Introduction.

A regional aviation workshop in Kampala, convened by the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) and the EAC Civil Aviation Safety & Security Oversight Agency (CASSOA), is pushing for harmonised licensing and testing standards for pilots and flight dispatchers across the East African Community. The goal is to create a unified framework for practical skill tests—a key licensing hurdle that currently varies widely between countries—so that a pilot or dispatcher qualified in one EAC state can be recognized in all others. Stakeholders argue that standardizing these assessments will boost safety, efficiency, and regulatory cooperation and reduce redundant costs and re-examinations for personnel moving across borders.

Conferences and Events.

The 3rd edition of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria National Aviation Conference (FNAC 2025) was held on 17–18 November 2025 at the Eko Convention Centre, Lagos, under the theme “Elevating the Nigerian Aviation Industry through Investment, Partnerships & Global Engagements.” FAAN Managing Director Olubunmi (Bunmi) K. opened the event, calling for global investment and strategic partnerships to modernize Nigeria’s airports and enhance its aviation capacity. Key figures—including President Bola Tinubu (represented by SGF George Akume), Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo, industry regulators, investors, and state governors—attended to chart a future roadmap for the aviation sector. The conference agenda included sessions on airport PPP models, air connectivity in Africa, cargo growth, and airport innovations, while highlighting FAAN’s six strategic pillars: infrastructure expansion, governance, safety, operational excellence, modernisation, and customer service.

AOCs/ASLs/Regulations.

Ghana has proposed introducing a new US$50 Airport Infrastructure Development Charge (AIDC) for all international passengers using Kotoka International Airport. The fee, which is awaiting parliamentary approval, is intended to help fund major upgrades at the airport, including a new concourse linking Terminals 2 and 3 to streamline passenger transfers without repeated security checks. Revenue from the charge will also support expansion projects at regional airports and construction of a multi-storey car park in Accra. While the government argues the investment is necessary to improve capacity and service levels, industry stakeholders caution that the additional fee could raise airfares for travelers.

Uganda is advancing a major civil-aviation reform after the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) submitted a draft report to the Minister of Works and Transport recommending that airport operations be spun off into a new, autonomous entity. Under the proposed restructuring, UCAA would retain its regulatory functions—such as aviation safety, economic regulation, air navigation services, and consumer protection—while a separate statutory airports body takes over airport ownership and management. The reform, which has been developed in consultation with key stakeholders including the Ministry of Finance, Parliament, and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), is intended to boost efficiency, transparency, and compliance with global best practices.

Aviation Projections and Statistics.

Morocco has achieved 13th place in the 2025 United Nations Tourism rankings, marking a historic milestone for the country and highlighting its growing influence in global tourism. Between January and October 2025, Morocco welcomed 16.6 million visitors, a 14% increase compared to the same period in 2024, signaling strong post-pandemic recovery. Key investments have supported this growth, including the addition of 43,000 new hotel beds since 2023 and a strategic partnership with Rixos Hotels and Alliances Group to develop three luxury resorts worth 1.5 billion dirhams ($137 million). The country aims to double tourism revenue by 2030 and attract 26 million visitors annually under its 2023–2026 National Tourism Roadmap.

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

Ghana and Togo have signed a new Air Services Agreement to deepen aviation links between the two countries, as announced by Ghana’s Deputy Transport Minister Dorcas Affo-Toffey. The agreement is expected to encourage more airlines to operate services, boost regional connectivity, and support economic growth by facilitating easier and more frequent air travel. It aligns with Ghana’s broader aviation strategy to strengthen its role as a transport hub in West Africa and foster greater movement of people and goods across the region.

Kenya Airways has expanded its global commercial reach by appointing APG Network as its general sales agent (GSA) in Malaysia, Taiwan, and 36 additional offline markets, including 34 countries across the Americas. Building on APG’s existing role representing the airline in 24 European markets since 2020, the extended partnership will support Kenya Airways through sales and marketing, trade engagement, and enhanced brand visibility. Both parties say the move marks a strategic step in strengthening the airline’s presence in key international markets and increasing global access to its network.

