence. Key players include AIG, Allianz, AXA XL, Lloyd’s, Munich Re, Zurich, Chubb, and Berkshire Hathaway. While technological advances such as electric and autonomous aircraft will create new opportunities, rising claims, geopolitical instability, and natural disasters may pressure profitability.

According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Nigeria’s aviation industry directly employs 39,500 people and contributes $2.5 billion to the national economy — equivalent to 0.7% of GDP in 2023, up from $1.7 billion in 2022. The sector supported a total of 217,000 jobs, including those linked to tourism, which alone generated $454.1 million and employed 66,600 people. International air traffic accounted for 2.1 million passenger departures, with Europe (38%), Africa (23%), and North America (18%) being the top markets. Additionally, 195,700 tonnes of air cargo were handled across Nigerian airports. IATA also reported that the average airfare in Nigeria dropped by 43% between 2011 and 2023, though the average citizen still needs to work 37.6 days to afford a plane ticket. Overall, 40 flights per 1,000 people were taken in 2023, underscoring aviation’s growing but still constrained accessibility in the country.

TAAG-Linhas Aereas de Angola has transported 1,666 passengers on the Luanda–Nairobi route since its launch on September 1, 2025, achieving an average load factor exceeding 70% across its three weekly flights during the first 28 days of operation. The route’s strong performance underscores the effectiveness of TAAG’s fleet expansion strategy aimed at boosting intra-African connectivity. The airline noted that enhanced regional routes such as Johannesburg, Lagos, Maputo, and Cape Town are strengthening passenger flows and linking seamlessly with its long-haul network. TAAG currently serves 13 domestic and 11 international destinations, providing both passenger and cargo services that play a growing role in supporting Angola’s economic development.

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

The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) and Japanese engineering firm JGC Corporation have signed a Letter of Intent to collaborate on accelerating the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and advancing green aviation in Africa. Under the agreement—announced during TICAD9 in Yokohama—they will conduct demand and feasibility studies, promote technology transfer (including Japanese tech), share knowledge, and explore co-financing opportunities. The AfDB will help engage public aviation stakeholders, identify potential SAF projects, and support financing, while JGC will assess technical viability and deployment options tailored to Africa’s resources.

At the 42nd ICAO Assembly in Montréal, Saudi Arabia‘s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) signed a series of agreements, including MoUs with the African Civil Aviation Commission AFCAC and several African states, to enhance aviation cooperation. These agreements focus on safety, security, technical cooperation, and the expansion of air services, aiming to modernize air transport frameworks, improve connectivity, and foster regulatory alignment. Partner countries include Algeria, Guinea, Liberia, Comoros, Seychelles, and São Tomé and Príncipe, with initiatives designed to support regional infrastructure development and position key countries as hubs for tourism and trade. These efforts are aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy, which seeks to expand its network to over 250 destinations, carry 330 million passengers annually, and increase air cargo capacity to 4.5 million tons per year, positioning the Kingdom as a global logistics and aviation hub.

On September 30, 2025, Morocco and The Gambia signed a new air services agreement in Montreal during the 42nd ICAO Assembly, aimed at modernizing the legal framework for civil aviation cooperation between the two nations. The accord, signed by Morocco’s ambassador to Canada, Souriya Otmani, and Gambian Minister of Works, Transport, and Infrastructure, Ebrima Sillah, aligns with the Yamoussoukro Declaration and the African Union’s Agenda 2063. It emphasizes safety, collaboration against unlawful acts, and mechanisms for dispute resolution through consultation or arbitration. Minister Sillah noted that the agreement strengthens existing bilateral ties and reinforces both countries’ commitment to advancing ICAO’s objectives.

Morocco and Benin Republic have signed a new air services agreement during the 42nd session of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Assembly in Montreal, held from September 23 to October 3, 2025. The accord modernizes the legal framework for air transport between the two countries in line with the Yamoussoukro Declaration and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, emphasizing safety, sustainability, and cooperation. It also establishes mechanisms for consultation and arbitration to resolve disputes. Signed by Morocco’s Ambassador to Canada, Souriya Otmani, and Benin’s Ambassador to the United States, Agniola Ahouanmenou, the agreement highlights both nations’ commitment to strengthening bilateral aviation ties and advancing Africa’s air transport liberalization goals.

