Introduction.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced a major update to its IOSA (IATA Operational Safety Audit) program. Starting in 2025, IOSA renewal audits will adopt a risk-based methodology, shifting to more tailored and focused evaluations of airlines’ operational safety. This approach aims to enhance safety oversight by addressing specific risks unique to each airline.

African Aviation: Projections and Statistics.

A study titled ‘Environmental Consciousness and Air Travel Behaviour: Perspectives from Domestic Air Travellers in South Africa‘ examined environmental awareness and its influence on airline choice among South African air travelers. The findings showed that while all 394 participants agreed on the need for airlines to reduce their environmental impact, nearly 42% opposed paying green fees introduced by airlines. Only 31.5% supported additional charges to offset carbon emissions, while 23.6% were indifferent. This underscores a significant divide in public perception, with many travelers believing the financial responsibility for climate mitigation should lie with the airline industry rather than passengers.

Morocco’s aviation manufacturing sector experienced unprecedented growth in 2024, with exports surging by 17.3% to MAD 21.86 billion ($2.1 billion) in just the first ten months, surpassing last year’s record of MAD 21.85 billion. Over the past two decades, Morocco has emerged as Africa’s leader in aviation equipment manufacturing and now ranks fifth globally among the most dynamic aviation nations. The sector employs 21,000 highly skilled workers across 142 companies and boasts a local integration rate exceeding 40%, reflecting Morocco’s commitment to becoming a global hub for the aviation industry.

AIR TANZANIA COMPANY LIMITED (ATCL) reported remarkable progress for the fiscal year 2022/2023, completing 16,522 flights and transporting 1.1 million passengers and over 10,000 tonnes of cargo. The airline’s foreign currency earnings soared from $17 million in 2021 to $70 million in 2023, highlighting the airline’s resurgence under a strategic turnaround plan. Additionally, ATCL contributed an average of 80 billion Tanzanian shillings annually in taxes, reinforcing its significant role in the country’s economic development.

Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA) in Tanzania experienced a surge in passenger traffic, with numbers rising to 1,077,660 in the 2023/24 financial year, compared to 929,553 the previous year. This growth is attributed to increased international and domestic flights, coupled with government initiatives to attract five million tourists by 2025, in line with Tanzania’s Third Five-Year Development Plan (FYDP III). The plan aims to boost tourism income to $6 billion annually, supported by strategic investments and policy reforms.

Tunisia’s tourism sector continued its upward trajectory in 2024, generating $2.3 billion in revenue by December 20—a 7.8% year-over-year increase. With over 10 million tourists expected by year-end, the sector is on track to achieve record-breaking figures. This growth has significantly bolstered Tunisia’s foreign currency reserves, now standing at 25 billion dinars ($8 billion), enough to cover 115 days of imports. The tourism boom has not only strengthened the country’s economy but also reinforced Tunisia’s position as a premier destination for global travelers.

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

Tanzania and Somalia on December 19, 2024, signed a landmark series of agreements aimed at bolstering their bilateral relations. These agreements, finalized in Mogadishu, cover key areas such as defense, tourism, health, aviation, and diplomacy. Among the highlights is the much-anticipated establishment of direct flights between Mogadishu and Dar es Salaam. This initiative is set to streamline travel, boost trade, and promote cultural and tourism exchanges, laying the groundwork for closer ties between the two East African nations.

EGYPTAIR has formalized a strategic partnership with the French Institute in Egypt, underscoring a longstanding relationship between the two nations. The agreement, signed in Cairo by Captain Mohamed Alian, Chairman of EgyptAir Airlines, and David Sadoulé, the French Cultural Counsellor, seeks to enhance cooperation across various sectors including economics, trade, science, and culture. This partnership is expected to significantly increase passenger volumes on the Cairo-Paris route, a crucial link for EgyptAir’s international operations and a symbol of growing cultural and economic ties between Egypt and France.

The Liberia Civil Aviation Authority (LCAA) on 23rd December 2024, hosted a delegation from Turkish Airlines to discuss the potential launch of direct flights to Liberia. The discussions included operational and regulatory considerations, with both parties agreeing to initiate the formal process for granting Turkish Airlines an operating license once the airline submits a formal application.

Aeroprime Group has been appointed as the Exclusive Passenger General Sales Agent (GSA) for Air Cairo in the Indian market. This strategic partnership is a significant milestone for Air Cairo as it continues its global expansion efforts. Aeroprime will oversee all aspects of sales, marketing, and network promotion, enabling Air Cairo to tap into India’s vast and growing travel market.

