Introduction.
The African Airlines Association (AFRAA) has achieved a major milestone with the rollout of Free Route Airspace (FRA) in the West and Central Africa (WACAF) region, fully operational as of October 30, 2025. Following successful trials that began in November 2023, FRA allows airlines to move beyond fixed flight paths and select routes based on factors like weather, wind patterns, and fuel efficiency. By offering User Preferred Routes (UPRs), the system enables shorter, more efficient flights, resulting in reduced fuel consumption, lower CO₂ emissions, and significant cost savings. Early adopters—including Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, EGYPTAIR, Royal Air Maroc, RwandAir Ltd, and ASKY AIRLINES —have already connected 30 city pairs, saving over 1,393 flight hours, 5,000 metric tonnes of fuel, 16,000 metric tonnes of CO₂, and an estimated USD 15 million annually. The FRA initiative is a collaborative effort between airlines, air navigation service providers (ANSPs), regional aviation authorities, and Afreximbank, which has supported financing since the trial phase.
AOCs/ASLs/Regulations/Certifications.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has announced a major air transport reform aimed at significantly lowering the cost of flying within West Africa, with tax-free air travel and a 25 percent reduction in passenger and security charges set to take effect from 1 January 2026. The decision, formally adopted by ECOWAS Heads of State and Government at the December 2024 Summit in Abuja, Nigeria, was reaffirmed in a statement issued on 10 December 2025 and responds to long-standing complaints from travellers, airlines, and industry stakeholders over the region’s high airfares. ECOWAS noted that multiple taxes, levies, and charges imposed by governments and aviation authorities have historically driven up ticket prices, in some cases making short-haul regional flights more expensive than long-haul intercontinental travel. By abolishing air transport taxes and cutting passenger and security charges, the bloc aims to stimulate tourism, trade, and the free movement of people and goods, while strengthening regional airlines and enhancing connectivity. Implementation will be closely monitored by the ECOWAS Commission through a Regional Air Transport Economic Oversight Mechanism to ensure compliance by member states and to guarantee that cost savings are effectively passed on to passengers, supporting deeper regional integration and increased passenger traffic across the subregion.
Nigeria’s private aviation market continues its rapid expansion as MCM Jets Limited and Blue Dolphin Aviation Limited have been granted Air Operator Certificates (AOCs), allowing them to operate charter and corporate flights across the country. The approvals come just days after the certification of Heliconia Group–EANAero, reflecting the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority’s (NCAA) accelerated licensing efforts to support growing demand for non-scheduled air services. The move strengthens Nigeria’s private aviation landscape, providing more options for corporate, leisure, and specialised air transport while underscoring the regulator’s commitment to safety and operational standards.
Hosea Kutako International Airport and Walvis Bay International Airport in Namibia have successfully achieved re-certification with an 83% Effective Implementation score, confirming that both gateways meet the stringent safety, technical, and operational standards mandated by national aviation regulations and the International Civil Aviation Organization. Issued on 5 December and valid until 6 December 2027, the renewed certificates reflect Namibia Airports Company Limited’s ongoing commitment to safe, reliable, and internationally compliant airport operations. The rigorous re-certification process involves five phases, including environmental and flight impact assessments, approval of an Aerodrome Manual, organizational audits, comprehensive on-site inspections across 17 operational areas, and final certificate publication.
Aviation Projections and Statistics.
As of October 2025, IATA reports that USD 1.2 billion in airline revenues remains blocked from repatriation by governments, with a marginal improvement of USD 100 million since April 2025. Notably, 93% of these blocked funds are concentrated in Africa and the Middle East (AME), highlighting persistent regional challenges in accessing foreign currency. Ten countries—led by Algeria (USD 307M), the XAF Zone (USD 179M), and Lebanon (USD 138M)—account for 89% of total blocked funds, with other African nations including Mozambique, Angola, Eritrea, Zimbabwe, and Ethiopia also significantly affected. IATA attributes these restrictions to burdensome approval processes, delays, lack of foreign exchange, and other regulatory limitations, despite bilateral air service agreements guaranteeing unrestricted repatriation.
