Introduction.

Polokwane Airport in South Africa has introduced a festive-season incentive aimed at boosting cultural tourism and supporting the creative industry by waiving landing fees for performing artists arriving by private or chartered aircraft. The programme will run from 21 December 2025 to 3 January 2026 and includes free landing charges, complimentary aircraft parking, and selected aeronautical support services for eligible artists with confirmed festive-season engagements. Airport authorities say the initiative is designed to attract high-profile performances and events, reduce operational costs for artists, and stimulate local economic activity during the peak holiday period, while reinforcing Polokwane’s role as a destination for entertainment and cultural celebration.

Aviation Projections and Statistics.

Cairo International Airport set its highest daily traffic of 2025 on Thursday December 25, 2025, handling approximately 103,000 passengers across 696 flights. Overall, the airport’s annual passenger traffic rose 6.8% to 30.94 million in 2025, up from 28.97 million in 2024, while the number of flights increased 4.8% to 224,303. Other Egyptian airports also saw strong growth, with passenger traffic surging 22.3% to around 28 million and total flights rising 20.7% to roughly 209,800, up from 173,800 in 2024. The surge is linked to heightened international travel, particularly to Egypt’s coastal and heritage tourist destinations, and reflects increased demand during the year-end holiday period. These statistics underline the robust recovery and expansion of Egypt’s aviation sector.

Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport has reached a record milestone, handling over 11 million passengers in 2025, driven largely by the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2025, according to Morocco’s airport authority, ONDA. Annual traffic rose from 10.5 million in 2024 to 11.5 million in 2025, a 9.3% increase, reflecting both the influx of fans, delegations, and visitors for CAN, as well as expanded air connections to global capitals. The airport now manages 31% of national passenger traffic, reinforcing its role as Morocco’s main international gateway. This surge aligns with ONDA’s “Aéroports 2030” plan, which targets 12.5 million passengers by 2026 and over 20 million by 2030 through terminal expansion, infrastructure upgrades, and improved traveler services.

Uganda’s aviation sector is showing strong recovery and growth, with international passenger traffic at Entebbe International Airport reaching 2.247 million from January to November 2025, already exceeding the full-year total of 2.243 million in 2024. Cargo volumes for the same period have also matched the previous year’s figures. UCAA Director General Fred Bamwesigye highlighted that this growth is driven by new routes launched by Uganda Airlines to destinations including London Gatwick, Harare, and Kinshasa, as well as the entry of new carriers such as flynas, Fanjet Express, Malawi Airlines Limited, and Safarilink Aviation in December, reflecting a broader expansion and revitalization of Uganda’s air transport market.

Tunisia recorded a historic tourism performance in 2025, surpassing 11 million international visitors for the first time, up from 10.2 million in 2024, with the milestone officially announced on 22 December 2025. Arrivals exceeded 10 million by late November, with the year-end holiday period pushing totals beyond the national target. Key source markets posted strong growth, led by the United Kingdom (+40.1% to over 415,000 visitors), France with 1.07 million arrivals (+6.4%), and China (+18.6%), while sustained inflows from Algeria and Libya continued to underpin regional demand. The rebound translated into tangible economic gains, with tourism revenues exceeding TND 7 billion (≈USD 2.38 billion) in the first nine months of 2025, an 8.3% year-on-year increase, and the sector contributing approximately 9–10% of GDP. Tourism also remained a major employer, supporting over 400,000 direct and indirect jobs, reinforcing its role as a critical stabilizer of Tunisia’s economy amid broader macroeconomic pressures.

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

EGYPTAIR has announced a major expansion of its strategic partnership with Microsoft through a comprehensive agreement aimed at accelerating the airline’s digital transformation. The collaboration will leverage advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence and cloud-based solutions, to enhance operational efficiency, optimize workflows, strengthen cybersecurity, and improve passenger experience. The agreement also focuses on empowering EgyptAir’s workforce to adapt to future industry demands while building a resilient, data-driven infrastructure. By integrating Microsoft’s digital ecosystem, EgyptAir aims to elevate service standards, increase operational agility, and reinforce its position as a leading carrier in the region, setting new benchmarks for digital leadership in aviation.

