Introduction.
In January 2026, the Aviation Safety Network recorded 296 aviation occurrences globally, resulting in a total of 78 fatalities. The deadliest accidents involved both commercial and military operations. Significant single-incident fatalities included 15 deaths in Colombia when a Beechcraft 1900D operated by SEARCA–SATENA crashed east of Ocaña Airport on 28 January, 10 fatalities in Indonesia following an ATR 42-512 crash near Mount Bulusaraung, South Sulawesi on 17 January, and 6 fatalities in the United States during a Piper PA-31-325 Navajo C/R crash at Juan José Rondón Airport in Paipa, Boyacá, Colombia, on 10 January, as well as another 6 deaths in India when a Learjet 45XR operated by VSR Ventures Pvt Ltd crashed at Baramati Airport, Maharashtra on 28 January. Additional smaller-scale fatal incidents included multiple private aircraft accidents across the U.S., Brazil, Italy, New Zealand, Portugal, and Vietnam, with single- or double-fatality events contributing to the total. These statistics highlight that while the majority of occurrences in January 2026 were non-fatal or minor incidents, a few high-casualty events, particularly involving commercial, cargo, and military aircraft, accounted for the bulk of the fatalities recorded.
AOCs/ASLs/Regulations.
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has given domestic airlines a seven-day deadline to integrate a mandatory special needs assistance option into all ticket reservation platforms, including online and telephone bookings, to improve accessibility for passengers with disabilities and persons with reduced mobility. The directive, reaffirming similar guidance issued in 2022, requires airlines to provide a clearly identifiable section for requesting assistance and to actively inquire if any passenger in a booking party needs support. The regulation aligns with Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig. CARs) 2023, Part 19.12.3.1, and non-compliance will trigger enforcement actions. This initiative underscores the NCAA’s commitment to ensuring inclusive air travel and compliance with accessibility standards.
Ghana’s Transport Minister, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, has announced plans to revive the country’s national airline within the next 12 months, marking a renewed push to re‑establish a flag carrier more than two decades after Ghana Airways ceased operations in 2004. A dedicated task force has been set up to oversee the development of the airline’s business model, regulatory framework and operational requirements, with the aim of improving regional connectivity, boosting trade and creating jobs as part of broader efforts to strengthen Ghana’s aviation sector.
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