International Air Transport Association (IATA) has projected a sharp slowdown in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production in 2026, highlighting the inefficiency of European mandates that have raised costs without significantly expanding supply. SAF output is expected to grow from 1.9 million tonnes in 2025 to only 2.4 million tonnes in 2026, representing just 0.6–0.8 percent of total jet fuel consumption. Airlines paid approximately USD 2.9 billion in 2025 for limited SAF availability, including price premiums and compliance fees, with SAF costs in Europe reaching up to five times that of conventional jet fuel due to oligopolistic supply chains and poorly designed mandates under ReFuelEU Aviation and the UK SAF policy. IATA stressed that without strong production incentives rather than mandates, SAF supply will remain insufficient, potentially escalating compliance costs to €29 billion by 2032, while ambitious e-SAF targets in Europe risk repeating these policy mistakes.
IATA has highlighted that aircraft availability remains a critical constraint on airline growth, with delivery shortfalls reaching 5,300 aircraft and a record backlog exceeding 17,000 planes, nearly 60 percent of the active fleet. Despite new deliveries increasing in late 2025 and expected acceleration in 2026, the mismatch between production capacity and airline demand is unlikely to normalize before 2031–2034. Supply chain bottlenecks are projected to cost the industry over USD 11 billion in 2025, driven by higher fuel costs (USD 4.2 billion) from older, less-efficient aircraft, additional maintenance expenses (USD 3.1 billion), and increased engine leasing costs (USD 2.6 billion) due to extended maintenance timelines and a shortage of spare engines. The average fleet age has risen to 15.1 years, with over 5,000 aircraft in storage despite the shortage of new planes, while delays are compounded by slower engine production, longer certification timelines, tariffs, and labor shortages. These constraints have slowed fuel efficiency gains to 0.3 percent in 2025, risking environmental performance and operational optimization.
IATA projects that African airlines will collectively generate net profits of USD 200 million in 2026, reflecting a low 1.3 percent margin and only USD 1.3 per passenger, despite passenger traffic growth of 6.0 percent—above the 4.9 percent global average. Africa’s share of the global airline net profit is minimal, at just USD 200 million of the projected USD 41 billion, highlighting the continent’s inability to translate strong traffic growth into financial returns. High operating costs significantly constrain profitability, with fuel 17 percent higher, taxes and charges 12–15 percent above global norms, and air navigation, maintenance, insurance, and capital expenses 6–10 percent more expensive. Blocked airline funds exacerbate challenges, with USD 954 million trapped in 23 African countries. Limited connectivity further restricts market development, as only 19 percent of potential intra-African routes are direct. African passenger traffic is projected to reach 149 million in 2026, moving toward a long-term forecast of 411 million by 2044, while cargo demand is expected to grow 2.0 percent. Visa reforms are improving mobility, with five countries now offering full visa-free entry and 44 percent of nations providing electronic visas.
In November 2025, Boeing delivered 44 aircraft, a decline from 53 in October, trailing European rival Airbus Aircraft, which delivered 72 jets. Of Boeing’s November deliveries, 32 were 737 Max single-aisle jets, including five to Southwest Airlines, while six 787s—including two 787-10s—were delivered to TAAG-Linhas Aereas de Angola as part of its fleet expansion. The company also delivered two 777 freighters (to Turkish Airlines and AeroTransCargo (ATC) ) and four 767s. Boeing reported 164 new orders against 38 cancellations, resulting in 126 net orders, notably including 74 for the long-delayed 777X wide-body, now scheduled for service in 2027. Other orders included 30 787s, 43 unidentified 737 Max orders, 15 KC-46 tankers for the U.S. Air Force, and two 777 freighters. Year-to-date through November, Boeing delivered 537 aircraft and secured 1,000 orders (net 908), maintaining an order backlog of 6,019 jets. Boeing anticipates positive cash flow in 2026 driven by increased deliveries (Boeing, 2025).
Air Service Agreements (ASA’s)/Airlines Agreements/Partnerships.
