African Aviation Trails

In this trail, Fastjet Mozambique is preparing to relaunch scheduled operations in the second half of 2026 with three Embraer ERJ145 regional jets based in Beira, while Egypt's start-up Pyramids Airlines is advancing toward regulatory approval ahead of its planned 2026 launch, focusing initially on charter and ACMI operations.

EgyptAir has taken delivery of its first Airbus A350-900, becoming the first airline in North Africa to operate the type and advancing its long-haul fleet modernization with improved fuel efficiency and expanded intercontinental capabilities. Ethiopian Airlines added a new Boeing 737-8 MAX, while TAAG Angola Airlines inducted another Airbus A220-300 to support regional growth.

Ethiopian Airlines ranked second globally for aircraft utilisation in 2025, while global flight cancellations surged in January 2026 amid severe winter disruptions. Cairo International Airport reinforced its position as Africa's busiest hub with record traffic, as Africa's airport certification rate reached 44.8%, highlighting continued infrastructure challenges. Namibia's visa-on-arrival programme generated strong tourism and revenue gains, and Réunion Airport reported steady passenger growth. Meanwhile, Skyward Airlines appointed Diana Nyambura as CEO, Nigeria reshuffled senior aviation officials across key agencies, United Nigeria Airlines unveiled ambitious expansion plans during its fifth anniversary, and legal proceedings continued against former Nigerian Aviation Minister Stella Oduah, while a Kenyan court temporarily halted a planned aviation workers' strike.

Benin has granted an operating licence to Amazone Airlines, paving the way for the country's new national carrier to launch domestic and regional services and strengthen Cotonou's position as a West African aviation hub. Meanwhile, Israeli carrier Arkia has resumed using Somali airspace on its Bangkok route after authorities reinstated its overflight permit following a two-week suspension. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a UN helicopter carrying MONUSCO Acting Head Vivian van de Perre became the first aircraft to land at Goma International Airport since its closure in January 2025, marking a symbolic milestone toward the gradual restoration of humanitarian air access and operations in the conflict-affected region.

Libya reopened Kufra International Airport after runway rehabilitation, while Safran announced a €280 million aerospace manufacturing investment in Morocco. South Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda advanced major airport infrastructure projects, as Emirates expanded its retail presence in Abidjan and Ethiopian Airlines confirmed its move to a new headquarters in August 2026. Meanwhile, Kenya launched plans to secure a strategic investor for Kenya Airways, Ethiopian Airlines reported strong half-year growth, Cabo Verde Airlines secured US$35 million in state-backed financing, and Ghana's new airport infrastructure levy sparked industry concerns over its potential impact on travel demand and competitiveness.

Air Sierra Leone has expanded its UK network with the launch of weekly Banjul–London Gatwick flights, strengthening West Africa–UK connectivity and supporting tourism and business travel. Royal Air Maroc unveiled a major European network expansion with new routes linking northern Morocco to Spain, reinforcing its long-term growth strategy ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

rance and Senegal have expanded their aviation cooperation to strengthen safety oversight, air navigation, and sustainable aviation, while EgyptAir is partnering with Equatorial Guinea to revitalize Ceiba Intercontinental through maintenance, training, infrastructure development, and a proposed Cairo–Malabo route.

African aviation experienced several safety-related incidents during the week, including two survivable light aircraft accidents in Namibia and Angola, a fatal Libyan Armed Forces Mil Mi-17 helicopter crash that claimed five lives, and the total loss of a Starsky Aviation Fokker 50 after it overshot the runway during an emergency landing at Mogadishu, with all 55 occupants escaping safely. In Nigeria, an Arik Air Boeing 737 diverted safely to Benin following an engine anomaly, while a United Nigeria Airlines Airbus A320 sustained a bird strike on landing at Port Harcourt, resulting in minor operational disruptions but no injuries.

Cairo International Airport and Guinea’s Conakry Airport posted strong double-digit passenger growth in 2025, while Senegal’s Blaise Diagne Airport maintained stable traffic despite lower transit volumes. South African Airways strengthened its regional and international market share, Brazil extended Angolan visitor visas from two to five years, and Ghana and Zambia agreed to introduce visa-free travel. Uganda Airlines CEO Jenifer Bamuturaki stepped down amid leadership changes, Sinaly Silué was elected Chairman of ASECNA, and Air Botswana appointed Bao Mosinyi as General Manager. Meanwhile, Namibia’s Civil Aviation Authority retained its ISO 9001:2015 certification, families of Boeing 737 MAX crash victims renewed legal efforts against Boeing, and Gambia International Airlines faced scrutiny over weak recovery of unpaid Hajj ticket loans.