Morocco has strengthened its aerospace sector by signing three major partnership agreements during the 8th edition of Aerospace Casablanca in Nouaceur. The first agreement with Ratier-Figeac Maroc establishes a new cockpit equipment assembly line, bringing advanced technology and creating local jobs. The second deal with NICOMATIC will set up an industrial unit in Casablanca to produce illuminated aircraft cockpit panels, reinforcing Morocco’s role as a high-value aviation manufacturing hub. The third agreement with REDSTART AERO focuses on expanding its production site to include a precision aerospace parts unit, enhancing Morocco’s engineering capabilities and skilled employment. Together, these partnerships—supported by the Ministry of Industry—aim to deepen local integration, strengthen the aerospace value chain, and position Morocco as a leading destination for advanced aerospace manufacturing and innovation.

Morocco and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) have signed a management services agreement to strengthen cooperation in aviation safety, security, training, and technical support. The agreement was signed by Morocco’s Transport and Logistics Minister Abdessamad Kayouh and ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar during the 42nd ICAO Assembly in Montreal, with ICAO Council President Salvatore Sciacchitano in attendance. The partnership reinforces Morocco’s active role in global aviation and comes ahead of the ICAO Global Implementation Support Symposium (GISS) scheduled for April 2026 in Marrakech.

Tanzania and Zambia have agreed to deepen their aviation collaboration, aiming to strengthen regional connectivity and safety. Following a high-level meeting during the ICAO Assembly in Montreal on 2 October 2025, both countries committed to updating their Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) to include 5th Freedom Traffic Rights, enabling airlines to operate more routes and stop in other countries along the way. They also agreed to finalise a joint Memorandum of Understanding on Search and Rescue (SAR) operations to enhance emergency coordination and aviation safety in line with ICAO standards. Additionally, Tanzania invited Zambia to participate in an air law workshop to build regulatory capacity, supporting compliance with international aviation norms.

Guyana and South Africa have signed an Air Services Agreement to strengthen international air connectivity, promote trade and tourism, and uphold safety and security standards. Signed by South Africa’s Transport Minister Barbara Creecy and Guyana Civil Aviation Authority Director General Egbert Field, the agreement includes provisions on grant of rights, designation and authorization, recognition of certificates and licenses, aviation safety and security, tariffs, and user charges. It aims to create opportunities for airlines from both countries to expand operations, supporting Guyana’s vision of becoming an international aviation hub.

The Nigerian Air Force’s Air Traffic Services Training Centre (ATSTC) and the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria (NCAT) have signed an MoU to enhance human capacity development and improve aviation service delivery. The partnership, formalized in Kaduna, aims to align training programs with global best practices to boost safety, efficiency, and coordination in civil and military air operations. ATSTC Commandant Group Captain Nasiru Babatunde Folaji described the agreement as a transformative step that will promote specialized training and civil-military collaboration, while NCAT Rector Danjuma Adamu Ismaila emphasized that the partnership is complementary and will help elevate Nigeria’s aviation sector to international standards.

Ethiopian Airlines Group and the Namibia Tourism Board (NTB) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance tourism between Namibia and Ethiopia. The collaboration aims to promote Namibia as a premier travel destination by leveraging Ethiopian Airlines’ extensive network and aviation expertise. The partnership is expected to strengthen air connectivity between the two countries, making travel easier for tourists while fostering cultural and economic exchanges. By aligning their efforts, Ethiopian Airlines and NTB seek to increase tourist arrivals, promote sustainable tourism, and showcase Namibia’s rich cultural heritage and natural attractions to a broader international audience.

Routes and Airline Connectivity.