Djibouti and Saudi Arabia have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on civil aviation, marking a significant step to enhance bilateral cooperation in trade, transport, and investment. The agreement was formalized during the 7th Joint Ministerial Commission in Djibouti, co-chaired by Djibouti’s Infrastructure Minister Hassan Houmed Ibrahim and Saudi Deputy Minister of Transport Rumaih Al-Rumaih, following technical consultations by experts from both nations. The MoU forms part of broader discussions on investment, logistics, and economic collaboration, reflecting the strategic importance of aviation in strengthening regional connectivity and commercial ties.
Routes and Airline Connectivity.
Eurowings has launched a new flight route connecting Prague, Czech Republic, to Marrakech, Morocco on 8 November 2025, operating twice weekly on Thursdays and Saturdays for the 2025/26 winter season using an Airbus A320. Scheduled flights depart Prague’s Václav Havel Airport at about 11:20 a.m., arriving in Marrakech at around 3:50 p.m., with the return flight leaving Marrakech at 4:40 p.m. and landing in Prague at 9:00 p.m. (Thursday service). Weekend services on Saturdays depart Prague in the evening at approximately 8:35 p.m. and arrive in Marrakech shortly after midnight, with the return leg leaving at 1:55 a.m. and arriving in Prague at about 6:15 a.m. The seasonal service runs until the end of the winter schedule in March 2026, pausing from 3 January to 15 February 2026.
South African Airways (SAA) has inaugurated a new direct service between Cape Town and Mauritius, signaling a key step in its post-financial recovery and network expansion. The inaugural flight on 9 December 2025 operated at full capacity, with the route scheduled to run three times weekly throughout the year, reflecting strong market demand. The 4,630 km connection links two economically significant destinations: South Africa, Mauritius’s second-largest source of foreign direct investment in Africa, and Cape Town as a gateway for continental business expansion. The route supports trade, particularly Mauritius’s apparel and textile exports, and tourism, with market recovery reaching 93% of pre-pandemic levels and arrivals from Mauritius up 14% year-on-year.
Precision Air Tanzania has inaugurated a new twice‑weekly international route connecting Dar es Salaam (Tanzania) with Cape Town (South Africa) via Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe), with services commencing on 11 December 2025. The service operates on Thursdays and Fridays, using an Airbus A220‑300 aircraft, and establishes a strategic “triangular” flight pattern that enhances connectivity between East, Central and Southern Africa. The southbound leg departs Dar es Salaam → Victoria Falls → Cape Town, while the northbound return typically flies nonstop from Cape Town back to Dar es Salaam, offering passengers streamlined access to major tourism and business destinations. Air Tanzania says the new route will support regional tourism, trade and mobility, and complements its existing network, including daily services to Johannesburg.
Cronos Airlines of Equatorial Guinea has resumed flight operations using its Embraer E145 regional jet, marking a notable restart for the Malabo‑based carrier after a period of inactivity. The airline, which operates regional services from its hub at Malabo International Airport, has historically served domestic and West African city pairs and engages in both passenger and charter operations across countries such as Cameroon, Benin and Nigeria as part of its network strategy. Resuming operations with the E145 reflects an effort to rebuild scheduled services and restore connectivity in the region, leveraging the aircraft’s suitability for short‑haul regional routes.
Royal Air Maroc is set to launch the first nonstop flight connecting Africa to the U.S. West Coast, with a new route between Casablanca, Morocco, and Los Angeles starting on June 7, 2026. Operating three times weekly with a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, the service aims to facilitate travel for tourists attending the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the U.S., as well as for U.S. visitors to Morocco and the African diaspora in Southern California. The airline’s CEO, Hamid Addou, described the route as a historic milestone, enhancing Morocco’s global connectivity and supporting its economic, tourism, and cultural engagement. This expansion adds to Royal Air Maroc’s existing North American network, which currently includes New York, Washington D.C., Miami, Toronto, and Montreal.
