(Posted 15th July 2025)
Courtesy of Aero Trail Ltd and Mr. Alex Koech
Introduction.
ACI World – Airports Council International has voiced strong opposition to a proposed international tax on premium air passengers, backed by countries including France, Kenya, and Barbados ahead of COP30. ACI argues the levy would undermine aviation’s role in global connectivity, particularly harming regions in the Global South that rely heavily on air transport for trade and tourism. Joining ACI in opposition are the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the Air Transport Action Group (ATAG), and Airlines for Europe (A4E), all warning that the tax could divert funding from vital climate initiatives like CORSIA and sustainable aviation fuels.
AOCs/ASLs/Regulations.
The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) has approved the Konza National Drone Corridor, the country’s first designated airspace for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone operations. Developed by the Konza Technopolis Development Authority (KoTDA), the corridor aims to boost Kenya’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) ecosystem and position Konza as a leading tech innovation hub in Africa. The corridor, located within the Konza Smart City, was approved following a thorough review by the UAS Multi-Agency Route Committee.
On July 11, 2025, Zimbabwe imposed an immediate ban on night flights by private aircraft, effective daily from 6?pm to 6?am, as announced in a government gazette by the Minister of Transport. Citing security concerns, a ministry spokesman stated the government needed better oversight of who was flying in and out of the country during nighttime hours. The ban applies to private aircraft under 20,000 kg, regardless of registration origin, but excludes state-owned aircraft and those used for public transport or aerial work. Exemptions may be granted by provincial police commanders in emergencies or for pilot night-flying experience.
On July 10, 2025, President John Dramani Mahama expressed Ghana‘s interest in partnering with the Portuguese government to establish a national airline, as part of broader efforts to strengthen the country’s aviation and economic sectors. Speaking during a ceremony at Jubilee House to receive credentials from five newly accredited ambassadors—including Portugal’s Maria Da Conceição de Sousa Pilar—President Mahama highlighted the value of deepening bilateral ties in aviation, trade, and investment. He acknowledged the current direct flights by the Portuguese national airline to Accra and indicated potential future collaboration in relaunching Ghana’s own national carrier.
African Aviation: Projections and Statistics.
In June 2025, Boeing delivered 60 aircraft (42 737 MAXs, 9 787s), up from 45 in May, bringing its year-to-date total to 280. Airbus delivered 63 aircraft (12 A220s, 43 A320neo family), up from 51 in May, with a year-to-date total of 306. Airbus aims to deliver 820 aircraft in 2025, requiring 514 more or 86 per month, yet current monthly output averages only 51. Boeing hasn’t set a 2025 target but faces similar supply chain issues. Airbus has a backlog of 8,742 aircraft (10.7 years of production), while Boeing holds 6,581 (11.6 years), underscoring industry-wide delivery challenges despite strong demand.
Embraer delivered 61 aircraft in Q2 2025, a 30% increase from Q2 2024 (47 aircraft) and a 103% surge over Q1 2025. In Commercial Aviation, 19 aircraft were delivered—flat year-over-year but up 171% from Q1. Executive Aviation led the growth with 38 deliveries, up 41% year-over-year and 65% quarter-over-quarter. The Defence & Security segment contributed four A-29 Super Tucanos. Embraer forecasts full-year 2025 deliveries of 77–85 commercial aircraft (midpoint up 10% from 2024) and 145–155 executive jets (midpoint up 15%), highlighting strong production recovery and improving supply chain resilience.
In June 2025, Cairo International Airport handled a total of 2.39 million passengers across 17,919 flights. Of these, 1.291 million passengers arrived from abroad on 8,985 flights, while 1.098 million departed on 8,934 flights. This strong performance was supported by improved operational procedures, including self-service check-in and enhanced airport signage, contributing to smoother passenger flow and reduced waiting times.