Baltic has launched its first-ever charter flight programme from Palanga Airport to Egypt, marking a historic milestone for the Lithuanian coastal airport. Operated by SkyUp Airlines MT Limited, the inaugural flights to Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada took off on October 2, 2025, providing Western Lithuania and nearby Latvian travelers with direct access to Egypt’s top resorts without needing to transit through Vilnius or Riga. The programme includes weekly flights to Hurghada from September to May 2026 and seasonal services to Sharm El Sheikh and El Alamein—the latter launching in April 2026 from both Palanga and Vilnius.

flynas has launched a direct Nairobi–Riyadh service to bolster Kenya–Saudi ties, with the inaugural flight arriving in Nairobi on October 3, 2025. The route operates three times a week using an Airbus A320neo aircraft, departing Riyadh at 22:00 on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, and returning from Nairobi at 04:00 on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. This new link is part of Flynas’s broader African expansion strategy, aimed at enhancing connectivity for business, tourism, and religious travel. Strengthening this corridor is expected to boost Kenya’s exports—such as tea, coffee, and fresh produce—to Saudi Arabia, while facilitating inbound travel and investment from the Kingdom.

EGYPTAIR is set to make a major leap in transatlantic travel with plans to launch two new U.S. routes in 2026 — from Cairo to Los Angeles in May 2026 and Cairo to Chicago in June 2026 — marking its longest and most ambitious long-haul expansion to date. The Cairo–Los Angeles route, spanning about 7,500 miles and taking over 15 hours, will be EgyptAir’s longest nonstop service, operated by its upcoming Airbus Aircraft A350-900s featuring lie-flat business seats and advanced fuel-efficient technology. These routes, expected to start with three to four weekly flights, will strengthen EgyptAir’s North American network and leverage Star Alliance partnerships for broader global connectivity. The initiative aligns with Egypt’s Vision 2030 to position Cairo as a premier African aviation hub, boost tourism projected to exceed 15 million visitors in 2026, and increase bilateral trade valued at over $10 billion annually.

Air Algérie has announced a major expansion of its domestic network, adding 84 new weekly flights from October 26, 2025, to meet rising travel demand across Algeria. The move, which introduces an additional 11,500 seats per week, includes 19 new weekly connections operated by Air Algérie Express, contributing around 3,664 extra seats. In total, the reinforcement of the domestic network will bring 103 new weekly flights and nearly 15,200 additional seats. The airline emphasized that the expansion supports a national vision of equitable mobility, economic growth, and tourism development, while reaffirming its commitment to fleet modernization and enhanced service quality.

Air Arabia Maroc is launching a new direct route between Tangier (Ibn Battouta International Airport) and Rotterdam The Hague Airport starting 28 October 2025. The service will operate three times weekly on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays with Airbus A320 aircraft. The move is part of Air Arabia’s strategy to strengthen air connectivity between Morocco and Europe, responding to demand from Moroccan-Dutch travelers, European tourists, and business traffic. Tickets are already on sale via the airline’s website, app, call centers, and partner agencies.

Etihad Airways has announced it will operate seasonal flights to Zanzibar next summer, resuming the medium-haul route between Abu Dhabi and the Indian Ocean island from June 14, 2026, to September 6, 2026. The airline will offer four weekly rotations using Airbus A320 aircraft with both Business and Economy Class cabins. This marks Zanzibar as Etihad’s 30th new destination announced in 2025, reflecting the airline’s expanding route network, which also includes Palma de Mallorca in the Balearic Islands for summer 2026. Etihad attributes its return to Zanzibar to a stronger European network with multiple double-daily connections into Abu Dhabi, facilitating convenient travel options.

Kenyan cargo airline Astral Aviation Ltd has launched a new route connecting Haikou, China, and Johannesburg, South Africa, with its Boeing 767-300 freighter, aiming to meet growing demand for diverse cargo including e-commerce, pharmaceuticals, electronics, textiles, perishables, and general goods. This expansion builds on Astral’s earlier China route from Guangzhou to Nairobi with onward service to Maputo, reflecting the airline’s strategy to strengthen trade links between Asia and Africa.

Emirates and Turkish Airlines have suspended their flights to Madagascar following violent riots in Antananarivo triggered by power and water shortages, which led to the imposition of a citywide curfew. On September 30, 2025, Emirates announced an immediate suspension and later extended the cancellation of its Madagascar services, including key routes linking the island nation with Seychelles and Dubai. Turkish Airlines followed suit, halting its operations to Ivato International Airport due to the escalating unrest and safety concerns. The suspension by the two major international carriers has stranded hundreds of travelers and disrupted vital air links between Madagascar, Africa, and the Middle East.

