Introduction.

Airbus has issued an emergency technical advisory affecting the A320 family of aircraft worldwide following a serious incident, when a JetBlue A320 experienced an uncommanded altitude drop during a flight from Cancun to Newark. Investigations revealed that intense solar radiation, including solar flares and cosmic rays, can corrupt critical flight-control data in the aircraft’s Elevator/Aileron Computers (ELAC), potentially causing sudden changes in the aircraft’s attitude. In response, Airbus Aircraft issued an Alert Operators Transmission requiring immediate corrective measures, including software updates for most affected aircraft and hardware replacements for older models. The EASA – European Union Aviation Safety Agency followed with an Emergency Airworthiness Directive on 28 November 2025, mandating compliance before further passenger operations. The advisory impacts approximately 6,000 A320-family aircraft globally, causing widespread flight cancellations and delays as operators implement the required updates.

Conferences and Events.

Uganda, through its Ministry of Works and Transport and the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), hosted the 48th East African Consultative Meeting on Facilitation of Air Transport (EAC-FAL) at Speke Resort Munyonyo from 26th–28th November 2025. The meeting brought together delegates from the East African Community, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the EAC Civil Aviation Safety & Security Oversight Agency (CASSOA), the African Union Commission, and other partner agencies. In his opening remarks, Minister Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala highlighted Uganda’s commitment to regional aviation cooperation, improved passenger facilitation, and enhanced air transport efficiency, noting that Entebbe International Airport handled over 243,000 international passengers in August 2025 and that Uganda Airlines had expanded its network to 17 destinations. UCAA representatives emphasized the need to harmonize facilitation standards across the region in line with ICAO Annex 9 to ensure seamless movement of passengers, cargo, and aircraft

AOCs/ASLs/Regulations.

The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially approved Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo for full international flight operations, marking a major milestone in Akwa Ibom State’s aviation ambitions. Announced on 27 November 2025 by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, the designation follows a technical assessment showing that the airport already meets key global standards, including a 3km-plus runway capable of handling wide-body aircraft and a nearly completed MRO facility—one of the most advanced in West Africa. A combined team from federal agencies, including Customs, Immigration, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, is expected to conduct final operational and regulatory checks in the coming weeks. Once these are completed, international operations are projected to begin by Q1 2026, positioning the airport as a growing regional hub for passenger and cargo traffic.

The government of Côte d’Ivoire has officially approved the 2025–2026 winter flight schedules of Air France and Corsair on the Paris–Abidjan route following weeks of political tension — a standoff that began when authorities withheld authorisation, citing concerns that these carriers unfairly disadvantaged national flag-carrier Air Côte d’Ivoire. The final green light reportedly came after personal intervention by French President Emmanuel Macron. Despite lacking permanent approval earlier, Air France and Corsair continued flying to Abidjan. The formal clearance ends the impasse and allows both French carriers to operate in Abidjan this winter, restoring capacity on a route historically dominated by them.

The U.S. has sanctioned Gambia-based Macka Invest Company Limited for allegedly aiding the Iranian carrier Mahan Air in transporting IRGC‑QF personnel to Syria and circumventing sanctions. Macka Invest reportedly acted as a front to acquire aircraft abroad, including two Airbus A340‑600 jets in 2024 that were temporarily registered in Gambia before delivery to Iran. The sanctions highlight risks associated with small or under-regulated aviation operators in Africa being used in global sanction‑evasion schemes and signal increased scrutiny on African-linked aviation leases and intermediary firms.

ExecuJet MRO Services South Africa has renewed its Federal Aviation Administration and multiple African aviation authority approvals, enabling it to continue supporting U.S.-registered aircraft and those from countries including Angola, Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, and South Africa. Following rigorous audits at its Johannesburg Lanseria facility—covering maintenance record traceability, personnel qualifications, and quality control systems—the Dassault Aviation subsidiary reaffirmed full compliance with international MRO standards. With Africa’s business aviation sector expanding to more than 400 based aircraft, ExecuJet says it now holds the continent’s widest range of regulatory accreditations, supported by hangar capacity for 14 aircraft and new component-painting capabilities.

Aviation Projections and Statistics.