In 2024, Ghana’s tourism sector experienced a record-breaking year, generating $4.8 billion in international tourism revenue, a 27% increase from $3.8 billion in 2023, according to the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA). The country recorded 1.29 million foreign tourists, a 25% year-on-year growth, with top source markets being the United States (137,000 visitors), Nigeria (111,000), and the United Kingdom (52,000). Business travel accounted for 22.4% of visits, followed closely by visits to family and friends at 22.2%. Kotoka International Airport remained the dominant entry point with over 1.1 million arrivals, while Aflao and Elubo recorded 77,000 and 53,000 entries respectively. Domestic tourism surged by 19%, with 1.6 million Ghanaians visiting attractions like Kakum National Park and the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park. Cruise tourism also grew, with 14 cruise ships bringing in 12,600 passengers, a 38% increase over 2023. The popular “December in GH” festivities attracted high-spending tourists, averaging $700 daily over 22 nights. The GTA’s 2024 Annual Report noted strong recovery post-COVID-19 and expressed cautious optimism for sustained growth through future investments and targeted marketing campaigns.
In June 2025, Zanzibar recorded 67,496 international visitor arrivals—a 30.9% year-on-year increase and a sharp 82.2% jump from May. European tourists accounted for 62% of total arrivals, with Germany leading at 9.4%, followed by the UK (7.7%) and France (7.5%). South Africa and Kenya contributed 3,476 and 1,882 visitors respectively. The Abeid Amani Karume International Airport handled 91.1% of total arrivals, receiving 50,372 international and 11,087 domestic passengers. Meanwhile, 6,037 tourists entered via seaport, including 71 cruise passengers. These figures reflect a strong rebound in Zanzibar’s tourism sector, bolstered by improved connectivity and increased demand from key source markets.
Air Service Agreements (ASA’s)/Airlines Agreements/Partnerships.
On July 9, 2025, Egypt’s Deputy Prime Minister Kamel Al-Wazir met with Sierra Leone’s Transport and Aviation Minister Alhaji Fanday Turay in Cairo to strengthen cooperation in aviation. Attended by senior officials and Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to Egypt, the meeting focused on leveraging Egypt’s experience in airport development, air navigation, and aviation management. Al-Wazir affirmed Egypt’s readiness to support Sierra Leone through its experienced aviation companies. Turay expressed interest in enhancing Sierra Leone’s air transport infrastructure. Both sides agreed to form a joint technical working group to coordinate efforts, aligning with Egypt’s broader strategy for regional aviation integration and development.
On July 10, 2025, Egypt’s Civil Aviation Minister Sameh El-Hefny met with German Ambassador to Cairo, Jürgen Scholz, to discuss expanding bilateral cooperation in aviation, particularly in airport development, training, and the exchange of technical expertise. Held at the ministry’s headquarters, the meeting emphasized Egypt’s commitment to private sector partnerships and foreign investment to modernize its aviation sector. El-Hefny highlighted ongoing reforms aligned with international standards, while Scholz affirmed Germany’s interest in deepening cooperation, citing strong business interest from German companies in Egypt’s growing aviation market. Both parties agreed to enhance coordination, activate joint frameworks, and support sustainable development to position Egypt as a regional aviation hub.
During the official launch of its new Addis Ababa–Hà N?i route on July 11, 2025, Ethiopian Airlines signed several cooperation agreements with key Vietnamese partners to strengthen its presence in Vietnam. The airline signed memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with Vietnam Airlines, Pacific Airlines, Vietnam Post (VNPost), and Deks Air Vietnam. As part of the agreements, Ethiopian Airlines appointed Deks Air Vietnam as its General Sales and Services Agent (GSSA) in Vietnam, and Pacific Air as its General Sales Agent for Cargo (GSA Cargo). These partnerships aim to enhance both passenger and cargo operations and support Ethiopian Airlines’ global expansion strategy.
On July 8, 2025, Royal Air Maroc (RAM) and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Côte d’Ivoire (CCI-CI) signed a strategic partnership in Abidjan to offer discounted airfares—up to 20%—to Ivorian businesses registered with the Chamber. The agreement, signed by RAM’s regional representative Mohamed Babou and CCI-CI president Faman Touré, aims to enhance business mobility and international access, reinforcing Morocco–Côte d’Ivoire ties and promoting South–South cooperation. Touré highlighted the deal’s role in boosting trade, investment, and cross-border business missions, while RAM emphasized its ambitions to expand its fleet and position Casablanca as a major African hub.