In a similar development, Air India Limited has strengthened its presence in Mauritius by appointing Rogers Aviation as its General Sales Agent (GSA) for passenger operations. Rogers Aviation will manage the airline’s reservations, ticketing, and marketing initiatives, providing localized support to enhance Air India’s connectivity and customer service in Mauritius. This partnership aligns with Air India’s broader strategy to solidify its foothold in key markets and expand its reach across Africa and the Indian Ocean region.

Routes and Airline Connectivity.

Overland Airways Limited launched its first flight from Lagos, Nigeria, to Banjul, The Gambia, on December 19, 2024. The service, operated using an Embraer-X E-175 aircraft, includes a stop in Freetown, Sierra Leone, and runs twice weekly. The airline has been granted fifth freedom rights by the Gambian Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), allowing it to operate flights between The Gambia and other destinations in the region. This development aligns with the African Union‘s Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) initiative, aimed at liberalizing African skies and enhancing connectivity.

Political unrest in Mozambique has disrupted air travel, prompting Turkish Airlines to cancel flights to Maputo on the Johannesburg-Maputo leg of its Istanbul-Maputo route. TAP Air Portugal has maintained its Lisbon-Maputo flights but now includes a technical stop in Johannesburg for refueling and crew changes, with overnight stays relocated to South Africa. Airlink, a key operator in Southern Africa, has also canceled select flights to Mozambique, citing the unstable situation in the country.

Air Algérie has recorded a remarkable demand surge for flights to southern Algeria, selling 24,750 tickets for travel between December 15 and December 31, 2024. In response, the airline has introduced 50 additional weekly flights to key southern destinations, including Tamanrasset, Djanet, Timimoun, Ghardaia, and El Oued, catering to the growing interest in travel to the region.

Airline Fleets and ACMI’s.

AerCap Holdings has entered into a sale and leaseback agreement with TAAG-Linhas Aereas de Angola for a new Boeing 787-9, slated for delivery in February 2025. This milestone marks TAAG’s first 787-9 acquisition, aligning with the airline’s broader fleet modernization strategy to enhance operational efficiency and passenger experience.

AFRIQIYAH AIRWAYS has announced the return of its Airbus A319-100 (registration 5A-ONI) to Libya following extensive maintenance and refurbishment at Sofia International Airport. The aircraft, configured with 112 seats—16 in business class and 96 in economy—will bolster the airline’s capacity and service offerings.

Aviation Infrastructure, Financing & Profitability.

Egypt is advancing its aviation sector with the development of Terminal 4 at Cairo International Airport, designed to handle 30 million passengers annually. Dubbed the “New Republic Air Gateway,” the project aligns with presidential directives to enhance airport capacity, improve services, and position Egypt as an international aviation hub. Additionally, a deal with the IFC – International Finance Corporation will enable private sector participation in managing airports and creating new airline carriers through partnerships, aiming to expand Egypt’s air fleet.

The Nigerian Federal Government allocated ₦8.73 billion in 2024 to upgrade power infrastructure at Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, ensuring consistent electricity for the new international terminal. The government plans to adopt solar power systems across airports to reduce operational costs by 30% and align with eco-friendly practices. The 2025 aviation budget of ₦105.95 billion includes ₦5 billion for power upgrades at Lagos and Abuja airports, alongside other infrastructure enhancements.

Celebrating 61 years of the Zanzibar Revolution, President Dr. Hussein Mwinyi unveiled five major projects at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport. These include new terminals (Terminal One and Two), a VIP facility for dignitaries and business figures, upgraded lighting systems, and a fuel station, underscoring Zanzibar’s push to modernize its aviation infrastructure.

President Museveni announced plans to construct an international airport in Kihiihi, Kanungu District, to attract high-end tourists. Speaking at the International Community of Banyakigezi (ICOB) Convention, he revealed that an investor has been secured, and work is set to begin soon.

The construction of Sumbawanga Airport in Tanzania’s Rukwa Region is currently 25% behind schedule, with significant efforts needed to meet the original deadlines. The terminal building, expected to be 65% complete by this point, is only at 40% completion. The 60.1 billion Tanzanian shilling facelift and expansion project, led by Beijing construction engineering group (BCEG), aims to transform the airport into a modern aviation hub. The upgrade includes expanded terminals, a new 1.7-kilometer runway, and enhanced infrastructure to accommodate larger aircraft and increased passenger traffic. Once completed, the airport is expected to handle 150,000 passengers annually.

Awards and Recognition.

Air Algérie, Algeria‘s national airline, earned prestigious recognition at the “Perfect Timing Awards” ceremony at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo International Airport. The airline was honored for its outstanding performance in luggage transport per passenger, marking a significant achievement in operational efficiency. The awards, held biannually, recognize airlines excelling in various categories based on rigorous criteria.