The Moroccan National Tourist Office (ONMT) and easyJet have signed a five-year partnership aimed at significantly enhancing Morocco’s international connectivity, with EasyJet establishing its first operational base outside Europe at Marrakech Menara Airport. The agreement includes the deployment of three Airbus Aircraft, a 17% increase in flights to Morocco from 2026, and a target of serving 12 million passengers by 2030, reflecting a total investment exceeding €150 million. The move is expected to boost tourist flows across the country, create nearly 100 direct jobs and thousands of indirect positions in aviation, tourism, and services, and generate around €30 million in gross added value per aircraft for the local economy. The partnership also expands EasyJet Holidays offerings and aligns with Morocco’s broader strategy to diversify tourism, strengthen air connectivity, and position the country as a major travel destination ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

Ethiopian Airlines has become the first African carrier to process New Distribution Capability (NDC) transactions through ARC Direct Connect, leveraging ARC’s new Transaction API. This integration allows the airline to transmit NDC data in real time, providing travel buyers and agencies with richer content and more personalized booking experiences. The partnership supports Ethiopian’s digital transformation by enabling seamless offers, improved data clarity, and risk mitigation through ARC’s settlement platform.

Astral Aviation Ltd and UAE-based LODD Autonomous are in exploratory discussions to potentially deploy the Hili heavy-lift cargo drone in Kenya. The hybrid-electric VTOL drone, capable of carrying 250 kg over 700 km, recently completed its first flight and has already attracted partnerships with Etihad Cargo and Skyports. Astral, through its drone arm Astral Aerial Solutions, is seeking to evaluate the platform for future experimental operations and possible integration into its logistics network. If formalised, the collaboration could position Kenya as a leader in advanced cargo-drone operations and strengthen Astral’s role in next-generation logistics across East Africa.

Dubai Airshow 2025 highlights.

Ethiopian Airlines signed a premium seating agreement with Collins Aerospace, selecting Collins Elevation seats for its Airbus A350-900 fleet and Collins Parallel Diamond seats for its Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. The deal is aimed at enhancing passenger comfort and service quality across both long-haul and regional operations. The Elevation seats on the A350 offer advanced ergonomics, integrated in-seat technology, and increased personal space for long-haul travelers, while the Parallel Diamond seats on the 737 MAX optimize comfort and efficiency for regional flights.

Boeing and TAAG-Linhas Aereas de Angola announced an expanded partnership to enhance pilot training programs, emphasizing competency-based learning and data-driven training scenarios designed for both new student pilots and seasoned professionals. The program aims to improve safety, operational proficiency, and readiness across TAAG’s growing fleet.

Embraer has signed a Component Pool Program agreement with South African carrier Airlink to support its new fleet of 10 Azorra-leased E195-E2 jets, expanding coverage to a total of 78 aircraft. The agreement, confirmed on November 16, 2025, ahead of the Dubai Airshow, builds on Airlink’s long-standing relationship with Embraer, which began in 2001. The program is designed to reduce fleet downtime, optimize operational reliability, and lower component repair and inventory costs, while minimizing warehousing needs. Airlink received its first three E195-E2s in November 2025, with entry into service planned for December.

BURAQ AIR TRANSPORT, Libya’s first private airline, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to acquire 10 Airbus A320neo Family aircraft, marking the carrier’s first purchase from Airbus. The agreement, signed by Fouzi Almiqalh, Buraq Air’s General Assembly President, and Benoit de Saint-Exupery, Airbus EVP Sales, reflects Buraq Air’s commitment to fleet modernization and network expansion. The A320neo’s fuel efficiency, flexibility, and wide cabin will support the airline’s core operations while enabling its strategic partner, Medsky Airways, to enhance passenger services across both carriers.