On July 8, 2025, Air Sénégal S.A announced an expanded codeshare agreement with Royal Air Maroc (RAM), enabling Air Senegal passengers to access new destinations—Milan, Barcelona, Montreal, and Lyon—via Casablanca starting July 21. The deal allows seamless booking on a single ticket and builds on the initial agreement signed in September 2023. RAM, present in Senegal since 1958, remains the second most active airline in the market and continues to operate multiple weekly flights between Casablanca and Dakar.
Turkish Airlines has signed a comprehensive codeshare agreement with South African regional carrier Airlink, effective August 1, 2025. The partnership, formalized at Airlink’s Johannesburg headquarters, aims to enhance Turkish Airlines’ footprint in Africa by integrating its global network with Airlink’s vast regional and domestic routes across Southern Africa. Under the agreement, Turkish Airlines will place its “TK” code on Airlink-operated flights, enabling seamless travel on a single ticket from Turkish Airlines’ flights into Johannesburg and Cape Townto various South African and regional destinations.
Schneider Electric Kenya and Rwanda Airports Company (RAC) have signed a technical Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing Rwanda’s airport infrastructure. The partnership will focus on improving operational efficiency, safety, cybersecurity, and sustainability at RAC-managed airports. Key areas include electrical systems maintenance, energy management, automation, and the development of a Unified Operations Centre. Schneider Electric will also support sustainability planning through renewable energy integration, energy efficiency, and AI-based predictive maintenance. RAC Managing Director Charles Habonimana highlighted the MoU’s role in modernizing aviation facilities, while Schneider Electric reaffirmed its commitment to long-term infrastructure development and joint project execution. This was announced on July 8, 2025.
On July 13, 2025, ASKY AIRLINES–Kenya was officially welcomed as a Silver Member of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), following a collaborative meeting between the two entities. During the engagement, they explored partnerships in passenger and cargo transport—especially during KNCCI trade missions across Africa—and discussed a potential affinity program to benefit KNCCI members with travel perks. This development coincided with ASKY’s increased Lomé–Nairobi flight frequency to four weekly flights starting July 11, 2025, ahead of a schedule change set for August 2, 2025, as part of its African expansion strategy under AfCFTA.
Routes and Airline Connectivity.
On July 11, 2025, Ethiopian Airlines operated its inaugural direct flight from Africa to Vietnam, marking a historic milestone as the first such connection between the two regions. Flight ET0678 landed at Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport and will operate four times a week. The launch ceremony at Terminal T2 was attended by Ethiopian Ambassador Dessie DalDes and Vietnamese officials. This new route is expected to boost connectivity and economic opportunities between Africa and Vietnam, tapping into a market with significant growth potential.
The Syrian Civil Aviation Authority has announced the resumption of direct flights between Syria and Libya, marking a revival of air connectivity between the two nations. According to Ashhad Al-Sulaibi, head of the authority, Syrian Arab Airlines will operate flights from Damascus and Aleppo to both Tripoli and Benghazi. The new services are set to begin the week of July 14, 2025, following the official announcement on July 11. This move aims to enhance bilateral cooperation and facilitate travel and trade between Syria and Libya after years of suspended direct air links.
British Airways is expanding its presence in Morocco by launching a new year-round route to Rabat, starting November 5, 2025. Operated by BA Euroflyer from London Gatwick, flights to the Moroccan capital will run twice weekly—on Wednesdays and Sundays—using an Airbus Aircraft A320. This makes Rabat the third Moroccan city served by the UK flag carrier, alongside Marrakech and Agadir. The move comes as Morocco’s tourism sector records a 68% increase in visitors compared to 2019, with 1.3 million more tourists than the same period last year. Fares start from £70 each way, including taxes and fees, offering more UK travellers access to Morocco’s cultural and historical hub.
Air Seychelles will increase its Mahe Island (Seychelles) – Abu Dhabi service to seven weekly flights starting October 16, 2025, using its Airbus A320neo. This expansion reflects growing demand on the route. From December 3, 2025, flight HM018 will depart Seychelles at 20:30 and arrive in Abu Dhabi at 01:05 the next day, operating daily. Return flight HM019 will depart Abu Dhabi at 07:50 (or 08:00 on select days) and arrive in Seychelles at 12:25 or 12:35, with adjusted schedules on certain days of the week.