Ethiopian Airlines will launch a new passenger service to Jizan, Saudi Arabia, starting February 1, 2026, expanding its Saudi network to five destinations alongside Jeddah, Dammam, Riyadh, and Madinah. The four-times-weekly route from Addis Ababa to Jizan, operated with Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, aims to enhance connectivity across Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia, and the wider Gulf region, supporting trade, tourism, and people-to-people ties. Ethiopian already operates over 40 weekly passenger and cargo flights to Saudi Arabia and 136 weekly flights to 14 Middle East destinations, supplemented by codeshare partnerships with SAUDI AIRLINES, Oman Air, Kuwait Airways, Gulf Air, and Etihad Airways.
LIFT Airline is seeking to expand internationally by applying to the International Air Services Council (IASC) to operate three weekly flights between Durban and Mauritius. If approved, this would be the airline’s first route outside South Africa, complementing its existing domestic network connecting Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban. The proposed route targets growing demand for travel to Mauritius, one of South Africa’s most popular holiday destinations, and would enhance Durban’s limited long-haul connectivity. This move aligns with LIFT’s measured growth strategy since its 2020 launch, focusing on operational flexibility and on-time performance, although launch dates and aircraft plans remain unconfirmed pending regulatory approval.
Natural Selection is set to launch a new daily scheduled air circuit across Namibia from March 1, 2026, linking all its camps through coordinated flights operated in partnership with Wilderness Air, Desert Air, and FlyNamibia. This new system replaces the previous reliance on long road transfers, charters, and limited flight schedules, offering guests reliable daily flights, competitive fares, and simplified booking either directly with the airlines or via Natural Selection. The initiative also includes the opening of new airstrips to enhance access to remote properties, such as the Sima Airstrip for Hoanib Elephant Camp in May 2026, and improved connections to existing airstrips like Westies, Geluk, Keerweder, Orutjandja, and Ongava. The circuit ensures more convenient travel times to camps including Kwessi Dunes, Shipwreck Lodge, Hoanib Valley and Elephant Camps, Etosha Mountain Lodge, Safarihoek Lodge, and Safari House, while the upcoming Nkasa Linyanti property, opening in May 2026, is not yet integrated into the circuit.
Airline Fleets and ACMI’s.
Ethiopian Airlines has taken delivery of a leased Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner (ET-BCC) from AerCap on 12 December 2025, strengthening its long-haul fleet. Powered by GEnx-1B engines, the aircraft was ferried from Haikou to Addis Ababa and retains full commonality with ET’s existing 787 operations. Originally delivered to Hainan Airlines in September 2013, the aircraft saw intermittent service and storage at Beijing Capital, Beijing Daxing, and Haikou, particularly between 2019 and 2023, before being stored from April 2023. At approximately 12.6 years old, the Dreamliner joins Ethiopian Airlines as a mid-life, fuel-efficient widebody asset supporting network growth and operational flexibility across its intercontinental routes.
TAAG-Linhas Aereas de Angola has taken delivery of a brand-new Airbus A220-300, registered D2-TAJ, on 2 December 2025, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s fleet modernisation programme. The aircraft is configured with 12 Business Class and 125 Economy Class seats and is powered by two Pratt & Whitney PW1500G geared turbofan engines, offering improved fuel efficiency, lower emissions, and reduced operating costs on regional and medium-haul routes. Delivered directly into TAAG’s fleet, the A220-300 carries the aircraft name “Luvili” and features a special “50 Years of Angolan Independence” sticker, underscoring its national significance.
Egypt has significantly enhanced its presidential aviation capabilities with the arrival of the Boeing 747-8, registration SU-EGY, at Cairo International Airport on December 11, 2025. Acquired as part of a strategic modernization of governmental air travel, this VIP-configured jumbo jet—often referred to as Egypt’s equivalent of Air Force One—provides advanced operational reliability for high-level diplomatic missions and state visits. Originally manufactured for Lufthansa in 2015 but left undelivered, Egypt procured the aircraft at a reported $500 million and customized it in Hamburg with luxurious interiors, conference and secure communication suites, and defensive countermeasures. Powered by four GEnx engines, the 747-8 offers exceptional fuel efficiency and a range exceeding 14,000 kilometers, supporting long-haul, transcontinental missions without refueling.