According to International Air Transport Association (IATA) , in October 2025, African airlines saw strong growth in air travel, with passenger demand measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPK) rising 8.8% year-on-year and capacity (ASK) increasing 8.3%, resulting in a load factor of 73.9%. For international travel within Africa, demand grew 7.3% while capacity expanded 5.3%, lifting the load factor to 74.1%. Overall, Africa accounted for 2.2% of global RPKs, highlighting its relatively small but growing share of worldwide air traffic. The region outperformed the global average RPK growth of 6.6% and saw improvements in operational efficiency, while domestic African markets contributed to the broader growth story for the continent amid rising connectivity and increasing passenger mobility.

Also in October 2025, African airlines recorded a remarkable surge in air cargo demand, with cargo tonne-kilometers (CTK) growing 16.6% year-on-year—the strongest growth of all regions—while capacity (ACTK) expanded 20.0%, resulting in a cargo load factor of 41.3%. This robust growth highlights Africa’s increasing role in global air freight, particularly on key trade lanes such as Africa–Asia, which saw a 10.9% increase in volumes over four consecutive months. Africa accounted for 2.0% of global CTKs, showing its relatively small but rapidly expanding share of worldwide air cargo, outperforming regions such as North America and Latin America, which saw declines in October. The data underscores Africa’s rising connectivity and the sector’s contribution to trade and supply chain resilience.

Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest carrier, transported 637,000 passengers to and from the U.S. between September 2024 and August 2025, but its overall seat load factor (SLF) was relatively low at 70.9%, below the 75.7% average for all airlines on U.S.–Africa routes. Traffic grew 6% year-on-year, but seat capacity increased 10%, causing the SLF to decline. Route-specific performance varied widely: Addis Ababa–Atlanta had the lowest load at 60.6% with 56,630 passengers, while Addis Ababa–Washington Dulles carried 232,100 passengers with an 80.8% load, the highest among U.S. destinations. Other routes included Addis Ababa–Lomé–Newark (61.9%, 71,800 passengers), Addis Ababa–Lomé–Washington Dulles (62.7%, 69,300), Addis Ababa–Lomé/Abidjan–New York JFK (64.1%, 79,800), and Addis Ababa–Chicago O’Hare (74.6%, 127,300). Ethiopian’s U.S. operations rely on stopovers in Rome for refueling and crew changes due to Addis Ababa’s high elevation, and many passengers connect onward within Africa via the Addis Ababa hub.

Between January and July 2025, the NIGERIA CUSTOMS SERVICE (NCS) intercepted $2.2 million in undeclared cash across major airports, reflecting intensified aviation security and enforcement efforts. Key seizures included $193,000 concealed in a yoghurt carton at Abuja Airport on March 20, $1,154,900 and SR135,900 (≈$36,000) from a passenger arriving from Saudi Arabia in Kano, and $578,000 in falsely declared cash from an inbound passenger from South Africa in Lagos. In Kano alone, foreign currencies worth N653.99 million (≈$440,000) were intercepted. Collaborations with FAAN, NDLEA and NCAA also resulted in the seizure of contraband valued at over N1.2 billion (≈$810,000), including rice, used vehicles, and unregistered pharmaceuticals, as well as drones, arms, and wildlife products. On the revenue side, NCS generated N3.7 trillion (≈$2.5 billion) in the first half of 2025, with the Lagos Airport Command contributing N97.16 billion (≈$65 million) — a 20.92% increase from the previous year. Efficiency upgrades through advanced scanners like the Orion 928DX and the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) pilot programme reduced cargo clearance time from 168 hours to 43 hours.

Seychelles’ tourism sector has surpassed its 2024 visitor arrival target ahead of schedule, recording 354,034 arrivals as of Week 47 (ending 23 November 2025), a 12% increase over the 316,800 arrivals during the same period in 2024. Weekly arrivals reached 7,880, nearly half of pre-pandemic levels, with growth observed across all regions: Europe up 13%, Africa 22%, Asia 23%, Oceania 94%, and the Americas 5%. Germany remains the largest individual market with 49,310 visitors, followed by France (38,899), Russia (32,443), Italy (20,478), and the UK & Northern Ireland (20,165), while South Africa leads within Africa with 7,598 arrivals.