Emirates has revealed its top summer 2025 destinations, showing notable growth in demand across various regions, including Africa. Among its African highlights, Mauritius ranked as the second most-searched destination with a 41% year-on-year increase in bookings. South Africa, Egypt, Morocco, and Kenya also recorded increased search interest, especially among US travellers. Emirates operates twice-daily A380 services to Mauritius and continues to enhance connectivity across its African network. The airline attributes rising demand to the appeal of cultural experiences, beach destinations, and improved air links.
FlySafair, South Africa’s budget airline, will launch a new direct flight between Cape Town and Hoedspruit starting October 2, 2025, enhancing access to Kruger National Park. Operated with a Boeing 737, the service will run three times weekly—on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. This marks FlySafair’s second route connecting Cape Town to the Kruger region, following the launch of Cape Town–Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport flights in April 2024, and Johannesburg–Kruger services in August 2024.
Airline Fleets and ACMI’s.
Ethiopian Airlines received its Boeing 737?8 MAX, registration ET?BAK, on July 11, 2025. This brand?new aircraft (hex code 040234) is powered by two CFM International LEAP?1B engines and marks the latest addition to their expanding fleet. Configured with 16 business and 144 economy seats, the aircraft is expected to serve high-demand short- and medium-haul routes across Africa and the Middle East. The delivery reinforces Ethiopian’s fleet modernization strategy aimed at improving fuel efficiency, passenger comfort, and network reliability.
Nesma Airlines expanded its fleet with the addition of an Airbus Aircraft A320-232, registered SU-NMH, delivered on July 10, 2025. The aircraft, powered by two IAE V2527-A5 engines and leased from Air Lease Corporation (ALC), was previously operated by China Eastern Airlines Global under registration B-9901. It had been stored at Tianjin (TSN) since November 27, 2024, following its withdrawal from service. The aircraft was ferried from TSN via Ürümqi (CIT) to Cairo (CAI) on July 10–11, 2025, ahead of its entry into commercial service with Nesma Airlines.
On July 1, 2025, XEJet Limited welcomed an Embraer ERJ-190AR (ERJ-190-100 IGW) aircraft into its fleet, registered as 5N-ENS and powered by two GE CF34-10E5 engines. Originally delivered to Air Canada on January 29, 2008, the aircraft was briefly held by the Wellington Trust Company on February 28, 2025, before being transferred to the Bank of Utah, USA, on May 23, 2025. It later found its way to Nigeria under Enugu Air, which now leases it to XE Jet. The aircraft was ferried from Lagos (LOS) to Enugu (ENU) on July 6, 2025, marking its official entry into regional operations.
Air Burkina has leased a Boeing 737-300 from Libya‘s Ghadames Airline. The aircraft, registered 5A-GRR, features an all-economy configuration with 148 seats. It has recently been observed operating regional flights under Air Burkina’s flight numbers, signaling the carrier’s move to boost short-haul capacity.
Ghana’s presidential jet, the Dassault Falcon Jet 900EX EASy (9G-EXE), has been grounded in France since March 11, 2025, due to extensive technical issues, remaining out of service for over four months. Maintenance inspections revealed severe corrosion in all three fuel tanks, a damaged air intake plug receptacle for the second engine, and a faulty starter-generator. The aircraft’s turbofan engine was deemed irreparable and had to be entirely replaced. Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah declared the jet unfit for long-haul flights, citing years of poor maintenance. Repairs are expected to be completed by July 31, 2025. In the meantime, officials have been using chartered and commercial aircraft, raising concerns over costs and transparency.
Aviation Infrastructure, Financing & Profitability.