Kenyan charter operator Phoenix Aviation Limited and Bluebird Aviation have partnered to expand their service capabilities with the acquisition of a Gulfstream Aerospace V (GV) business jet, complementing their existing fleets and broadening operational offerings in the region. The collaboration combines Phoenix Aviation’s established executive and VIP charter services—including its Citation Sovereign fleet—with Bluebird’s charter and utility aircraft, aiming to enhance air‑medical, VIP, and regional charter operations from Nairobi and beyond. This strategic move reflects both companies’ efforts to strengthen competitiveness in East and Central Africa’s private and specialised aviation sectors by adding long‑range business jet capacity to serve extended missions, medical evacuations, and high‑end charter demand.
South African Airways’ fleet and network recovery has been pushed back after delivery delays affecting one Airbus A320-200 and two A330-200 aircraft initially expected in 2025, which are now projected to enter service only in 2026 due to lessors extending the leases of the current operators. According to SAA chief commercial officer Tebogo Tsimane, the postponements have slowed the airline’s recovery trajectory, as the additional capacity is essential for reinforcing codeshare partnerships and rebuilding a robust hub-and-spoke network centred on Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport, with Cape Town as a secondary hub. In response, SAA is actively seeking additional leased A330s to support expansion, targeting possible entry into service in the second half of 2026, after abandoning plans to acquire two A330-300s from flynas because of prohibitively high cabin modification costs.
Aviation Infrastructure, Financing & Profitability.
Angola is strengthening border security and modernising airport operations at Dr. Antonio Agostinho Neto Airport in response to rising passenger traffic by deploying advanced passenger information monitoring and management tools. In partnership with SITA, the airport has implemented the Advance Passenger Information (API) and Passenger Name Record (PNR) Gateway, supported by a new Passenger Information Monitoring and Management Centre in Luanda. The system enables airlines to transmit passport and identity details (API) alongside itinerary and booking data (PNR) before departure, giving authorities a comprehensive view of incoming travellers. This facilitates the identification of irregularities, detection of suspicious travel patterns, and prevention of unauthorised boarding, while ensuring compliance with UN, ICAO, and EU regulations.
Egypt has launched a bidding process for private companies to manage, operate, and develop Hurghada International Airport, the country’s second-busiest airport and a key gateway to Red Sea tourism. The Civil Aviation Ministry has opened applications to both single legal entities and consortia of companies, institutions, or commercial entities, marking the first phase of a broader plan to privatise operations at 11 Egyptian airports. In March, Egypt sought support from the IFC – International Finance Corporation, part of the The World Bank Group, to structure public-private partnerships for the selected airports. The initiative aims to enhance operational efficiency, maximise economic returns, and improve passenger services, while boosting the competitiveness of Egypt’s civil aviation sector.
Libya has taken a major step toward modernizing its aviation sector with the establishment of the Libyan Aviation Holding Company, aimed at improving governance, operational efficiency, and infrastructure across the country’s airports. Announced on December 4, 2025, during a high-level meeting chaired by Transport Minister Mohamed Al-Shahoubi, the initiative seeks to consolidate aviation assets, streamline operations, and align Libya’s aviation sector with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards. By leveraging the country’s strategic geographic location connecting Europe, the Middle East, and sub-Saharan Africa, Libya aims to attract international investment, increase air connectivity, and encourage the return of foreign carriers. The holding company will oversee upgrades at major airports, including Tripoli International, Benghazi Benina, and Mitiga, enhancing terminal capacity, baggage handling systems, security, and passenger services to meet global standards.
Airbus SE has finalized the acquisition of several industrial assets from Spirit AeroSystems, significantly expanding its commercial aircraft production capabilities and adding over 4,000 employees to its workforce. The acquired assets include the Kinston, North Carolina site (A350 fuselage sections) now Airbus Aerosystems Kinston; Saint-Nazaire, France (A350 fuselage sections) now Airbus Atlantic Cadréan; Casablanca, Morocco (A321 and A220 components) now Airbus Atlantic Maroc Aero; A220 wing and mid-fuselage production in Belfast, Northern Ireland, now Airbus Belfast; A320 and A350 wing components in Prestwick, Scotland, now Prestwick Aerosystems; and the A220 pylons production from Wichita, Kansas, U.S., which will be relocated to Saint-Eloi, Toulouse, France. Airbus paid $439 million, subject to standard purchase price adjustments and post-closing review, and received additional funds to settle liabilities under the purchase agreements.