EGYPTAIR TRAINING ACADEMY has signed a 12-month cooperation agreement with SAL Saudi Logistics Services’ training academy in Saudi Arabia to enhance air-cargo, logistics, and supply-chain training. Under the partnership, EgyptAir Training Academy will deliver both theoretical and practical courses using modern training solutions, while both parties will collaborate on developing internationally accredited programs, technical exchanges, and operational expertise. Areas of focus include simulator training, performance assessment, and virtual-reality applications in specialized training. EgyptAir leadership highlighted the agreement as a strategic step in strengthening regional collaboration and improving human resource readiness and efficiency in the air-transport sector.

Routes and Airline Connectivity.

Overland Airways Limited has resumed scheduled flight operations between Ibadan and Abuja, reinstating services from Samuel Ladoke Akintola International Airport to Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport following the reopening of the Ibadan airport after major upgrades. Effective 23 December 2025, the airline is operating three weekly flights on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, with departures from Abuja at 10:30 a.m. and return flights from Ibadan at 12:00 p.m. Overland Airways, the pioneer carrier on the Ibadan route, will deploy its brand-new 88-seat Embraer 175, offering both Premium and Economy cabins.

Oman’s SalamAir is expanding connectivity between the Arabian Peninsula and Northeast Africa with the launch of a new Muscat–Port Sudan route, scheduled to commence on 27 January 2026. The service will operate three times weekly, with flights departing Muscat on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, and will be flown using Airbus A320neo aircraft in line with the airline’s narrowbody, low-cost operating model. This marks a significant milestone as SalamAir becomes the first The Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC) carrier to offer direct scheduled flights to Sudan, providing a nonstop link that reduces travel time and improves access between Oman and the Red Sea region.

Qatar Airways has submitted requests to the Sudanese Civil Aviation Authority to resume flights to Sudan, signaling the Gulf carrier’s intent to reconnect with the country following the disruption caused by the April 2023 conflict. The war had forced the closure of Khartoum International Airport, though some international airlines—including EgyptAir, Ethiopian Airlines, and Turkish Airlines —have since operated via Port Sudan in eastern Sudan, which was removed from the unsafe airspace list in July 2024. Qatar Airways’ planned return would further enhance connectivity between Sudan and the Gulf.

Egypt has proposed the establishment of a direct flight route between Cairo and Lilongwe and offered to involve Egyptian firms in the rehabilitation of Malawi’s Kamuzu International Airport, as part of a broader initiative to strengthen bilateral ties. During a meeting between Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and his Malawian counterpart George Chaponda at the Russian-African Ministerial Forum, discussions covered economic cooperation, including a potential trade mechanism to exchange Egyptian fertilisers for Malawian commodities.

Nigerian carrier Air Peace Limited has announced a major revamp of its regional operations, shifting all flights from overnight schedules to daytime departures starting February 2, 2026, aiming to enhance passenger convenience, operational efficiency, and network reliability. Alongside the schedule change, the airline plans to launch new African routes before the end of the first quarter of 2026, expanding its regional footprint to include Douala (Cameroon), Libreville (Gabon), Kinshasa (DR Congo), Conakry (Guinea), Bamako (Mali), and Johannesburg (South Africa). This strategic initiative is part of Air Peace’s broader effort to deepen connectivity across Africa and strengthen its position in the regional aviation market.

Airline Fleets and ACMI’s.

Air Côte d’Ivoire has taken delivery of a brand-new Airbus Aircraft A330-941 (A330neo), registered TU-TRH, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s fleet expansion and long-haul ambitions. The aircraft was delivered on 23 December 2025 and ferried from Toulouse (TLS) to Abidjan (ABJ) on the same day. Powered by two Rolls-Royce Trent 7000-72 engines, the widebody is configured with 4 First Class, 44 Business Class, 21 Premium Economy, and 173 Economy seats, underscoring the airline’s focus on enhanced passenger comfort, efficiency, and modern fleet capability.

Tunisian start-up Cargo Wings Express has taken delivery of a Boeing 737-301(SF) freighter, registered TS-IWA, marking a key milestone in the launch of its cargo operations. The aircraft, which is approximately 39.7 years old, was originally delivered in May 1986 and has an extensive operational history with carriers including Piedmont Airlines, USAir/US Airways, and more recently Cargo Air, where it operated in freighter configuration. Powered by CFM56-3B2 engines, the aircraft was officially inducted into the Cargo Wings Express fleet on 27 December 2025 following storage in Sofia and Belgrade, providing the airline with an established, cost-efficient platform to commence regional air cargo services in North Africa and beyond.