Groundbreaking for the new terminal at Casablanca’s Mohammed V International Airport officially began on July 7, 2025, marking a key phase in Morocco’s “Airports 2030” strategy. The Moroccan Airports Authority (ONDA) confirmed the launch of the site preparation works, awarded to local construction firm STAM following a public tender. The eight-month preparation phase precedes the terminal’s full development, which is scheduled to be completed and operational by 2029. With a total investment of 15?billion dirhams (approximately USD?1.5?billion), the new terminal will add capacity for 20 million passengers annually, boosting the airport’s total to 35 million and reinforcing Casablanca’s role as a continental and global aviation hub.
Gabon has secured a €290 million financing package to develop a new international airport in Libreville, following the signing of a term sheet with African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), BGFI Bank Gabon, AFG Bank Cameroun, and GSEZ – Gabon Special Economic Zone SA. The project includes €100 million in direct funding from Afreximbank and €190 million in CFA francs from regional banks. The planned facility will feature a 22,500?m² passenger terminal, handle up to 2 million passengers and 25,000 tonnes of cargo annually. The airport forms part of Gabon’s broader $3.2 billion infrastructure modernization effort, supported by Afreximbank, to drive growth in transport, mining, and energy sectors.
A consortium of Rwandan banks— BPR Bank Rwanda Plc, Bank of Kigali Plc, and the Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD) PLC —backed by KCB Bank Group and ATIDI – African Trade & Investment Development Insurance , is mobilizing over $322 million in bonds and guarantees to support the New Kigali International Airport project in Bugesera. ATIDI approved $84 million in credit risk guarantees, enabling the banks to exceed their single obligor limits. KCB Bank Kenya, however, is participating without ATIDI protection. The funds will support a joint venture of three contractors. The airport, co-developed by Rwanda and Qatar and valued at over $2 billion, is due for completion by mid-2028.
Systems Interface Ltd has been appointed to design, supply, install, and commission an Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS) at Beyla Airport in southeastern Guinea, near the Côte d’Ivoire border. The airport, primarily serving domestic flights, is undergoing expansion to support increased traffic driven by regional mining developments. The UK-based company’s integrated meteorological system, delivered in partnership with Campbell Scientific, includes two weather stations positioned near runway touchdown zones and advanced sensors to measure key weather parameters such as wind, pressure, temperature, humidity, cloud height, and rainfall. The system provides real-time weather data to support safe airspace operations and includes an Automatic Terminal Information Service (ATIS), which uses VoIP technology to broadcast critical weather updates to aircraft.
The Egyptian Ministry of Civil Aviation, in partnership with the US Embassy in Cairo and the IFC – International Finance Corporation, has launched a transformative initiative to develop Egypt’s airports into integrated economic hubs with strong private sector involvement. Announced during a high-level “Airport Day” seminar held on July 8, 2025, at the US Embassy in Cairo, the strategy aims to elevate Egypt’s status as a regional aviation hub by modernizing 11 major airports, with a flagship focus on the development of Terminal 4 at Cairo International Airport. This terminal, designed to handle 60 million passengers annually, will incorporate cutting-edge smart technologies for navigation, operations, and passenger services, ensuring efficiency and personalized experiences. The project also highlights collaboration with leading American aviation firms, including Honeywell, Rapiscan Systems, and Hill International, and reflects a broader US-Egypt partnership to enhance aviation security and economic growth.
Eight months after President William Ruto cancelled the controversial lease deal with India’s @Adani Group for the expansion of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), the Kenyan government has unveiled a new strategy to fund the airport’s redevelopment. Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir announced that Kenya is in talks with six development finance institutions—European Investment Bank, German Development Bank, French Development Bank, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, and China Exim Bank—aiming to finance the project using JKIA’s balance sheet. Speaking on July 8, 2025, Chirchir confirmed plans to break ground before year-end, citing the expansion’s importance to tourism, airline partnerships, and trade.
On July 7, 2025, Aircraft Engine Lease Finance (AELF), a Chicago-based aircraft lessor, finalized a US$31 million loan agreement with South Africa’s Absa Bank Group. The loan is secured against an Airbus A330-300 currently on lease to South African Airways, which AELF had recently acquired from a consortium of international lenders, including Deutsche Bank, Société Générale, and Crédit Agricole. This deal is part of AELF’s strategy to diversify its global financing partnerships, adding to prior agreements with Merchants Bank, Investec, and Nedbank. AELF aims to enhance its ability to respond swiftly to market opportunities and support its growing aviation leasing portfolio.