Emirates and South African Airways (SAA) signed an enhanced codeshare agreement aimed at expanding passenger connectivity across their networks. The upgraded deal allows travelers to book flights on both airlines with a single ticket and enjoy seamless baggage handling. Emirates customers will gain access to SAA’s domestic network, including Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, and Gqeberha, as well as thirteen regional destinations such as Abidjan, Accra, Dar es Salaam, Kinshasa, Lagos, Lusaka, Harare, Victoria Falls, and Mauritius.

EGYPTAIR TRAINING ACADEMY has strengthened its pilot training capabilities through a new partnership with FlightSafety International, acquiring a Level D Full Flight Simulator for the Boeing 737 MAX and a Level 1 Flight Training Device. The Level D simulator, the highest-fidelity training tool available, allows pilots to complete type ratings, recurrent training, and emergency procedures with full realism, while the Level 1 device provides focused systems and procedural training.

EGYPTAIR Ground Services has signed a strategic ground handling contract with Egyptian aviation agency Sky Horizon Egypt during the Dubai Airshow 2025, reinforcing its position as Egypt’s largest ground handling provider with a 75% market share. Executed by Khaled Atwa, Chairman of EgyptAir Ground Services, and Ali El-Telawy, Chairman of Sky Horizon, the agreement aims to enhance the quality and efficiency of services, including baggage handling, passenger services, and aircraft turnaround operations, aligning with international standards. The deal is part of EgyptAir Ground Services’ broader strategy to expand its service portfolio, elevate operational performance, and meet evolving market demands across the national aviation sector.

Kenya Airways has extended its agreement with Boeing to continue using the Airplane Health Management (AHM) solution, strengthening predictive maintenance capabilities across its 787 Dreamliner fleet. Announced at the 2025 Dubai Airshow, the renewed partnership enables real-time monitoring and in-flight alerts, allowing maintenance teams to identify potential technical issues early, address root causes quickly, and minimise unscheduled disruptions. Kenya Airways says the extension enhances fleet reliability, improves on-time performance, and reinforces its commitment to safety, while Boeing emphasises the tangible value of AHM in boosting operational efficiency and reducing maintenance delays.

Airbus Flight Academy Europe (AFA) and The Aviator Institute (TAI) in Tunisia announced a partnership to deliver the Airbus ab initio pilot training programme, marking TAI as the first AFA partner in Africa and the Middle East. The collaboration aims to support the growing global demand for pilots, with Airbus projecting a need for 633,000 new pilots over the next 20 years, including 89,000 in Africa and the Middle East. Under the agreement, Airbus will provide expertise to align TAI’s instructors, operations, and facilities with its latest training standards, with the first cadets expected to start in March 2026 and plans to train over 80 cadets annually.

EGYPTAIR MAINTENANCE AND ENGINEERING (EAME) and French company Thales have extended their long-term maintenance services agreement until September 7, 2029, reinforcing their strategic partnership in avionics support. Announced at the Dubai Airshow 2025, the updated agreement now formally includes maintenance support for Air Cairo, alongside the EgyptAir fleet, and reflects current operational needs to ensure long-term stability. Under the revised terms, both parties will update repair manuals and test programs to prioritize high-removal-rate units, enhancing local maintenance efficiency.

Routes and Airline Connectivity.

Spanish low-cost carrier Vueling Airlines launched a new route between Barcelona (BCN) and Agadir (AGA) Morocco, on Sunday, 16 November 2025, with the inaugural flight operating under flight number VY 8530. The service will operate twice weekly, on Wednesdays and Sundays, as part of Vueling’s winter program aimed at boosting international connections from Barcelona. The airline already serves Moroccan cities such as Essaouira and Marrakech from Barcelona, and this new route is expected to support Morocco’s tourism sector, which aims for at least 20 million arrivals this year.

RIDA Falcon Air, a new Zimbabwean airline, has launched its inaugural flight connecting Harare and Beitbridge, establishing a scheduled weekly service that significantly reduces travel time from over six hours by road to just 1 hour and 30 minutes by air. The maiden flight carried a delegation of senior government officials, including the acting deputy chief secretary Dr. Micheal Musanjika and RIDA director general Christopher Shumba, who were welcomed in Beitbridge by local leaders and the community. The new route is expected to enhance trade, tourism, and business travel in the southern region, providing a faster, more efficient connection between the capital and the country’s busiest inland port of entry.