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

Uganda Airlines and Airlink have signed an interline agreement that significantly enhances connectivity between East and Southern Africa, enabling travellers to book a single-ticket journey from Entebbe to more than 45 destinations across Southern Africa via Johannesburg. The deal offers through‑check‑in for passengers and baggage, eliminating the need for separate bookings and check-ins in Johannesburg. Destinations now accessible include major business and leisure hubs like Cape Town, Durban, Victoria Falls, Windhoek, and Gaborone. According to Uganda Airlines’ Chief Commercial Officer, the partnership is a strategic step to make intra‑African travel easier and more convenient, expanding travel options and strengthening trade, tourism, and mobility within Africa.

Egyptair Holding Company is exploring the launch of direct flights between Cairo and Dakar to expand its African network and strengthen trade and economic ties with Senegal. The initiative followed a high-level meeting between EGYPTAIR Chairman and Managing Director Pilot Ahmed Adel and a Senegalese delegation, including Ambassador Kimoko Diakité and senior economic and consular officials. The discussions focused on enhancing air traffic and facilitating bilateral trade through a direct air link.

Lesotho and the African Tourism Board (ATB) have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to elevate the country’s tourism sector, branding it as the “Kingdom in the Sky” on the global stage. The agreement focuses on four strategic pillars: global positioning, capacity enhancement, investment facilitation, and marketing and promotion. ATB will support Lesotho in accessing key international markets such as the USA and Germany, empowering local tourism institutions and communities, attracting investors, and promoting the nation through digital storytelling and global ambassadorial platforms. With its unique high-altitude geography, mountainous landscapes, cultural heritage, and adventure tourism offerings, Lesotho aims to leverage this partnership to boost economic growth, job creation, and sustainable tourism development.

Routes and Airline Connectivity.

Royal Airways Tchad 🇹🇩 officially launched its first international service on 24 November 2025, connecting N’Djamena to Douala, Cameroon. This milestone marks the airline’s expansion beyond its domestic network and introduces competition on a route historically dominated by CAMAIR-CO and ASKY AIRLINES. The thrice-weekly service, with flights on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, offers a direct two-hour connection between Chad’s capital and Cameroon’s major economic hub, facilitating travel, trade, and regional mobility. The launch, attended by government officials and civil aviation authorities, underscores Chad’s ambition to strengthen its national carrier and enhance regional connectivity.

AIR TANZANIA COMPANY LIMITED will expand its network with several new routes that are yet to be launched. The airline will inaugurate the Dar es Salaam–Accra service on 3 December 2025, operating three times weekly on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, creating a direct link between East and West Africa. Additionally, it will launch the Dar es Salaam–Cape Town route via Victoria Falls starting 11 December 2025, with flights on Thursdays and Fridays, complementing its existing daily Johannesburg service and providing streamlined access from South Africa to Tanzania’s key wildlife destinations, including Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, and Ruaha. These upcoming routes will mark a significant step in Air Tanzania’s efforts to strengthen regional connectivity and support tourism and trade.

EGYPTAIR announced the launch of a direct, twice-weekly flight between Alexandria and Benghazi, Libya, starting 3 December, 2025, operated on Wednesdays and Saturdays using Boeing B737-800 aircraft. The new route is part of EgyptAir’s broader strategy to expand its network within the Arab and African regions, strengthen commercial ties with Libya, and reinforce historic bilateral relations. The launch comes as EgyptAir continues to grow its network, planning to serve 85 international destinations from Cairo and five from Alexandria in fiscal year 2025/2026, with projected operations of over 42,800 flights carrying nearly 11.9 million passengers.

Jet2.com announced on 25 November 2025 that it will resume flights to Egypt — for the first time since 2011 — with a new programme launching in February 2027 connecting the UK to Egypt’s Red Sea resorts at Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada. The plan includes 14 weekly flights from multiple UK cities, offering roughly 169,000 extra seats in the first year. Departures to Sharm El Sheikh will come from Birmingham, Manchester, London Stansted and Edinburgh; flights to Hurghada will use Birmingham, Manchester, London Stansted and Glasgow. This move reflects Jet2’s strategy to meet rising demand for winter‑sun holidays and supports Egypt’s efforts to revive its tourism industry and re‑establish strong air connectivity with the UK.