Mozambique’s National Institute of Social Security (INSS) is being considered as a potential shareholder in the country’s national airline, LAM. The move, approved during the Council of Ministers meeting on July 1, 2025, would allow INSS—managing a reserve fund of €1.1 billion sourced from workers’ contributions—to join other state-owned entities like HCB, CFM, and EMOSE in LAM’s shareholder structure. While the original restructuring plan allocated 91% of LAM’s shares to these three entities, the possible inclusion of INSS is now under legal and structural review. The restructuring aims to revitalize LAM and facilitate the acquisition of eight new aircraft.
LAM Mozambique Airlines has successfully cleared its outstanding debt of US?$205 million owed to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), making it the highest amount owed by any airline globally between October 2024 and April 2025. The announcement was made on July 8, 2025, by Jacinto Uqueio of Mozambique’s state assets management body, IGEPE. This milestone restores LAM’s access to IATA’s critical global platforms—BSP and CASS—facilitating ticket sales and interline settlements. The repayment forms part of the airline’s broader restructuring under CEO Dane Kondi? and strategic partner Knighthood Global Limited, enabling renewed focus on fleet modernization and regional connectivity.
VISA/Passports/Travel.
The United States has introduced stricter visa rules for Cameroon, Ethiopia, Ghana, and Nigeria, reducing most non-immigrant, non-diplomatic visas to single-entry and three-month validity. For Nigerians, this takes effect from July 8, 2025, down from the previous five-year multiple-entry terms. The U.S. cites security and technical benchmarks, noting visa reciprocity is subject to change. The move follows an earlier Trump-era directive targeting several African nations for entry restrictions. Nigeria, which currently imposes no reciprocal limits, has expressed concern. In 2024, Nigerians received nearly 20% of all U.S. non-immigrant visas in Africa, raising worries about the impact on education and diplomatic ties.
As of July 7, 2025, Kenya has officially dropped the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) requirement for South African passport holders and several other Southern African countries. This move follows an earlier government directive aimed at easing travel for African nationals, though no implementation date had initially been provided. According to the ETA website, citizens of Zambia, Zimbabwe, Eswatini, Namibia, Mozambique, Malawi, Lesotho, and Botswana are also now exempt from the ETA requirement when entering Kenya.
People/Appointments.
Barely days after stepping down as National Chairman of Nigeria’s All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje was appointed and officially inaugurated as Chairman of the Board of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). The ceremony, held in Abuja and presided over by Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo, also saw the induction of seven other board members representing key ministries and aviation bodies. These include FAAN MD/CEO Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, Engr. T. P. Vembe (Aviation Ministry), Ms. Dorothy Duruak (Tourism Ministry), and others from Defence, Justice, and Aviation Training institutions. The appointments signal a renewed focus on strategic leadership and sector reform.Ganduje pledged alignment with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and promised to enhance service delivery and infrastructure. FAAN CEO Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku hailed the board’s inauguration as a new era for aviation governance. The board aims to improve passenger experience, promote regulatory compliance, and reposition Nigeria’s airports through collaboration and strategic leadership.
The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has appointed Dr. Muhamud M. Gedi as its new Acting Managing Director and CEO, replacing Nicholas Bodo, who held the role since December 2024. Bodo returns to his position as Director of Air Services at the Ministry of Transport. The leadership change follows the suspension of the recruitment process for a permanent MD due to a pending court case. No timeline has been provided for resolving the legal issue or restarting the recruitment process.
Thierry de Bailleul, the French executive who had served as CEO of Madagascar Airlines since December 2022, has exited his role after the government declined to renew his term in June 2025. De Bailleul had spearheaded the airline’s “Phoenix?2030” recovery plan aimed at stabilizing operations, achieving breakeven by 2025, and improving efficiency through ATR-72 leases and cost-cutting measures such as fuel savings. Despite these efforts, political and operational challenges persisted. His departure marks a significant leadership change for Madagascar’s national carrier, raising questions about the future of its turnaround strategy and long-term viability amid ongoing financial and structural hurdles.