Malawi Airlines Limited will commence four weekly flights between Lilongwe and Entebbe starting 15 December 2025, marking a new chapter in bilateral relations and regional connectivity between Uganda and Malawi. The announcement followed a meeting between Ugandan High Commissioner to Malawi, Ambassador (Ret.) Col. Fred Mwesigye, and Malawi Airlines CEO Solomon Bekele Debay at the airline’s Lilongwe headquarters. The discussions focused on advancing diplomatic, economic, and commercial cooperation, with both sides highlighting the new air link as a catalyst for trade, tourism, investment, and people-to-people interaction.

Air Algérie is preparing a major return to the South African market with the resumption of its Algiers–Johannesburg service from 16 January 2026, marking a strategic expansion of its long-haul network. The route, suspended in early 2024 due to low demand, will operate three times weekly and forms part of the airline’s broader effort to strengthen intra-African connectivity. The relaunch follows renewed bilateral discussions during the 2025 Intra-Africa Trade Fair in Algiers, where Algerian and South African officials reaffirmed the importance of enhancing air links between the two nations. Supporting this expansion is Air Algérie’s newly delivered Airbus A330-900neo, the first of ten aircraft in its fleet renewal programme.

Air Transat has announced a new Toronto–Accra route launching on June 27, 2026, marking the first-ever direct service between Canada and Ghana and the airline’s first African route from Toronto. The move follows a 2025 bilateral air service agreement between the two countries and comes as Air Transat expands its African footprint, including new routes to Senegal and Morocco. The twice-weekly service will use an Airbus A330-200 and taps into a sizable market of roughly 45,000 annual Toronto–Accra passengers who currently rely on connecting flights via carriers such as KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, British Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, and Royal Air Maroc. Despite strong point-to-point demand, analysts warn that the route may face challenges due to limited domestic and US feeder traffic. At 4,717 nautical miles, the new service becomes Air Transat’s longest route by distance and block time, underscoring the airline’s growing long-haul ambitions as it strengthens its presence in underserved African markets.

Starting 1 July 2026, Emirates will launch a third daily flight between Dubai (DXB) and Cape Town (CPT), operated by a Boeing 777, increasing daily seat capacity on the route by over 600 seats. The new service, flight EK778, will depart Dubai at 10:25 and arrive in Cape Town at 18:05, with the return flight EK779 leaving Cape Town at 20:00 and arriving in Dubai at 07:25 the following morning. The evening departure introduces an overnight travel option and is timed to optimize connections with Emirates’ long-haul destinations.

Royal Air Maroc is planning to launch new nonstop flights between Casablanca (CMN) and Los Angeles (LAX) in June 2026, pending approval from the U.S. Department of Transportation. The airline intends to operate the route using its Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 Dreamliner fleet, covering the approximately 5,990-mile journey in 11–12 hours. This expansion will complement its existing U.S. network, which includes Miami, New York, and Washington, and positions LAX to rejoin a select group of airports with nonstop service to all six continents. The launch coincides with the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the U.S., signaling a strategic move to capture event-driven travel demand.

United Airlines has announced it will suspend its Washington Dulles–Dakar service on March 5, 2026, effectively ending its only nonstop U.S. connection to Senegal, and will also not resume its Newark–Stockholm route for summer 2026. The withdrawal from Senegal leaves Delta as the sole North American carrier flying nonstop to the West African nation, though Air Transat plans to launch Montreal–Dakar flights in June 2026. United’s Dakar route, launched in May 2025 with Boeing 767-300s, served 3,476 mi. passengers and forms part of the airline’s remaining African network, which includes Cape Town, Accra, Johannesburg, and Lagos.

Airline Fleets and ACMI’s.