Cape Winelands Airport has appointed WBHO Construction as the contracting partner for the technical development and construction of its multibillion-rand expansion, a major step toward transforming the former South African Air Force airfield into an international commercial airport and integrated aviation, hospitality, and industrial hub by 2028. Located on a 150-hectare site near Durbanville, the project—led by owner RSA Aero—will include a new boutique terminal, extended and realigned runways, upgraded airside systems, enhanced cargo and logistics facilities, and a modernised general aviation precinct. Valued at approximately R8 billion (about USD 430–450 million), the development is among South Africa’s most significant aviation infrastructure investments and is expected to create around 35,000 jobs during construction and operations, rising to over 100,000 direct and indirect jobs over its first 20 years.
Türkiye has commenced construction of a space launch facility in Somalia, marking a significant milestone in its space ambitions and positioning it among a small group of countries with access to oceanside spaceports. Announced by Baykar Chairman Selçuk Bayraktar at the Take Off İstanbul 2025 forum, the project leverages a 30 km by 30 km coastal area in Somalia that enables safe deployment of launch vehicles over the ocean, a prerequisite for space launch operations. The facility is being developed by the Turkish state, with Roketsan expected to utilize the site, and is intended to support Türkiye’s indigenous launch vehicles. Bayraktar also highlighted broader national space initiatives under the Fergani venture, including the development of an independent global positioning system, Ulug Bey, to reduce vulnerability to GPS jamming and spoofing, as well as advancements in orbital transfer vehicles.
The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) Board of Directors has approved a €270 million financing package for Morocco to support the Airport Infrastructure Expansion and Modernization Program (PEMIA), aimed at enhancing the country’s air transport competitiveness. The program will modernize key airports—including Marrakech, Agadir, Tangier, and Fez—through terminal expansions, a new control tower in Marrakech, upgraded air navigation systems, advanced security equipment, automated baggage handling, and expanded aircraft parking and taxiways. These investments are designed to meet projected passenger and freight growth by 2030, particularly ahead of Morocco co-hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup. In the short term, the upgrades are expected to improve operational safety and create thousands of jobs, especially for women and youth, while in the medium term, they will stimulate tourism, trade, and investment.
Air Mauritius has returned to profitability in the first half of its 2025/26 financial year, reporting a net profit of approximately MUR 252.7 million (≈USD 5.6 million), a notable turnaround from previous losses. This recovery reflects the airline’s post-crisis restructuring, strengthened governance, and strategic financial support from parent company Airport Holdings Ltd, which converted shareholder loans into equity. Operational improvements include fleet optimisation with newer ATR 72‑600 aircraft and ongoing collaboration with Airbus for technical and cabin services. Despite challenges such as maintenance disruptions and cybersecurity risks, the airline has seen revenue growth, improved passenger numbers, and enhanced operational efficiency.
People/Appointments.
The Egyptian Airports Company (EAC) has appointed Brigadier General Moataz Elsayed Abou El-Ela as the new Vice President of Cairo Capital Airport, following a decision by EAC Chairman and Executive Managing Director, Pilot Wael El-Nashar. Brigadier General Moataz brings extensive experience to the role, having previously held multiple key positions within both Capital Airport and the broader EAC headquarters, positioning him to support the airport’s strategic management and operational objectives.
VISA/Passports/Consulates/Travel.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has issued a travel advisory and ban concerning Mali, urging Emirati citizens to avoid travel to the West African nation and advising those already there to return home immediately due to emerging safety and security concerns, as reported on December 10, 2025. The advisory underscores unspecified but significant risks facing travelers, prompting the government to prioritize the protection of its nationals abroad and emphasize vigilance while overseas. This decision reflects the UAE’s proactive approach to citizen safety in response to evolving conditions in Mali, where instability has raised concerns for foreign visitors.