Airline Fleets and ACMI’s.

Airlink has taken delivery of a new Embraer E195-E2, registered ZS-LKA, marking the airline’s third E2 jet following the arrival of two others in the final week of September. The aircraft was ferried from São José dos Campos (SJK) to Johannesburg (JNB) on 3–4 October 2025, further expanding Airlink’s modern E2 fleet and reinforcing its commitment to operational efficiency and enhanced passenger comfort.

Cameroon’s national carrier, CAMAIR-CO, has taken delivery of a Boeing 737-8Q8(WL), registered OK-TVG, on lease from Smartwings. The 18.5-year-old aircraft, configured with 189 all-economy seats, was delivered on October 1, 2025. Originally handed over to Travel Services in May 2007, the aircraft has since operated with various operators before joining CAMAIR CO, where it is expected to strengthen the airline’s operational capacity and enhance service reliability across its regional network.

Angola’s flag carrier, TAAG-Linhas Aereas de Angola, has taken delivery of its second Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner as part of an ongoing fleet renewal and modernization program. The aircraft arrived in Luanda on October 1, 2025, marking another milestone in the airline’s efforts to replace older jets, improve fuel efficiency, and enhance passenger comfort on long-haul routes. Unlike the first 787 received earlier in the year from AerCap, this second aircraft features a different configuration and leasing arrangement, reflecting TAAG’s strategic approach to diversifying its widebody fleet as it strengthens its international operations.

Renegade Air has strengthened its fleet with the arrival of a Dash 8-100 from Avmax Group, which touched down in Nairobi on October 2 after a multi-stop ferry flight from Calgary. This marks the second Dash 8-100 delivered by Avmax to Renegade since last year, following the November 2024 delivery of 5Y-RNH, now sub-leased to AURIC AIR SERVICES LIMITED in Tanzania. The new addition complements the airline’s recent fleet expansion, which included two ATR freighters and an ATR 42-500.

On September 28, 2025, Kinshasa-based flyCAA took delivery of its Airbus A321-200PCF (9S-PEB), formerly operated by AIR MOLDOVA. This aircraft, converted in the U.S. by Pemco Conversions, marks a significant milestone as flyCAA becomes the first African airline to operate the A321-200PCF freighter. The addition of this 27.5-year-old freighter, with a capacity of 14 main deck positions and 10 lower deck ULD positions, enhances flyCAA’s cargo operations alongside its Boeing 767-200F, strengthening its position in the regional air freight market. This development is particularly impactful in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where air freight plays a crucial role due to limited road infrastructure.

Aviation Infrastructure, Financing & Profitability.

The United States has committed to fund the construction of a new airport in Bishoftu, about 40 kilometers south of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The project, valued at around US$10 billion, is set to become the largest airport in Africa. Its first phase, expected to be completed by 2029, will accommodate 60 million passengers annually, with the full project eventually handling over 100 million passengers and parking for 270 aircraft. The new airport will manage international flights and cargo operations, while Bole International Airport will focus on domestic routes. The development also includes an airport city featuring hotels, shopping malls, recreation areas, and new expressway and rail links to Addis Ababa.

Cairo International Airport has launched a pre-qualification process inviting global operators to bid for Food & Beverage (F&B) and specialty retail concessions across Terminals 1, 2, and 3, covering between 4,000 and 5,000 square meters of airside and landside space. The opportunity is divided into two packages of approximately 2,500–3,000 sqm and 1,500–2,000 sqm, with contracts set for five years, extendable by two additional years. Applicants are required to have prior experience managing F&B and retail operations at a minimum of two international airports outside Egypt with comparable passenger volumes. Pre-qualification documents will be available from October 5, 2025, with submissions due by November 2, 2025.