South African Airways (SAA) has taken delivery of a 10.3-year-old Boeing 737-8HC(WL), registered TC-SEK, on 13 November 2025, as part of a lease agreement with SunExpress. The aircraft, equipped with two CFM56-7B26E engines and configured in an all-economy 189-seat layout, was originally delivered to SunExpress on 15 September 2015, following a ferry flight from Boeing Field (BFI) to Keflavík (KEF) and onward to Antalya (AYT). During its time with SunExpress, it also carried a commemorative “30 Years” sticker from March 2020 to January 2023. The addition of TC-SEK strengthens SAA’s ongoing fleet renewal and provides added flexibility for regional operations.

Air Cairo has received a 10.8-year-old Airbus A320-214(WL), now registered SU-BWC, on 17 November 2025 under a lease from DAE Capital. The aircraft previously operated with Kuwait Airways as 9K-AKH after its original delivery on 28 February 2015, where it flew in a C16Y114 configuration and carried the name “Al-Kout.” After being withdrawn from use in January 2025, the aircraft spent several storage periods at Bodrum (BJV) before being prepared for transition. It was ferried from BJV to Cairo International Airport (CAI) on 17 November 2025 for entry into service with Air Cairo, where it will operate in a high-density 180-seat layout powered by two CFM56-5B4/3 engines.

Air Peace Limited has taken delivery of a 15.7-year-old Boeing 737-8KN(WL), registered OM-NEX, on 18 November 2025, continuing a long and complex leasing history for the aircraft. Originally delivered to flydubai as A6-FDG on 8 March 2010, the aircraft subsequently operated for Smartwings, TUI, TUI fly Netherlands, and AirExplore under various leases, with multiple periods of storage at airports such as Shannon (SNN) and Amman (AMM). Most recently, it served under AirExplore before returning to Air Peace, marking its second entry into the Nigerian carrier’s fleet—the first being on 14 November 2024. Configured in a 189-seat all-economy layout and powered by two CFM56-7B26 engines, the aircraft strengthens Air Peace’s narrow-body capacity as the airline expands its regional and medium-haul operations.

Ethiopian Airlines has signed a lease agreement for two brand-new ATR 72-600 aircraft to operate under the colours of Air Congo, in which it holds a 49% stake, with commercial operations expected to begin in February 2026. The aircraft, equipped with PW127XT engines, are selected for their fuel efficiency, low operating costs, and ability to serve short runways and remote airports, allowing better connectivity to underserved regions across the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The lease builds on a strategic partnership announced in July 2024 with ATR to develop advanced maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capabilities in Addis Ababa, positioning Ethiopian as a regional hub supporting ATR operators throughout Africa.

Dubai Fleet Announcements

At the 2025 Dubai Airshow, Ethiopian Airlines placed a firm order for six Airbus A350-900 aircraft, reinforcing its status as Africa’s largest A350 operator. Signed by CEO Mesfin Tasew and Airbus EVP Sales Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, the order supports Ethiopian’s strategy to grow sustainably while offering a world-class travel experience and strengthening its leadership in African aviation. The A350-900 features advanced aerodynamics, next-generation Rolls-Royce engines, and lightweight materials, delivering 25% lower fuel burn, operating costs, and CO₂ emissions compared to previous-generation aircraft, along with the Airspace cabin for enhanced passenger comfort.

At the 2025 Dubai Airshow, Air Sénégal S.A announced a firm order for nine Boeing 737-8 aircraft, marking the airline’s largest-ever fleet purchase and its first Boeing order since 2004. The jets will modernize the carrier’s single-aisle fleet and support expansion of both regional and long-haul routes from Dakar, including direct services to Europe, the Middle East, the Americas, and secondary European cities. Each 737-8 can seat up to 178 passengers and fly up to 3,500 nautical miles, offering 20% lower fuel burn and emissions along with a significant reduction in noise compared to previous-generation aircraft.