Starting 18 December 2025, Ethiopian Airlines will upgrade its Addis Ababa ↔ Bangui (CAR) route from five weekly flights to a daily service. This increase to seven‑times‑weekly flights reflects growing demand on the route and allows passengers greater flexibility and convenience, with consistent options available every day of the week. The upgrade not only strengthens connectivity between Ethiopia and the Central African Republic but also supports regional travel and trade, enhancing opportunities for business, tourism, and cultural exchange across Central Africa.

Airline Fleets and ACMI’s.

ASKY AIRLINES has taken delivery of a six-year-old Boeing 737-8 MAX, registered ET-BBD, on 26 November 2025. The aircraft was originally built in 2019 and first allocated to Ural Airlines as VP-BHR under a lease from Sberbank Leasing, though it was never taken up. It later entered service with Ethiopian Airlines on 26 September 2025 before being transferred to ASKY. Configured in a C8Y177 layout and powered by two CFM LEAP-1B28 engines, the aircraft continues to operate under the same technical specifications and hex code (040247). This delivery strengthens ASKY’s narrowbody fleet and supports its growing regional operations.

Air Arabia Maroc has introduced a Boeing 737‑800, leased from GetJet Airlines, into its operations, with the aircraft entering service on 27 November 2025. This represents a notable shift for the carrier, which is traditionally an all‑A320 operator. The addition underscores Air Arabia Maroc’s flexible approach to capacity management, leveraging ACMI partnerships — where the aircraft, crew, maintenance, and insurance are provided by the lessor — to quickly scale operations and meet seasonal demand.

Pioneer Airlines, backed by the Bayelsa State Government, has taken a major step toward launching commercial operations with the delivery of its first ATR 72-600 aircraft. The turboprop, formerly operated by Afrijet Business Service, completed a familiarisation flight between Lagos and Abuja on 25 November 2025, marking a significant milestone for the startup. Currently, Pioneer Airlines operates under the AOC of 7star global airline while preparing to establish its own operations. The arrival of the ATR 72-600 signals the airline’s readiness to commence regular passenger services and highlights Bayelsa State’s commitment to enhancing regional air connectivity. The airline plans to initially operate domestic routes connecting Yenagoa (Bayelsa) with major Nigerian cities such as Lagos and Abuja, with ambitions to expand services across the Niger Delta region.

The plan by Ghana’s government under President John Mahama to procure two new presidential jets and four military helicopters—budgeted at GH¢13.1 billion (roughly USD 1.1–1.2 billion)—has triggered nationwide uproar in the midst of deep economic strain. Critics, including opposition MPs, argue that spending such a large sum on VIP jets and helicopters is irresponsible when public sector workers are reportedly unpaid, national economic challenges remain acute, and basic services struggle. The procurement is mapped over four years beginning in 2026, yet detractors highlight that the government’s spending priorities should focus on social welfare, jobs and infrastructure, rather than luxury transport assets. Supporters of the plan stress that the old presidential jet is grounded and undergoing extensive repairs abroad—so acquiring a reliable, long‑range jet could justify the cost with respect to national security and state functionality.

Royal Air Maroc (RAM) has unveiled a striking new aircraft livery featuring portraits of Morocco’s football stars Achraf Hakimi, Yassine Bounou, Brahim Díaz, Bilal El Khannouss, and Youssef En-Nesyri, ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations ( AFCON) 2025. The reveal, coming a month before Morocco hosts the tournament from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026, follows an earlier RAM plane painted in the official AFCON 2025 colors. This initiative highlights RAM’s commitment to African football as a Global Official Partner of the CAF Confederation of African Football, covering men’s, women’s, youth, and club competitions. Beyond branding, the airline plans to increase flights and frequencies to key African destinations, ensuring fans and essential personnel reach the tournament venues, while also visually celebrating Morocco’s national team, the Atlas Lions, and the country’s role as host of Africa’s premier football event.

Aviation Infrastructure, Financing & Profitability.