Nelson Amenya, the whistleblower behind the JKIA-Adani deal, has been named among the 100 Most Influential Africans of 2024 by New African Magazine. Amenya, who exposed details of a controversial agreement between Kenya and the Adani Group to lease JKIA for 30 years, played a pivotal role in the contract’s eventual termination by the Kenyan government

Lawsuits.

Air Sénégal S.A has been ordered by a court in Conakry, Guinea to pay nearly 31 million Guinean francs (approximately $3,596) to Mohamed Bangoura, a Guinean citizen, following a ruling earlier this month. The case stemmed from a dispute over a cancelled return flight between New York and Conakry, initially scheduled for September 19, 2024. Bangoura sued the airline for fraud and breach of trust, alleging insufficient notice of the cancellation. While he sought 500 million Guinean francs in compensation for the damages incurred, the court awarded a significantly lower amount.

Visa and Passports.

Ghana is set to become the fifth African country to offer visa-free travel to all Africans, joining Rwanda, Seychelles, The Gambia, and Benin. This new policy, approved by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, is expected to take effect by early 2025. Announced during the Africa Prosperity Dialogues (APD 2024) in January, the initiative aims to promote the free movement of people, goods, and services across the continent. On December 18, 2024, the Ghanaian government granted executive approval for this landmark policy, aligning with the African Union‘s vision of economic integration. The policy will be implemented before President Akufo-Addo’s term ends on January 6, 2025.

Meanwhile, from January 1, 2025, European tourists will be required to present a passport valid for at least three months to visit Tunisia, ending the option to travel with just a national identity card. Previously, European Union citizens could travel to Tunisia without a passport, as long as they were part of an organized tour or used an approved travel agency. This change, effective December 31, 2024, marks the end of a policy that previously facilitated easier tourism and trade between Tunisia and EU countries.

Aviation Accidents/Incidents.

On December 22, 2024, a Cessna 680A Citation Latitude (5A-DFN) was struck by an airport bus at Tripoli-Mitiga International Airport (MJI), causing damage to its right-hand wingtip.

On December 24, 2024, Ethiopian Airlines Flight ET841, a Boeing 777-300ER, ran off the taxiway at Kinshasa N’Djili Airport (DRC) after landing. The aircraft’s left-hand main gear left the taxiway, but it later continued to Addis Ababa after a three-hour delay.

Also on December 24, a Hawker Hunter T.68 landed gear up at Lanseria International Airport (HLA/FALA), South Africa. The pilot was unharmed, and the aircraft sustained minor damage.

On Christmas Day, Qantas Flight QF63 from Sydney to Johannesburg turned back over Antarctica due to a mechanical issue. After over four hours in the air, the Airbus Aircraft A380 returned to Sydney and landed safely.

On December 22, a TUI Airlines Netherlands Boeing 787-8 (PH-TFJ) operating Flight TB3011 for TUI fly Belgium from Brussels Airport to Hurghada in Egypt, was struck by lightning shortly after takeoff, forcing the pilots to return to Brussels Airport.

Bad weather on December 23 delayed the planned landing of DRC President Félix Tshisekedi’s plane at Kananga Airport, diverting the aircraft due to heavy rain and delaying his provincial tour of Kasai Central and Kasai Oriental.

In other news:

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has sanctioned Ethiopian Airlines, Royal Air Maroc, Air Peace Limited, Arik Air, and Aero Contractors of Nigeria Ltd for breaching passenger rights and violating NCAA regulations under Part 19. The airlines are accused of failing to process refunds within the prescribed timelines, mishandling and short-landing baggage, and failing to respond promptly to NCAA directives. This regulatory action comes amid the busy holiday season, aiming to protect air travelers’ rights.

In Somalia, the federal government has suspended flights to Kismayo following an incident where a Halla Airlines plane was forcibly diverted to an unauthorized destination. The aircraft, en route from Mogadishu to Kismayo, had its communication systems disabled and was rerouted to Doolow in the Gedo region. Halla Airlines confirmed the violation, with the CEO calling it a gross breach of aviation safety protocols. The Somali parliament has condemned the actions and warned the Somali Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) that the flight ban on Jubaland State is unconstitutional.

A power outage at Banjul International Airport, The Gambia on December 21, 2024, caused significant disruptions, forcing multiple flights to divert to Dakar, Senegal. The outage affected the lighting and communication systems, halting airport operations. Airlines such as Brussels Airlines, ASKY AIRLINES, Corendon, Air Maroc, and TAP Air Portugal were among those affected by the diversion to Dakar.