Ghana deported three Israeli nationals in apparent retaliation after seven Ghanaians, including members of an official delegation attending a cyber-security conference in Tel Aviv, were allegedly detained and mistreated at Israel’s Ben Gurion International Airport. While four Ghanaians were released after five hours, three were deported, prompting Ghana to summon a senior Israeli diplomat and describe the treatment as “humiliating” and inconsistent with decades of friendly bilateral relations. Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, stated the deportation of the Israelis was a clear message that inhumane treatment of Ghanaian nationals would not be tolerated, noting that Israel had requested assistance in deporting six individuals, some of whom were ineligible for deportation.
Awards, Recognition, Certifications & Milestones.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conferred the Excellence in Aviation Sector Reforms Award on the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, in recognition of his role in repositioning Nigeria’s aviation industry for global competitiveness. The honour was presented at the 2025 Nigeria Excellence Awards in Public Service (NEAPS) on 7 December in Abuja, with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, citing Keyamo’s far-reaching reforms in safety oversight, consumer protection, infrastructure development, and investor confidence, aligned with international best practices
TAP Air Portugal has been recognized as the leading airline connecting South America and Africa by the World Travel Awards, reflecting its longstanding commitment to service excellence, network expansion, and technological innovation. The airline operates 80 weekly flights to 14 African destinations—including Angola, Mozambique, Cape Verde, Morocco, and Ghana—and 91 weekly flights to 13 Brazilian cities, with plans to expand further in 2026. This extensive network strengthens cultural, business, and tourism links between Europe, Africa, and South America, supporting regional growth and cross-continental connectivity. TAP’s operational excellence is complemented by digital innovation, earning it the European Airline with the Best Website award at the same ceremony, which enhances booking efficiency and passenger experience.
Lawsuits/Investigations.
The Federal Government has arraigned former Minister of Aviation Stella Oduah before an Abuja High Court over an alleged ₦2.47 billion fraud (approximately USD 1.5–1.7 million), alongside co-defendant Gloria Odita. The five-count charge includes conspiracy, obtaining money by false pretence, criminal breach of trust, and misappropriation of public funds allegedly diverted in 2014 through two companies under claims for “technical supervision” and “security integrated and logistics support services.” Prosecutors allege the funds were dishonestly transferred from the Ministry of Aviation in breach of official trust, in violation of the Advance Fee Fraud Act and the Penal Code. Both defendants pleaded not guilty and were granted bail on self-recognition, with the court ordering the surrender of travel documents and prior approval for any travel. The case has been adjourned to February 12, 2026 for commencement of hearing.
A Ugandan court has ordered the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) to pay Shs26 million (approximately USD 6,900) to a former employee, Arnold Olweny Bonaventure, after ruling that his dismissal was unlawful. Olweny was fired following his role in exposing a passenger smuggling 12 rhino horns through Entebbe International Airport in 2017, despite initially being implicated and suspended by UCAA; he was later cleared by the Director of Public Prosecutions after security footage confirmed his whistleblower status. The Industrial Division of the High Court determined that Olweny was entitled to general damages equivalent to one year’s salary, having served UCAA for seven years and already received notice pay, accumulated leave, and gratuity. The amount awarded was significantly lower than the Shs300 million (~USD 79,000) he sought, with the court rejecting claims for future earnings as speculative and unsupported.
Kenya’s EnComm Aviation is locked in a dispute with BAE Systems after the sudden withdrawal of support for its ATP fleet grounded its operations, threatening a USD 16 million financing deal contracted in 2017 with Swedish agencies SEK and EKN. The grounding affects twelve ATP aircraft, which EnComm had been using for humanitarian cargo flights across East Africa, including contracts with the UN World Food Programme WFP. The withdrawal followed BAE’s surrender of the aircraft’s type certificate, leaving the fleet legally unairworthy and disrupting operations, leading to job losses and contract cancellations. EnComm plans litigation in the UK seeking damages exceeding £187 million (≈USD 234M) for alleged negligent misrepresentation, highlighting the risks faced by regional carriers dependent on legacy aircraft without assured manufacturer support.