Cameroon‘s Civil Aviation Authority (CCAA) has set 15 July 2027 as the completion date for its new CFA12 billion (≈USD 20 million) headquarters in Yaoundé. The 10-storey (R+10) facility, under construction on a one-hectare site near Yaoundé-Nsimalen International Airport, will span 14,000 m², including 5,000 m² of rentable office space, administrative offices, technical areas, two multipurpose halls, and a training center. Emphasizing local sourcing, the project will use Pouma stone for wall cladding and indigenous wood for floors, doors, and decorative elements. As of 15 November 2025, construction was 29% complete, with 64% of structural work finished, and the local firm Bun’s is executing the 42-month project following a restricted national tender.

Incheon International Airport Corporation (IIAC) announced on 25 November 2025 that it will implement a digital transformation (DX) project at Ethiopia’s Bole International Airport, one of Africa’s major hub airports serving over 140 cities worldwide. Supported through an official development assistance (ODA) program by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), the initiative marks IIAC’s first overseas project providing a digital transformation master plan and pilot smart service implementation. Over a two-year period, the project will focus on four areas: developing a DX master plan and advising the government, implementing pilot smart services such as biometric E-Gates and the Flexa terminal optimization simulator, providing capacity-building training for airport authorities, and organizing benchmarking visits to Incheon Airport for local stakeholders.

Turkiye will assist Somalia in modernizing its immigration and border management systems as part of a broader partnership aimed at strengthening governance and national security. Following talks between Turkish Ambassador Alper Aktas and Mustafa Sheikh Ali Duhulow, Director-General of the Somali Immigration and Citizenship Agency, Turkiye committed to enhancing the agency’s operational capabilities, including border control and management systems. This initiative complements Turkey’s ongoing development role in Somalia, which includes oversight of Mogadishu’s port and Aden Adde International Airport, and builds on longstanding bilateral ties dating back to humanitarian aid during the 2011 famine.

Ethiopia’s Ministry of Transport and Logistics unveiled an ambitious expansion plan for Ethiopian Airlines aiming to carry 67 million passengers by 2035 and cement its status as Africa’s leading carrier. The announcement was made during the 5th Annual General Assembly of the African Association of Aviation Training Organizations in Addis Ababa. State Minister Denge Boru highlighted that the strategy focuses on modernizing airport infrastructure, upgrading existing facilities, expanding cargo terminals, streamlining services, and extending the airline’s domestic and regional network. The plan also emphasizes developing a robust training ecosystem for pilots and cabin crew, strengthening collaboration between the ministry, the aviation academy, the civil aviation authority, and universities, ensuring the carrier has the skilled workforce required to support rapid growth over the next decade.

At the Africa Investment Forum in Rabat, Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew announced that a China-based bank has pledged USD 500 million toward the development of the proposed USD 12.5 billion Bishoftu International Airport. The commitment reflects rising global interest in the project, which still faces an estimated USD 8 billion funding gap likely to be filled by private investors. Mesfin highlighted that fundraising efforts are advancing positively, with active engagement from financial institutions across the Middle East, China, India, Europe, and North America. The Rabat announcement followed earlier investor meetings in Paris on November 3, where EAG—supported by KPMG and Dar Al-Handasah—continued promoting the project alongside interest already signaled by the African Development Bank.

Egypt has expanded its air‑freight capacity for fresh strawberries to Central and Western Europe to meet rising demand, particularly during the early 2025 season, which began about two weeks ahead of schedule with stronger yields. Charter operator Airmaster has been flying two B737‑800BCF freighters from Cairo to Hahn Airport in Germany, each carrying roughly 22 tonnes per flight, while EGYPTAIR CARGO operates A330F freighters twice weekly to Hahn or Ostend–Bruges in Belgium. The arrangement with AirMaster temporarily addresses limited capacity, as part of Egyptair’s freighter fleet is committed to long‑haul e‑commerce routes between China and Europe until full availability returns in December 2025.