On July 4, 2025, Tunisair dismissed its Chairman, Habib Mekki, as part of a sweeping restructuring aimed at addressing persistent flight delays and cancellations. Tarek Bouazizi, a public service advisor, was appointed interim Chairman with a mandate to stabilize governance and oversee the election of a new board president. In parallel, Issam Hammam, an aeronautical engineer, was named the new Director of Tunisair Technics to improve operational efficiency. The Ministry of Transport also issued directives to overseas station managers to enhance service quality, as the airline battles financial and administrative challenges. These changes mark a critical step in Tunisair’s recovery efforts.
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, in a letter dated June 25, 2025, ordered the immediate dismissal of 152 unqualified staff at Entebbe International Airport, following growing concerns over rampant corruption and inefficiency within the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA). The directive, which also targets senior officials responsible for the improper recruitments, came after public outrage over bribery incidents—including staff allegedly demanding up to $500 and one pocketing $10,000—as well as operational failures like a passenger being trapped in an outdated lift. Despite earlier reforms introduced in 2023–24 to streamline operations and tighten discipline, Museveni’s intervention highlights persistent governance and integrity issues at Uganda’s primary international gateway.
Awards, Recognition, Certifications & Milestones.
Cape Town International Airport (CPT) was ranked the best airport in the world in the 2025 AirHelp Score, achieving top recognition for its exceptional performance. It also leads the list of African airports, followed by King Shaka International Airport (DUR) in Durban, which ranked 7th globally among airports handling fewer than 65,000 flights per year. OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) secured third place in Africa and 20th globally. Other top-performing African airports include Marrakesh Menara (157th globally), Casablanca Mohammed V (219th), Cairo International (233rd), Jomo Kenyatta in Nairobi (236th), Sharm El Sheikh (241st), Hurghada International (246th), and Tunis–Carthage (250th), rounding out Africa’s top ten.
Turkish Airlines has been named “Expatriate Airline of the Year” at the 2025 TEBA Awards for Excellence, held on July 12, 2025, in Lagos, Nigeria. Recognized for its role in advancing Nigeria’s global connectivity, trade, and tourism, Turkish Airlines emerged top over competitors like Air France, Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Delta. Operating frequent flights from Lagos and Abuja, the airline was praised for its customer service, punctuality, and extensive global network. Turkish Airlines General Manager in Nigeria, Lokman Balkan, reaffirmed the airline’s commitment to investing in Nigeria’s growth and expanding its presence across Africa through new routes and improved passenger experiences.
EgyptAir Training Academy has successfully renewed its accreditation from the National Quality Institute, reaffirming its commitment to international standards. Announced by EgyptAir Holding Chairman Pilot Ahmed Adel, the renewal enhances the academy’s global reputation and appeal to a wider client base. The accreditations include ISO 9001:2015 for Quality Management, ISO 22000:2018 for Food Safety, and ISO 14001:2015 for Environmental Management. Captain Walid Soliman, Chairman of the academy, emphasized that these certifications reflect its standing as one of the top aviation training institutions in the Middle East and Africa, recognized for maintaining excellence across multiple disciplines.
Lawsuits.
Boeing reached a confidential settlement on Friday, July 11, 2025, with Paul Njoroge, a 41 Kenyan-Canadian whose wife, three young children, and mother-in-law died in the March 2019 Ethiopian Airlines Flight?302 crash involving a 737?MAX. This agreement, disclosed ahead of a scheduled federal trial in Chicago, prevents what would have been the first U.S. trial linked to the two fatal MAX crashes that collectively killed 346 people and prompted a global grounding of the fleet. Terms of the settlement were not disclosed. Boeing has now settled over 90% of related civil suits, paying out billions, while its broader resolution with the U.S. Justice Department—amounting to more than $1.1?billion—also allows it to avoid prosecution in connection with the crashes.
Charles Cartier, the former CEO of Air Mauritius, is seeking MUR 91 million (approximately USD 2 million) in damages following his abrupt dismissal in September 2024, just six months into a three-year contract that was set to run until March 2027. Cartier, who took office in March 2024, claims the termination violated the terms of his employment agreement and was procedurally unjust. His legal team argues the move was abusive and lacking in due process, further highlighting ongoing governance and leadership instability within Air Mauritius. The case reflects broader challenges facing the airline as it navigates post-pandemic recovery and restructuring.