The BomGarfo Business Lounge officially opened on 24 September 2025 at Maputo International Airport’s international terminal, offering travelers a blend of comfort, elegance, and productivity. Designed by the BomGarfo Group, the lounge features premium meals, high-speed Wi-Fi, networking spaces, and attentive service, aligning with the group’s commitment to culinary excellence and hospitality. Inaugurated by Fredson Bacar, Mozambique’s Secretary of State for Tourism, the facility supports the government’s Five-Year Plan to enhance tourism and transform airports into national showcases. BomGarfo CEO Francisco Inaque announced plans to expand the lounge concept to domestic terminals in partnership with LAM – MOZAMBIQUE AIRLINES, Mozambique’s flag carrier.

The Somali government has publicly criticized the management of Mogadishu’s Aden Adde International Airport following widespread complaints from travelers about poor hygiene, outdated amenities, and malfunctioning equipment. During an inspection, Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre ordered urgent reforms, demanding improvement of toilets, passenger services, and general facility maintenance within seven days. He also warned airport and aviation authorities that he would revisit soon to assess progress and warned of possible action if satisfactory improvements are not made.

TLG Capital, in partnership with Wema Bank Plc., has closed a $10 million financing facility for VivaJets, a subsidiary of Nigeria’s Falcon Aero, marking the first internationally structured aviation financing for a Nigerian air operator. The funding will help Falcon Aero, founded in 2022, expand its business aviation and charter services across Africa, targeting underserved tier-2 and tier-3 cities. TLG Capital emphasized that the deal supports Africa’s connectivity and provides long-term, USD-denominated capital essential for operators. Falcon Aero noted the financing allows it to retire legacy debts, reduce interest costs, and focus on improving client experience. Wema Bank highlighted the partnership as a model for mobilizing private credit responsibly to empower African aviation businesses.

VISA/Passports/Consulates/Travel.

The U.S. Department of State has expanded its visa bond pilot program to include The Gambia, effective October 11, 2025, following the recent inclusion of Zambia and Malawi in August. Under this program, nationals from these three countries applying for B-1/B-2 visitor visas must post a refundable bond of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000, depending on individual circumstances, to curb high overstay rates identified in the DHS FY2024 Overstay Report. Travelers subject to the bond must enter and exit through designated U.S. airports—Boston Logan, JFK, or Washington Dulles—and will receive a refund if they comply with visa terms and depart on time. However, overstays or status violations may lead to forfeiture of the bond. The measure does not affect employment visas but is expected to increase travel costs and logistical complexity for business travelers from affected nations, with potential future expansion to other high-overstay countries like Nigeria, Yemen, Eritrea, and Chad.

People/Appointments.

TrueNoord, a specialist regional aircraft leasing company, has appointed Basil Gygax as Sales Director for Africa, the Middle East, and CIS. Gygax brings extensive experience in regional aviation, having previously served as Head of Customer Finance – EMEA at Embraer, and held roles at Credit Suisse, Skyguide, and the Swiss Armed Forces. His appointment reflects TrueNoord’s continued growth and focus on strengthening relationships across emerging aviation markets.

Marwan Traboulsi, the Ghanaian entrepreneur behind Air Ghana and FARMEX, passed away peacefully in the United Kingdom on September 30, 2025. He co-founded FARMEX—boosting Ghana’s agricultural exports of mango and pineapple—and later launched Air Ghana to solve logistics challenges, especially for perishables bound for Europe. Beyond those ventures, he was instrumental in establishing the Ghana Airport Cargo Centre and launching Swissport Ghana, helping transform Ghana into a regional aviation and logistics hub. He is survived by his wife, Karen; children, Cara and Karim; and four grandchildren.

Aviation workers in Kenya have temporarily suspended their planned strike for two days to allow conciliation talks with the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA). The decision follows a court directive requiring both sides to negotiate before proceeding with industrial action. The Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) had threatened to strike over grievances including board governance, unpaid overtime, and unresolved confirmation of contract staff. With the pause, authorities hope to avert disruption at Jomo Kenyatta International and other airports while the dispute is addressed.

Lawsuits/Investigations.