Kenya Airways has warned of a projected 25% drop in 2025 earnings after three of its Boeing 787 aircraft remained grounded due to engine shortages, significantly reducing capacity and passenger traffic. The airline’s first-half results show total income fell to KSh 74.5 Bn (~USD 465 M) from KSh 91.5 Bn (~USD 571 M), with passenger numbers down 14% to 2.186 million and revenue passenger kilometres decreasing 19% to 4,862 M. Cabin factor slipped to 72.4% from 74.7%, while cargo volumes eased 8%, and block hours dropped 10% to 72,040. The grounded Dreamliners, representing one-third of the widebody fleet, require new engines costing KSh 5.2 Bn (~USD 32.5 M) and overhauls of KSh 1.9 Bn (~USD 11.9 M), with global supply chain delays compounding the issue. Operating costs fell 10% to KSh 80.74 Bn (~USD 505 M) but could not offset the revenue decline, leading to an operating loss of KSh 6.24 Bn (~USD 39 M), a pre-tax loss of KSh 12.17 Bn (~USD 76 M), and a net loss of KSh 12.15 Bn (~USD 76 M), compared to a KSh 513 M (~USD 3.2 M) profit the previous year, leaving a net margin of -16.3% and cash from operations at KSh 8.94 Bn (~USD 56 M).

Kenya’s low-cost carrier Jambojet is preparing for its most ambitious expansion since its launch over a decade ago as a Kenya Airways subsidiary, aiming to triple its fleet and extend operations across East, West, and Southern Africa. Currently operating nine De Havilland Dash 8-400 turboprops on domestic and short regional routes, the airline plans to acquire two more aircraft within a year and explore jet aircraft for longer-range flights up to five hours. This growth is driven by strong domestic demand, with limited seat availability on routes like Nairobi–Kisumu and Nairobi–Mombasa, and by opportunities in underdeveloped regional markets. Jambojet intends to gradually expand to destinations such as Kigali, Tanzania, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Zanzibar, and eventually parts of South and West Africa, all while maintaining its low-cost model.

The FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OF NIGERIA is considering seizing Dana Air’s assets to recover funds owed to passengers and travel agents, following the airline’s failure to refund trapped payments. Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo disclosed this on Tuesday during the fourth-quarter stakeholder engagement in Abuja, emphasizing that passenger safety—not commercial interests—led to Dana Air’s suspension in April 2024, after a runway excursion involving an MD-82 aircraft. Keyamo directed the NCAA to investigate the unrefunded funds and proposed that Dana Air’s assets or revenue streams be used to compensate affected passengers. He added that the airline, or any entity linked to it, would not be allowed to re-enter the sector without settling outstanding debts.

People/Appointments.

DHL Global Forwarding has appointed Justin Cheong as Head of Air Freight in South Africa, based in Johannesburg, to lead the company’s air freight strategy, commercial growth, and operational excellence across the country. Cheong brings extensive international experience across Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, having previously held senior roles at Scan Global Logistics, DB Schenker Indonesia, dnata Singapore, IICC Airlines | Cathay Pacific Airways, Singapore Airlines Cargo, and Etihad Cargo. His expertise spans export and import operations, key account management, gateway optimisation, and cross-regional capacity planning, with notable experience in special cargo segments such as aviation, automotive, and e-commerce. DHL expects Cheong to strengthen South Africa’s role as a trade gateway, particularly enhancing connectivity with Asia, while supporting agile, sustainable, and digitally enabled logistics solutions.

Air Cairo has appointed Hussein Sherif as its new Chairman and CEO, succeeding Captain Ahmed Shennan. Sherif, a veteran of over 30 years in aviation, previously led Air Cairo through significant fleet expansion and operational and financial improvements. His return signals the airline’s commitment to continued growth, with Sherif aiming to implement an ambitious plan to enhance efficiency and reinforce Air Cairo’s position as a leading carrier in the region.

Awards, Recognition, Certifications & Milestones.

Africa World Airlines Limited (AWA) celebrated a major milestone on 27 November 2025, marking its five-millionth passenger since beginning operations in 2012, underscoring over a decade of steady growth and its status as one of West Africa’s most reliable carriers. The ceremony at Kotoka International Airport in Accra brought together government officials, aviation regulators, traditional leaders, and industry stakeholders. Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture praised AWA’s safety record and domestic connectivity, while Chairman Togbe Afede XIV reflected on the airline’s founding in 2009, its survival through the collapse of several domestic carriers, and its continued expansion despite challenges such as COVID-19.