At the 2025 Dubai Airshow, Air Côte d’Ivoire placed a firm order for four Embraer E175 regional jets, with purchase rights for an additional eight. The aircraft will be configured with 76 seats (12 business, 64 economy) and are expected to be delivered starting in the first half of 2027. The move forms part of the airline’s strategy to modernize its fleet, gradually phase out its Bombardier Dash 8-Q400 turboprops, and boost its domestic and regional network via its hub in Abidjan, improving capacity, range, and passenger comfort.

At the 2025 Dubai Airshow, AerCap announced a lease agreement to provide three new Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft to South African carrier FlySafair, with deliveries scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2028. This agreement forms part of FlySafair’s ongoing fleet expansion to support its growing domestic and regional operations. In addition, the airline is set to receive two Boeing 737-800NG aircraft from AerCap in the third quarter of 2026, further strengthening its narrowbody fleet.

At the 2025 Dubai Airshow, Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest carrier, announced a commitment to purchase 11 additional Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft, reinforcing its regional and international network and supporting expansion of its Addis Ababa hub. The new order builds on Ethiopian’s existing 737 MAX fleet, valued for its reliability, efficiency, and range on routes across Africa, the Middle East, India, and Southern Europe, enabling high-frequency operations and quick turnarounds.

EGYPTAIR is advancing its long-haul fleet renewal with two recent lease agreements for five Airbus A350-900 aircraft, part of a broader strategy to acquire 16 A350s over the next decade to replace its aging Boeing 777-300ERs. Announced at the Dubai Airshow 2025, the deals include three aircraft through a purchase-and-leaseback arrangement with BOC Aviation, with deliveries starting in 2025, and two more via Macquarie AirFinance in 2026, providing the airline with flexible financing options. The A350-900s, powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines, will enhance EgyptAir’s long-range operations, reduce fuel burn and emissions by about 25%, and support plans to expand US route frequencies to daily flights by 2027.

Aviation Infrastructure, Financing & Profitability.

On 18 November 2025, Cameroonian Minister of Finance Louis Paul Motaze announced that the French group GEOCOTON, having received 46 billion CFA francs (approximately 80 million USD) from the Cameroonian government in July 2025 for the repurchase of 30% of its shares in SODECOTON, plans to use part of these funds to acquire shares in the French airline Corsair. The move is intended to create a strategic joint venture with Cameroon Airlines Corporation (CAMAIR-CO), allowing the national carrier to operate flights to Paris without the need to invest in new aircraft. Under the proposed partnership, Corsair would provide aircraft and operational expertise, while Camair Co would focus on the commercial aspects such as ticketing, distribution, and marketing. Flights between Douala, Yaoundé, and Paris would operate under the Camair Co brand, effectively breaking Corsair’s existing monopoly on the route previously dominated by Air France.

Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) has initiated design studies for a dedicated domestic terminal at Kumasi’s Prempeh I International Airport, aiming to separate local traffic from international operations. The plan supports the government’s broader aviation expansion strategy to boost capacity and efficiency at secondary airports. The existing terminal, part of a broader upgrade completed recently, already services up to one million passengers annually, and the new domestic wing is expected to alleviate congestion, speed up aircraft turnaround, and improve the passenger experience, especially during peak periods.

China has donated a state-of-the-art airport security inspection system to Guinea-Bissau, significantly strengthening security operations at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport. The advanced equipment—featuring AI-powered imaging, intelligent screening, and data-driven threat detection—was officially handed over in Bissau, where President Umaro Sissoco Embaló praised China’s support. The donation marks a major boost to the country’s aviation security infrastructure and reflects deepening cooperation between the two nations.

Lagardère Travel Retail has officially opened a 435 sqm duty free and travel essentials store at Kigali International Airport, in partnership with Rwandan aviation services provider Flairway Aviation Ltd. Located in the airside departures zone, the store offers a wide range of products including wines & spirits, perfumes & cosmetics, confectionery, eyewear, luggage, watches & jewellery, and features a Relay shop-in-shop with portable electronics, drinks, and snacks. The store also showcases locally sourced Rwandan products, such as Kari Vodka by Virunga Mountain Spirits, organic honey, artisan beeswax candles, craft beers from Kweza, traditional banana wine, and IMIZI Forest Rum, highlighting Rwanda’s unique craftsmanship and natural produce.