The east african court of justice has scheduled a hearing on October 30, 2025, for a $1.05 billion case against South Sudan’s government, which is accused of failing to honor a payment agreement with South Sudan Supreme Airlines Co. Ltd. and its law firm, Pan African Law Chambers,LLP. The dispute stems from a settlement signed on February 13, requiring the government to repay the debt in 24 monthly installments of approximately $4.4 million, plus a 10% legal fee, for services the airline provided to the South Sudanese army. Despite repeated demands, no payments were made, prompting the airline to file suit on April 8. The case, Reference No. 16 of 2025, will be heard by a five-judge panel in Arusha, Tanzania, with the government’s attorney general as respondent.

Airlink is defending itself in a legal challenge before South Africa’s Competition Tribunal, after being accused of abusing its dominance on the Johannesburg-Mthatha route between 2012 and 2016. Complainants say Airlink first charged excessive fares, then dropped them below cost when a competitor (Fly Blue Crane) entered, driving that competitor out of the market. The Competition Commission claims consumers overpaid more than ZAR 100 million during that period. Airlink counters that the route was never reliably profitable, citing losses outside the disputed period, difficult airport conditions (such as poor infrastructure and fuel/storage issues), and extended suspensions of service. If found guilty, Airlink could face penalties up to 10% of its annual turnover and be ordered to change its pricing practices.

Aviation Accidents/Incidences.

On September 30, 2025, Qantas Flight QF63, an Airbus Aircraft A380 en route from Sydney to Johannesburg, was forced to return to Sydney after approximately nine hours in the air due to a satellite communications failure. The issue, which occurred while the aircraft was south of Tasmania, rendered the satellite system unreliable—critical for safe navigation over vast oceanic expanses. The aircraft landed safely back in Sydney without declaring an emergency. All 410 passengers were provided accommodation and were scheduled to continue their journey the following day.

Kenya Airways Flight KQ101 from London Heathrow to Nairobi was forced to make an emergency landing at Heathrow on the evening of September 30, 2025, just 10 minutes after takeoff. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, which had departed around 19:49 BST, reached an altitude of about 10,000 feet before the captain decided to return to Heathrow as a precaution. The airline confirmed that the decision was made for the safety of passengers and crew, though the exact cause of the diversion remains under investigation. Emergency services were on standby as the aircraft landed safely at Terminal 4, with no injuries reported. Kenya Airways has since arranged alternative travel for affected passengers and reaffirmed its strong commitment to safety, promising a thorough investigation into the incident.

A flight from the UK to Egypt was forced to make an emergency landing at Heraklion Airport in Crete after a 38-year-old British woman became severely intoxicated and disruptive onboard. Traveling with her husband and child, the woman reportedly caused significant disturbance during the flight, prompting the crew’s unsuccessful attempts to calm her. For safety reasons, the pilots diverted the aircraft to Crete, where Greek police arrested her upon landing. No injuries were reported among passengers or crew during the incident.

Other information:

At the 42nd ICAO Assembly held in Montreal from September 23 to October 3, 2025, elections for Part III of the International Civil Aviation Organization Council were conducted on September 30 to ensure broader geographic representation. The newly elected Part III members are Angola, Belize, Cuba, Ecuador, Equatorial Guinea, Malaysia, Mali, Morocco, Poland, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, and Uruguay. These elections followed the earlier selection of Part I and Part II members on September 27. The newly elected Council members will serve a three-year term, contributing to the governance and strategic direction of ICAO, reflecting the organization’s commitment to diverse regional representation in global civil aviation decision-making.

Kenya Airways is making significant strides in sustainable aviation by participating in the 2025 SkyTeam Aviation Challenge, becoming the only African airline in this global initiative. This year’s challenge, themed “Impact,” focuses on implementing measurable solutions to reduce the aviation industry’s environmental footprint. As part of its commitment, Kenya Airways will operate six return flights powered by a 2% blend of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) produced locally in Kenya, with the inaugural SAF-powered intra-Africa flight from Nairobi to Cape Town marking a historic milestone. The airline’s participation builds on its previous achievements, including winning the “Best Approach to Scaling SAF” award in 2024, and underscores its dedication to fostering innovation, collaboration, and sustainability in the aviation sector.