ASKY AIRLINES has been named Best Regional Airline for Facilitation and Connectivity at the UK–West & Central Africa Francophone Trade & Investment Forum (WCAF IV), held on November 12–13 in Lomé. The award highlights ASKY’s role in improving mobility across West and Central Africa, enhancing trade, tourism, and cultural exchange through its network connecting 30 cities in 28 countries. Partnerships with Ethiopian Airlines and regional financial institutions have strengthened its operational footprint, while its modern fleet of 15 aircraft—including ten Boeing 737-800s and five 737 MAX 8s—enables frequent schedules and access to underserved destinations.

Dr. Guy Leitch of Hoedspruit has been awarded the Aero Club of South Africa’s Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his extensive contributions to African aviation. Combining academic rigor—a PhD in African airline connectivity modelling and an MSc in Development Finance—with practical expertise as a qualified pilot, Leitch has bridged theory and practice to provide evidence-based insights that have shaped Southern Africa’s aviation sector. As the longtime publisher and editor of SA Flyer Magazine and FlightCom magazines, he has transformed aviation journalism over nearly two decades, offering technical insight, informed commentary, and a platform uniting the general aviation community.

Nigeria will celebrate 100 years of aviation on December 1, 2025, marking a century of growth since the first aircraft landed in Kano in 1925. The centenary event, led by the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, will highlight the sector’s historic milestones, major investments, and the evolution of Nigeria into a regional aviation hub. Minister Festus Keyamo will honour 40 aviation pioneers whose contributions shaped the industry and supported institutions like the NCAA in achieving global regulatory credibility. The celebration also underscores Nigeria’s progress in modernising airports, upgrading airspace management systems, and improving safety oversight, alongside efforts to develop a national carrier and attract international partnerships.

Lawsuits/Investigations.

Bpifrance, the French public investment bank, has initiated legal action to reclaim two Airbus A330‑neo aircraft financed for Air Sénégal S.A due to the airline’s significant unpaid debts. This follows earlier disputes with other lessors, including Carlyle Aviation Partners, over unpaid leases, highlighting Air Sénégal’s ongoing financial difficulties, reportedly amounting to USD 150–230 million. The repossession of these aircraft would further reduce the carrier’s operational capacity, potentially causing flight cancellations and network disruptions. The situation underscores the vulnerability of African airlines reliant on foreign financing, where missed payments can quickly lead to aircraft seizures, threatening connectivity, passenger services, and regional aviation growth.

On Friday, 28 November 2025, four individuals, including a senior media personality, were arrested at OR Tambo International Airport while attempting to board a flight to Russia via the United Arab Emirates. They were referred to the Hawks’ Crimes Against the State unit on suspicion of violating the Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act (RFMAA), following a tip-off from OR Tambo SAPS. Investigations revealed that a South African woman allegedly facilitated their travel and recruitment into the Russian military. A search-and-seizure operation on Saturday, 30 November 2025 led to the arrest of a fifth suspect connected to the network. All five are expected to appear at Kempton Park Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 1 December 2025. The case forms part of a broader investigation into the recruitment of South Africans for the Russia–Ukraine conflict, with the Hawks collaborating with intelligence services and international partners to uncover the full scope of the network and potential security risks.

Aviation Accidents/Incidences.

On Sunday, 23 November 2025, United Airlines Flight 1122 from Newark Liberty International Airport to Cape Town, South Africa, was forced to turn back over the Atlantic Ocean due to a passenger medical emergency. The flight, carrying 236 passengers and 14 crew members, had been airborne for more than eight hours before returning to New Jersey. Medical personnel met the aircraft upon landing, though the passenger’s condition was not immediately disclosed. Flight tracking data indicate the flight took off at 8:30 p.m. and turned around approximately four hours into the journey.

On 25 November 2025, at approximately 08:30, a Let L-410UVP operated by Nari Air on behalf of Samaritan’s Purse crashed near Rupchier Boma in Guat Payam, South Sudan, during its approach to Leer County Airstrip. The aircraft, registered AVIONS-416 and operating as flight 114, was conducting a cargo mission from Juba Airport carrying relief supplies. According to early information from news and social media sources, the aircraft went down close to its destination, resulting in the total loss of the airframe and the deaths of all three people on board. No ground casualties were reported. The accident is classified as a cargo approach accident, with details still emerging from unofficial sources.