Egypt plans to offer Hurghada International Airport to the private sector by the end of 2025 as part of a wider strategy to modernize its aviation sector, attract foreign investment, and support the national goal of increasing tourism to 30 million visitors. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, during a meeting with aviation officials, outlined a comprehensive roadmap including airport upgrades, fleet expansion, air navigation improvements, and human resource development, in collaboration with the IFC – International Finance Corporation on a public-private partnership model for 11 major airports. The plan aligns with Egypt Vision 2030, aiming to transform airports into regional hubs with advanced global standards.

VISA/Passports/Consulates/Travel.

The US administration is considering a draft immigration policy that could significantly affect green card applications and other immigration benefits for nationals from countries already on the White House travel ban list. The proposed guidance would allow USCIS officers to treat “country-specific factors” tied to the ban as major negative indicators when evaluating cases, potentially impacting green card approvals, asylum requests, parole, and other discretionary benefits. Currently, 12 countries face a full entry ban and seven others face partial visa restrictions, with exemptions for certain groups such as existing visa holders, lawful permanent residents, special immigrant visa applicants, athletes for major US sporting events, and some persecuted minorities. However, even these exempted groups—including those seeking status renewals—may be affected if the policy is enacted.

People/Appointments.

John Woja Elinana, Director General of the South Sudan Civil Aviation Authority, has been elected Chairman of the East African Community’s Civil Aviation Safety and Security Oversight Agency (EAC‑CASSOA) for a 12-month term, succeeding Kenya’s Emile Arao. Elinana’s appointment comes as South Sudan seeks to cement its role in regional aviation, building on recent reforms such as operationalizing control of its airspace (the Juba Flight Information Region), upgrades at Juba International Airport, and stronger alignment with ICAO safety standards. During his chairmanship, he plans to emphasize cooperation among East African states to enhance regulatory oversight, harmonize aviation rules, and improve safety across the region.

Jambojet has announced major leadership changes, confirming the departure of Board Chair Vincent Rague and Non-Executive Director Caroline Armstrong following the completion of their tenures. Rague, who joined the board in 2014, was credited with steering the airline through its formative years, strengthening operational performance, and driving regional expansion, while Armstrong was recognized for her nine years of service and contributions to the Audit and Risk Committee. The airline has appointed seasoned corporate leader and entrepreneur Ayisi Makatiani as the new Board Chair, noting his strong background in governance, strategy, and technology, as well as his deep understanding of Jambojet’s mission to democratize air travel and enhance regional connectivity.

The former chairwoman of Madagascar Airlines, Hajanirina Rinah Rakotomanga, has been arrested along with five others on corruption charges, including favoritism, conflict of interest, forgery, embezzlement of public funds, and abuse of office. The arrests relate to a 2023 public procurement contract worth MGA 498.8 million (~US$111,000) for the reconstruction of the airline’s building, which was found to have numerous irregularities. Following legal proceedings, five of the accused were remanded in pretrial detention, while one was released under judicial supervision.

Lawsuits/Investigations.

The Office of the Attorney General of Somalia has launched a criminal investigation after Somali passenger Abdifitah Ahmed Huseen filed a complaint alleging mistreatment by a Turkish Airlines official at Mogadishu Airport. Huseen claims he was unlawfully denied boarding and subjected to abuse of authority by the airline’s Station Manager, violating his constitutional rights. The Attorney General’s Office has opened a formal case, reviewing the circumstances, and stated that appropriate legal action will follow once the investigation concludes. The move underscores the office’s commitment to protecting the rights of all individuals in Somalia, amid a series of recent social-media complaints by travelers.