Aviation Accidents/Incidences.
On Tuesday, 9 December 2025, a Sudanese Air Force Ilyushin Il-76 operated by Al Quwwat al-Jawwiya As-Sudaniya was involved in a fatal accident approximately 10 km west of Port Sudan while on approach to land at Osman Digna (Othman-Daqna) Air Base. The military transport aircraft, which had departed from the same air base, was reportedly conducting a food-aid mission at the time of the incident. All 10 occupants on board were fatally injured, with no reported casualties on the ground, and the aircraft was destroyed. The accident occurred during the approach phase of flight, and no registration or manufacturer serial number details had been released at the time of reporting.
On Thursday, 11 December 2025, a Sudanese Air Force Baykar Bayraktar TB2 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was shot down in West Kordofan State, Sudan, during combat operations. The aircraft was destroyed after being downed by insurgents of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). As the platform is unmanned, there were no occupants on board and no fatalities, and no casualties were reported on the ground.
On 13 December 2025, a Hawker 800XP executive jet, operated by Flybird (registration 5N-ISB), experienced a nosegear-up landing on runway 06 at Kano International Airport (KAN), Nigeria. The aircraft had departed Abuja-Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (ABV) en route to Kano. All 11 occupants survived, and there were no fatalities. The extent of aircraft damage remains unknown, and the incident occurred during the landing phase.
The government of South Sudan has alleged that four aircraft operating under contract to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) were involved in illicit activities, including smuggling sandalwood and carrying undisclosed surveillance equipment. Foreign Minister Monday Semaya Kumba stated that two aircraft, were fitted with Intelligence Surveillance Recorders and missile protection systems without government disclosure, while two others, were allegedly used to transport natural resources across the Sudanese border. The claims follow an independent investigation by a government committee, and the aircraft have been grounded, though the minister emphasized that the allegations target specific operators, not UNMISS itself.
Other Information
Passengers holding unused Mango Airlines tickets or COVID-19 travel vouchers are expected to recover only a small portion of their claims following the approval of a revised business rescue plan that shifts the defunct carrier into a structured wind-down rather than full liquidation. The plan, endorsed by creditors and Business Rescue Practitioner Sipho Sono, confirms that verified passenger claims will be settled at just 12.66 cents per rand, reflecting the severely limited asset pool available for distribution. Of this amount, 40% will be paid within 30 days of the plan’s adoption on 24 November 2025, with the remaining 60% to be released only after the South African Revenue Service and the Auditor-General complete outstanding tax assessments covering the 2023–2025 period. Mango’s total unflown ticket liability was originally estimated at R169 million (~USD 9.1 million), but only R29.5 million (~USD 1.6 million) in claims were formally verified by the 1 September deadline, largely because approximately R100 million (~USD 5.4 million) in COVID-19 vouchers were never submitted for verification.
Westair Group Namibia and Signa Aviation celebrated Namibia’s first locally trained Aviation Maintenance Engineers (AMEs) on 9 December, with 20 apprentices completing theory modules and 9 graduates passing the full trade test. This milestone, achieved through over three years of investment in facilities, training systems, and NCAA approval, establishes a fully local pathway for AME qualification. Delivering assessments domestically reduces reliance on foreign bodies, strengthens Namibia’s aviation skills base, and supports safety, operational reliability, tourism, and regional connectivity. The graduates set a benchmark for future training, reflecting a collaborative effort to build a sustainable pipeline of technical talent in the country.
Angola has officially inaugurated its first Civil Aviation Academy, the Academia de Aviação Civil de Angola (AACA), on 8 December 2025 at 4 de Fevereiro International Airport in Luanda, marking a strategic milestone in the development of the national aviation sector. The academy is designed to build sovereign aviation training capacity, reducing dependence on foreign training institutions and addressing long‑standing skills gaps in the industry by offering programmes for pilots, air‑traffic controllers, operations technicians, safety specialists, managers, and other core aviation professions. Training is scheduled to begin in January 2026, initially with modules aimed at developing trainers and expanding to broader professional qualifications—including operations, safety, and competency‑based courses—later in 2026.