On 28 November 2025 at 23:01, a Boeing 747-4H6 (BDSF) operated by MeskAir for Elit’Avia Malta, registered 9H-MSK, sustained substantial damage after encountering multiple bird strikes during take-off from Tripoli–Mitiga International Airport. Operating as cargo flight MA102 and bound for Muscat, the aircraft continued climbing but later experienced abnormal vibrations in engine number two while in cruise. The crew subsequently shut down the affected engine and diverted safely to Malta International Airport. There were no injuries or fatalities reported.

Lufthansa has apologised after a technical fault left the prime ministers of Finland, Denmark, and Luxembourg—along with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas —stranded at Frankfurt Airport on Sunday night as they headed to the EU –African Union summit in Luanda, Angola. The leaders were delayed when flight LH560 was unable to depart due to a malfunctioning passenger announcement system, resulting in a 13-hour delay. Finland’s Prime Minister Petteri Orpo eventually continued to Africa, while Denmark’s Mette Frederiksen, Luxembourg’s Luc Frieden, and Kallas cancelled their trips.

Other Information::

A volcanic eruption at the long-dormant Hayli Gubb volcano in Ethiopia’s Afar region, near the Eritrean border, for the first time in nearly 12,000 years, sent an ash cloud up to 14 kilometers into the air, disrupting air travel across several countries. The ash drifted across the Red Sea toward Yemen, Oman, Pakistan, and northern India, prompting regulatory checks and flight cancellations in India, including 11 Air India Limited flights and several Akasa services to Middle East destinations such as Jeddah, Kuwait, and Abu Dhabi. Authorities advised precautions for people with respiratory conditions, and while no casualties were reported, the eruption could affect local farming communities economically. The ash cloud was expected to clear Indian skies later on Tuesday.

Kenya Airways has officially joined IATA CO₂ Connect, reinforcing its commitment to environmental transparency and accurate carbon accounting across its operations. Through this move, passengers and partners will benefit from standardized and verifiable emissions data for flights operated by Kenya Airways — enabling more informed choices and clearer reporting on the carbon footprint of travel. This step complements the airline’s broader sustainability strategy, which already includes participation in IATA’s Integrated Sustainability Program (ISP). As part of that program, Kenya Airways is working to embed sustainable procurement, social responsibility, and rigorous sustainability performance monitoring into its operations.

Delta Air Lines’ Airport Customer Service team, in partnership with Women in Aviation International and other collaborators, donated GHC20,000 (≈ USD 2,400) to the Breast Cancer Survivors Association of Breast Care International during a free breast screening and health awareness event at Kotoka International Airport in Accra, Ghana. The initiative, part of Delta’s ongoing commitment to women’s health, aimed to promote early detection, raise awareness of breast cancer risks, and encourage proactive health among women. Speaking at the event, Delta’s Operations Service Manager, Sarah Annan, emphasized the airline’s dedication to community support, marking 100 years of Delta globally, 19 years in Ghana, and 20 years of partnership with the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Kenya School of Flying (KSOF) and the University of Eastern Africa, Baraton (UEAB) have officially launched a new integrated Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management program combined with professional pilot training. Announced in November 2025, this four-year degree is designed to produce graduates who are both licensed pilots and academically trained aviation managers, addressing a critical skills gap in Kenya’s and Africa’s aviation sector. By combining university-level coursework with professional flight training, the program enables students to graduate with dual credentials, providing versatility for careers as pilots, airline managers, or in regulatory and operational roles.The initiative aims to strengthen Kenya’s aviation talent pipeline by producing professionals who can support safety, innovation, and long-term sector growth.

Dutch aerospace company Fokker Services Group has responded to the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority’s (KCAA) October 31, 2025, directive banning the importation and registration of Fokker 27 and Fokker 50 aircraft in Kenya due to safety concerns. The ban prohibits new type acceptance applications, registrations, or Certificates of Airworthiness for the affected aircraft models, though existing registered planes may continue operating until deregistration or permanent grounding. Fokker Services acknowledged the circular in a letter dated November 10, 2025, noting that KCAA has not provided detailed justification for the ban and formally requested clarification. The company reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the continued airworthiness of the Fokker fleet and participating in incident and accident investigations, while EASA is expected to engage with KCAA on the matter.