Three Kenya Airways employees were sentenced to 25 years in prison each for trafficking heroin valued at over KSh 60 million, with additional fines ranging from KSh 88 million to KSh 90 million or an extra year in prison if unpaid. The convictions involved cabin crew members Lennox Chengek Chestit and Alfric Odhiambo Otieno, along with ground staffer Kenneth Sinzore Isundu, for two counts of heroin trafficking totaling nearly 30 kilograms. The Jomo Kenyatta International Airport Court emphasized that drug trafficking offenses do not qualify for non-custodial sentences and highlighted the severe reputational damage to Kenya Airways and Kenya Airports Authority. The Director of Public Prosecutions praised the verdict as a strong statement that no individual or institution is above the law, underscoring Kenya’s commitment to dismantling narcotics networks and safeguarding national security.

Aviation Accidents/Incidences.

On 16 November 2025, an AFRIQIYAH AIRWAYS Airbus A320-214 (registration 5A-ONJ) experienced a bird strike to one of its CFM56-5B4/P engines while landing at Alexandria–Borg El Arab Airport (HBE) after a scheduled passenger flight from Tripoli–Mitiga Airport. The 2010-built aircraft sustained minor damage, and there were no injuries or fatalities among those on board. Following inspections and repairs, the aircraft was returned to service on 18 November 2025.

On 17 November 2025, an AirJet Angola Embraer ERJ-145LR (registration D2-AJB) was destroyed in a landing accident at Kolwezi Airport (KWZ) in the Democratic Republic of Congo while operating a non-scheduled charter flight carrying 29 occupants. The aircraft had been chartered by the DRC Ministère des Mines to transport a government delegation, departing Kinshasa with a stop in Lubumbashi before proceeding to Kolwezi. During landing on runway 29—whose threshold had been displaced by 1000 metres due to ongoing construction, as indicated in an active NOTAM—the aircraft touched down in the normal touchdown zone but continued into the under-construction section, causing the loss of at least one main landing gear and resulting in a post-impact fire that partially consumed the aircraft. All passengers and crew survived and were safely evacuated, but the aircraft was declared a total loss.

On November 17, 2025, a physical altercation occurred onboard United Nigeria Airlines Flight UN0523 at Asaba International Airport, involving popular content creators Martins Otse (“VeryDarkman”) and Freedom Okpetoritse Atsepoyi (“Mr. Jollof”). The two passengers were seen throwing punches inside the aircraft, causing disruption to fellow travelers. United Nigeria Airlines confirmed the incident, stating that its crew responded immediately in compliance with global aviation safety protocols. Both individuals were deboarded promptly to ensure the safety and security of other passengers and crew and were handed over to airport security for further investigation. The airline emphasized its zero-tolerance policy toward behavior that compromises passenger safety, and after the incident was managed, the flight departed safely.

On 20 November 2025, an Enugu Air Embraer ERJ-145MP (registration 5N-BZN), operated on behalf of XEJet Limited, experienced a nose-gear fault while landing at Enugu–Akanu Ibiam International Airport (ENU) after a scheduled flight from Lagos. The aircraft became disabled on the runway, prompting an evacuation of all occupants. There were no injuries or fatalities, and the NSIB has opened an investigation. Aircraft damage remains undetermined pending official assessment.

Other Information.

Air France will shift its Luanda‑based flights from the old Quatro de Fevereiro Airport to the new Dr. António Agostinho Neto International Airport (AIAAN) beginning 30 November 2025, as part of a broader migration of international operations to the modern facility. The move will be aligned with Angola‘s strategy to position the new airport—capable of handling 15 million passengers annually—as a regional aviation hub, enhancing connectivity and operational efficiency for carriers serving the country.

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has fined Qatar Airways five million naira (≈ USD 6,800) for violating consumer protection regulations and failing to respond to regulatory directives. The penalty follows a September incident in Lagos where a passenger and spouse were detained for over 18 hours during boarding, with the airline reportedly ignoring subsequent NCAA inquiries. NCAA officials emphasized that the fine reflects a broader enforcement push to uphold passenger rights, and further penalties may follow if Qatar Airways does not address outstanding compliance issues. The authority has also issued notices to other carriers, including Royal Air Maroc and Saudia, signaling intensified oversight across Nigeria’s aviation sector.