Mango Airlines’ attempted revival has suffered a major setback after the Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg ruled that its business rescue plan is invalid and cannot be implemented. The ruling came in response to a legal challenge by Aviation Co-ordination Services (ACS), a major creditor owed around R2.91 billion (approx. USD 160 million), who argued the plan was unviable and unfair, offering just 4.43 cents on the rand. The court also struck down a controversial compulsory cession clause in the plan. While the airline’s business rescue practitioner, Sipho Sono, plans to appeal, the judgment casts significant doubt on Mango’s future, already uncertain since its grounding in July 2021.
Aviation Accidents/Incidences.
On July 5, 2025, a Canadian Airways Congo McDonnell Douglas MD-82 (registration TN-AJT) experienced a blown tire while landing at Brazzaville-Maya Maya Airport (BZV) after a scheduled passenger flight from Pointe-Noire Agostinho-Neto International Airport. Despite the incident, there were no fatalities or injuries among those on board. The aircraft sustained only minor damage and was subsequently repaired. The event occurred during the landing phase and is categorized as an incident.
On Sunday, 13 July 2025, an Air Peace Boeing 737-300 (registration 5N-BQ) operating flight P47190 from Lagos-Murtala Muhammed International Airport to Port Harcourt International Airport veered off the runway during landing. Fortunately, all passengers disembarked safely, and no fatalities or injuries were reported. The extent of damage to the aircraft is currently unknown. The incident occurred during the landing phase of the scheduled passenger flight and is classified as an incident
In other news:
Nigerian carrier Air Peace announced it would suspend all flight operations into and out of Lagos for 12 hours on Saturday, July 12, 2025, due to the local government elections taking place in the state. In a statement posted on X, the airline said flights would be halted between 3:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., citing movement restrictions imposed by the Lagos State Police Command across all roads and waterways. Normal operations were scheduled to resume at 4:00 p.m. the same day. The airline apologized for the inconvenience caused to affected passengers. The Lagos State Police had earlier declared a total restriction of vehicular movement during the election period.
Liberia has made a significant stride in strengthening its civil aviation oversight and security with the completion of the first in-country ICAO-led National Inspector Course, held from June 30 to July 8 at Roberts International Airport. The training involved 20 participants—16 from the Liberia Civil Aviation Authority (LCAA) and 4 from the Liberia Airport Authority (LAA)—and aimed to build national capacity in aviation security inspection and compliance. This marks a pivotal move away from reliance on external evaluators, empowering local personnel to conduct independent audits and enforce international safety standards. The initiative supports broader aviation reforms under President Boakai’s administration, focusing on institutional autonomy, safety, and interagency collaboration to enhance Liberia’s standing in regional air transport.
The Aviation Training Academy of Zimbabwe (ATAZ) officially launched its first ICAO-approved English Language Proficiency Interlocutor/Rater Initial Training course on Tuesday, July 9, 2025, in Harare. The course, aimed at enhancing communication skills among pilots and air traffic controllers to improve aviation safety, was opened by CAAZ Director-General George Mashababe. It is being attended by eight participants, including a senior manager from Zambia’s Civil Aviation Authority, and is facilitated by ICAO-certified instructor Mr. Daniel Shiferaw Lemma from Ethiopian Aviation University. The launch marks a milestone for ATAZ, which became operational in 2021 and received ICAO TrainAir Plus certification in November 2023, followed by Bronze Membership in February 2024. The academy, located at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, plans to host three ICAO-approved courses in 2025.
Kenya Airways (KQ) has received a significant tax relief from the Kenyan government, exempting it from paying withholding tax on payments made to non-resident firms providing specialized services critical to its operations—such as aircraft leasing, maintenance, training, and consulting. The exemption, published in a recent legal notice by the National Treasury, is expected to ease KQ’s financial burden and enhance operational efficiency. This move aligns with broader efforts to support the airline’s recovery and competitiveness amid ongoing restructuring.
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