Introduction.
A United Nations military helicopter carrying Vivian van de Perre, Acting Head of MONUSCO, became the first aircraft to land at Goma International Airport since its closure in January 2025 on 12 Februray 2026, marking a symbolic step toward reconnecting the conflict-affected city in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. The airport had been shut after intense fighting between Congolese forces and the M23 rebels, who seized control of Goma, creating security risks and disputes over airspace authority that halted civilian and humanitarian flights. The suspension severely disrupted aid deliveries, medical evacuations, commercial travel, and cargo flows in a region heavily reliant on air access. While the recent landing was a limited operation tied specifically to ceasefire monitoring efforts and does not yet signal a full reopening, it represents a fragile but important milestone in ongoing stabilization efforts and offers cautious hope for the gradual restoration of humanitarian and economic activity.
AOCs/ASLs/Regulations.
Benin has officially issued an operating licence to Amazone Airlines, marking a major step toward establishing a new national carrier after several previous attempts to launch a sustainable flag airline. The approval positions Amazone Airlines to develop both domestic and regional services, leveraging Benin’s strategic location and one of the continent’s few visa-free entry policies for African nationals. This regulatory support aims to make Cotonou a more accessible hub for regional travel, attracting airlines, investors, and passengers, and strengthening the country’s role as a gateway within West Africa.
ארקיע Arkia Israeli airlines has received approval to resume flying over Somali airspace on its Bangkok route after a two-week delay caused by the temporary withholding of its permit. The reroute had extended flights to Tel Aviv by an hour. The permit renewal, secured through intensive efforts by Israeli aviation officials, allows Arkia to revert to the shorter route immediately. The delay was widely seen as a response to Israel’s Dec. 26 recognition of Somaliland, which Somalia considers part of its territory, and raised concerns over violations of international aviation agreements.
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