Egyptian carrier Nesma Airlines has taken delivery of a 12-year-old Airbus A321-231(WL), registered SU-NMS, as part of its fleet expansion. The aircraft, powered by IAE V2533-A5 engines, was originally delivered to Finnair in December 2013 and later operated under lease arrangements with Jackson Square Aviation (JSA). After a period in storage in Abu Dhabi between November and December 2025, the aircraft was ferried from Abu Dhabi to Cairo on 25 December 2025 and subsequently entered service on 26 December 2025. The addition of the A321 strengthens Nesma Airlines’ narrowbody fleet, providing increased capacity and efficiency for its regional and international operations.

LAM-Linhas Aéreas de Moçambique has wet‑leased an Airbus Aircraft A319‑100 to bolster its operational capacity during the busy end‑of‑year period as part of its ongoing recovery from prolonged operational challenges. The aircraft, sourced from a European operator and delivered to Maputo in mid‑December 2025, offers 144 seats and enters service with a full ACMI (aircraft, crew, maintenance, and insurance) package, increasing the carrier’s available capacity on domestic and regional routes. This addition is one of several wet‑leased aircraft supporting LAM’s network and is intended to reduce delays and cancellations while the airline continues its broader fleet restructuring and service reliability improvements.

Aviation Infrastructure, Financing & Profitability.

Morocco has advanced its airport modernization efforts with the launch of a digital passenger journey system by the National Airports Office (ONDA), aimed at streamlining travel procedures from check-in to baggage drop-off. The system, now operational at Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca, features automated check-in kiosks and Self Bag Drop units, allowing passengers to print boarding passes, tag luggage, and deposit bags independently, reducing queues and enhancing efficiency. Utilizing digital and biometric technologies compliant with safety standards, the system is already in use by several airlines, with more expected to adopt it.

Ethiopian Airlines has successfully completed Africa’s first full strip-and-paint program on two Airbus A350-900 aircraft, representing a major milestone for Ethiopian MRO’s technical capabilities and operational self-reliance. This achievement follows the airline’s earlier development of full strip-and-paint capabilities on its Boeing 787 fleet, strengthening its in-house widebody composite painting expertise. Group CEO Mesfin Tasew emphasized that the initiative enhances operational resilience, reduces costs, generates additional revenue, and positions Ethiopian as a leading MRO service provider in Africa and the Middle East. Ethiopian MRO, with nearly six decades of experience, now offers advanced aircraft and parts painting solutions for both composite and aluminum airframes, using sophisticated techniques such as High-Volume Low-Pressure (HVLP) and electrostatic spraying.

Ethiopian Airlines, has formally requested a capital increase from its parent company to support its long-term strategy of fleet expansion, service enhancement, and global network growth. The airline plans to use the additional capital to acquire modern, fuel-efficient aircraft, improve in-flight services, and expand into untapped international markets, reinforcing its position as a dominant player in African aviation. This move is also intended to strengthen regional connectivity, enhance operational efficiency, and support post-pandemic recovery. For travelers, the capital increase promises more destinations, upgraded aircraft, and potentially competitive fares, though short-term disruptions and slight fare increases may occur during fleet expansion and service adjustments. Strategically, the funding will enable Ethiopian Airlines to deepen partnerships, expand cargo operations, and invest in sustainable, eco-friendly aircraft, while bolstering Ethiopia’s economy through improved tourism, trade, and regional integration.

The Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE) has signed a 27.8 billion birr (approximately USD 480 million) loan agreement with Ethiopian Airlines to finance the construction of housing for its employees. The project aims to provide long-term housing solutions, building on the airline’s previous delivery of 1,200 units, with an additional 5,000 homes currently under construction. Speaking at the signing, CBE highlighted its focus on supporting key drivers of the national economy, noting that 88% of the 458 billion birr in loans disbursed last year went to the private sector. Ethiopian Airlines CEO Mesfin Tasew emphasized that the loan will ensure the successful completion of the large-scale housing initiative, which is expected to enhance employee welfare while supporting the airline’s growth and operational stability.

People/Appointments.

