Africa Aviation Trails: Week 10, 2026

Introduction.

Airlines are beginning to pass surging jet fuel costs on to passengers as global oil prices climb amid ongoing Middle East tensions, putting upward pressure on airfares worldwide. In Kenya and across Africa, carriers are considering fuel surcharges and higher ticket prices in response to rising operating costs triggered by the conflict involving Iran, which has disrupted oil supply routes and driven up fuel expenses. Meanwhile in South Africa, jet fuel costs jumped about 70%, prompting expectations of significant fare increases for travellers as airlines adjust to the higher cost of aviation fuel. The combined impact of these developments—spurred by geopolitical instability and soaring fuel prices—is likely to make flying more expensive for passengers in multiple markets.

Conferences/Events/Exhibitions

A three-day ECOWAS consultative workshop on air transport reform, held in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, concluded on 6 March 2026 with unanimous adoption of measures aimed at strengthening passenger rights, harmonising aviation laws, and speeding dispute resolution across West Africa. Key outcomes included the creation of a regional digital platform for filing and tracking passenger complaints, a structured compensation mechanism, and an alternative dispute resolution system offering mediation and rapid arbitration. Participants also called for universal ratification of the Montreal Convention, harmonisation of ECOWAS and UEMOA regulations, strengthened national passenger protection units, and public awareness campaigns. The resolutions build on ECOWAS’s January 2026 pledge to reduce aviation taxes and charges, aiming to make regional air travel more accountable, transparent, and affordable.

AOCs/ASLs/Regulations.