Introduction.
China has rejected US accusations that it pressured African countries to deny overflight rights to a planned trip by Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te, insisting that its actions are lawful and consistent with the “One China” principle. The dispute escalated after Taiwan reported that Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar abruptly revoked previously approved overflight permissions, forcing the postponement of Lai’s visit to Eswatini, Taiwan’s only diplomatic ally in Africa. While the United States expressed concern that the withdrawals reflected Chinese diplomatic pressure, Taipei strongly rejected claims that permits were never issued, calling such reports “rumor mongering” and insisting that all applications had been properly processed and approved before being rescinded under external pressure. China, however, maintained that countries acted appropriately in line with its sovereignty stance on Taiwan. The episode underscores how overflight permissions are increasingly becoming instruments of geopolitical influence, highlighting the vulnerability of African airspace decisions to wider great-power competition and diplomatic pressure.
Conferences & Events
The Aviation Week Africa 2026 conference was held in Windhoek, Namibia from 21 to 24 April 2026 at the Windhoek International Convention Centre and Mövenpick Hotel, under the theme “Linking Africa: Partners for Growth.” The event brought together aviation leaders, regulators, airlines, airports, investors and defence stakeholders to discuss strengthening Africa’s air connectivity and integration. Key discussions focused on improving regional and international connectivity, advancing the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), regulatory harmonisation, and infrastructure development, alongside civil–military cooperation in airspace management. Additional themes included route development, digital transformation and innovation in aviation (including AI in tourism and operations), youth engagement and skills development, and promoting women’s leadership in the sector. The conference also highlighted aviation’s role in driving trade, tourism, investment and broader economic integration across the continent.
AOCs/ASLs/Regulations.
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