Egypt’s Minister of Civil Aviation, Samah el‑Hefney, has issued a decision appointing Navigator Sameh Fawzi as the new head of the Egyptian Civil Aviation Authority (ECAA), succeeding pilot Amr Al‑Sharqawi, who resigned after three years in the role. Fawzi, who previously served as deputy head of the authority, brings internal institutional experience to the leadership position, signalling continuity in Egypt’s aviation regulatory oversight. The appointment reflects ongoing efforts by the Ministry to strengthen civil aviation governance as part of broader sector development and modernization initiatives under Minister el‑Hefney’s leadership.

Kenya Airways honoured veteran flight purser Asha Mohammed on 25 December 2025 as she retired after 37 years of dedicated service with the national carrier, marking the end of a remarkable aviation career. Asha concluded her tenure on a long‑haul flight from New York’s JFK Airport to Nairobi, where passengers were informed it was her final journey and applauded her contributions. The airline praised her professionalism, leadership, and customer‑centric approach, describing her as a “pillar of excellence” whose legacy will continue to inspire future generations of cabin crew. Asha, who joined Kenya Airways in 1988, reflected on her career with gratitude, acknowledging the support of her family throughout the many years spent away from home.

Aviation Accidents/Incidences.

On Monday, 22 December 2025, at approximately 14:00 local time, Air Seychelles flight HM49, operated by an Airbus A320-251N (A320neo) registered S7-PTI (MSN 9394, manufactured in 2020 and powered by CFM LEAP-1A26 engines), experienced an in-flight medical incident while en route over the Indian Ocean on a scheduled passenger service from Mahé (SEZ) to Mauritius (MRU). During the cruise phase, the First Officer became unwell and was unable to continue flight duties, prompting the Captain to assume full control of the aircraft and continue the flight safely to Mauritius. The aircraft landed without further incident, with no injuries reported and no damage to the aircraft.

A Dassault Falcon Jet 50 charter flight en route from Ankara to Tripoli crashed in Türkiye on 23 December 2025, killing all eight people on board, including General Mohammed Ali Ahmed Al-Haddad, Chief of Staff of the Libyan Armed Forces. The aircraft, operated by Harmony Jets Malta, departed Ankara’s Esenboğa Airport at 20:17 local time but encountered serious electrical malfunctions about 30 minutes into the flight, prompting a PAN-PAN call followed by a full emergency declaration as radar contact and communications progressively degraded. The jet disappeared from radar at 20:38 and subsequently crashed near Haymana, approximately 2 km south of the town. The loss of General Al-Haddad represents a significant blow to Libya’s military leadership, given his central role in coordinating the country’s armed forces, while investigations continue into the cause of the accident.

On Wednesday, 24 December 2025, an Airbus Helicopters H125 (AS350 B3e) operated by KiliMedAir Aviation (registration 5H-KMA, MSN 7946) was involved in a fatal accident near Barafu Camp on Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, at an altitude of approximately 4,700 metres. The helicopter was conducting an ambulance/rescue mission when it crashed under undetermined circumstances. All five occupants on board were fatally injured, including the pilot, a doctor, a guide, and two tourists from the Czech Republic, and the aircraft was destroyed.

On Friday, 26 December 2025, at 05:59 UTC, a SERVE AIR Boeing 737-3Y0 (BDSF) cargo aircraft (registration 9S-AII, MSN 24902/1973, manufactured in 1991) was involved in an incident during takeoff at Kinshasa N’Djili International Airport in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The aircraft aborted its takeoff from runway 06 after both tyres on the right-hand main landing gear were shredded. The incident resulted in minor aircraft damage, with no fatalities or injuries reported. The event occurred on a cargo operation.

On Friday, 26 December 2025, an Air Peace Embraer E195-E2 (registration 5N-BYH, MSN 19020044) was involved in a ground incident at Lagos Murtala Muhammed International Airport while preparing to operate scheduled passenger flight APK7750 to Accra, Ghana. During the standing phase, the aircraft was struck by a baggage loader, resulting in minor damage to the engine cowling. There were no injuries or fatalities, and all passengers were safely disembarked. As a precaution, the flight was cancelled to allow for inspection and repairs.

On Saturday, 27 December 2025, a Sudanese Air Force Baykar Bayraktar TB2 unmanned aerial vehicle was shot down in South Kordofan, Sudan, during an active combat mission. The drone, operated by the Sudanese Air Force, was reportedly downed by insurgents from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The aircraft was destroyed, but as an unmanned platform, there were no occupants and no fatalities.