(Posted 12th August 2025)
Read Africa’s most comprehensive aviation news updates, courtesy of Aero Trail Ltd and Mr. Alex Koech
Introduction.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released its 2024 World Air Transport Statistics (WATS) report on August 4, 2025, revealing key trends shaping global aviation. Passenger traffic grew by 9.4% year-on-year, slightly trailing the global average growth of 11.5%, while the load factor improved by 0.7 percentage points to reach 82.6%. Premium class travel saw a significant increase, with business and first-class segments expanding by 11.8%, marginally outpacing the 11.5% growth recorded in economy class. The Asia-Pacific region led premium passenger growth at 22.8%, reaching 21 million travelers, while economy class demand surged even higher at 28.6%. The United States retained its status as the world’s largest aviation market, accommodating 876 million passengers, followed by China with 741 million—a robust 18.7% increase from 2023. Within Africa, the busiest air route was the domestic corridor between Cape Town International Airport (CPT) and O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg (JNB), which handled 3.3 million passengers.
Conferences & Events.
The 29th annual conference of the League of Airport and Aviation Correspondents (LAAC) was held in Lagos, Nigeria, bringing together key stakeholders from the aviation sector, including journalists, industry experts, regulators, and policymakers. The conference focused on the theme “Financing Aviation In Nigeria: Risks, Opportunities and Prospects,” addressing the critical challenges and potential solutions for sustainable funding and growth in the industry. The event featured panel discussions, presentations, and keynote speeches covering infrastructure development, regulatory issues, financial challenges, and strategies to attract investment. Attended by senior aviation professionals, airline executives, government officials, and media representatives, the conference provided a vital platform for dialogue and collaboration aimed at revitalizing Nigeria’s aviation sector.
AOCs/ASLs/Regulations.
Europe’s largest tour operator, TUI Airlines, has submitted a fresh application to the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) seeking a licence to operate charter flights on the Amsterdam–Zanzibar–Mombasa–Amsterdam route, following a previously rejected bid less than two months ago. The airline plans to operate two weekly flights using a Boeing 787 Dreamliner based in Amsterdam, without traffic rights between Zanzibar and Mombasa—meaning no passengers will be picked up or dropped off between the two cities. These flights fall under the first and second freedom rights, allowing overflight or technical stops without commercial activity.
Côte d’Ivoire has enacted a decree mandating all airlines operating to and from the country to transmit Advance Passenger Information (API) and Passenger Name Record (PNR) data to national authorities. This regulatory move aims to enhance aviation security by enabling more effective passenger screening and risk assessment before arrival or departure. By collecting detailed passenger information such as identity, travel itinerary, and booking details, authorities can identify potential threats early, support counter-terrorism efforts, and streamline border control procedures. This step aligns Côte d’Ivoire with international aviation security standards set by organizations such as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and contributes to regional efforts to strengthen safety and security across West African airspace.
South Africa‘s tax authorities have extended special licences for importing and storing jet fuel for another year, a move welcomed by the Fuels Industry Association of South Africa (FIASA). This extension, valid until October 31, 2026, allows continued operations at special storage warehouses (SOS) and ensures a stable supply of aviation kerosene to major airports, including O.R. Tambo International Airport. The decision addresses concerns over fuel shortages, especially following the closure of the Natref refinery earlier this year. South Africa has lost about half of its refinery capacity in the past five years, making such measures crucial for maintaining aviation fuel availability.
On Wednesday, August 6, 2025, Sudan’s Civil Aviation Authority announced that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) had banned all Sudanese aircraft from landing at its airports and had recently barred a Sudanese airliner from departing Abu Dhabi. Sudanese authorities expressed surprise at the decision and said they were coordinating with airlines to reprogramme passenger bookings for travel between the two countries. The move marks a further deterioration in relations after Sudan cut diplomatic ties with the UAE in May 2025, accusing it of supplying advanced weaponry to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) during Sudan’s civil war, which began in April 2023. The UAE has repeatedly denied the allegations, and Abu Dhabi has not yet issued an official response to the latest aviation restrictions.
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) suspended ValueJet pilots Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba following a serious safety breach at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on August 5, 2025. The pilots allegedly initiated departure without obtaining mandatory pre-departure clearance, endangering ground personnel and violating aviation safety regulations. The suspensions are effective immediately and will remain in place pending a full investigation. NCAA reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring aviation safety.
African Aviation: Projections and Statistics.
In July 2025, Cairo International Airport recorded a sharp rise in traffic, handling 2,647,948 passengers, a 10.75% increase from 2,390,855 in June, alongside 18,729 flights, up 4.52% from 17,919 the previous month. This surge, driven by the busy summer travel season, highlights the airport’s continued operational improvements and enhanced passenger services, solidifying its role as Egypt’s primary aviation hub and a leading regional gateway.
In July 2025, Zanzibar recorded a record high of 98,370 international tourist arrivals, marking a 44.2% increase compared to July 2024 and a 45.7% rise from June 2025. European tourists comprised 64.4% of arrivals, with Italy leading the market at 10,403 visitors—a 291% month-on-month surge from June’s 2,660 Italian tourists. France followed as the second-largest source at 7.7%, while Japan contributed the smallest share at 0.2%. Leisure travelers dominated, accounting for 99.4% of arrivals, with 91% entering via the airport. The visitor demographic was 54% male and 46% female, mostly aged 15 to 64, with retirees making up 4.5%. About one-third of tourists stayed exactly one week, and bed occupancy reached 81.1%, with over 741,000 bed nights sold. Emerging markets such as Poland, India, Russia, Israel, China, and Ukraine also showed a 42.2% increase from June, reflecting Zanzibar’s growing and diversifying tourist base.
In the first half of 2025, Cabo Verde Airlines carried 234,933 passengers on around 4,000 flights, doubling its passenger numbers compared to the same period in 2024. This impressive growth was largely driven by strong demand on domestic routes to islands such as São Vicente, Fogo, Maio, and São Nicolau, where load factors consistently surpassed industry averages. Despite this domestic success, the airline plans to exit the domestic market by the end of 2025 to focus on expanding its international network with new destinations across the US, Europe, and West Africa. Domestic operations will be handed over to Linhas Aéreas de Cabo Verde (LACV), a new public airline currently undergoing certification, aimed at enhancing regional connectivity within the archipelago and allowing Cabo Verde Airlines to optimize its resources for long-haul and regional international growth.
In the first quarter of 2025, Botswana recorded a significant slowdown in aviation activity, with total aircraft movements declining by 22.4% from 17,706 in the last quarter of 2024 to 13,745. The majority of this traffic comprised domestic flights, which represented 76.8% of all movements but experienced a sharp 24.8% drop compared to the previous quarter. International flights accounted for the remaining 23.2% of movements and also saw a decrease, though at a lower rate of 13.2%. This decline reflects reduced activity across both domestic and international operations during the period.
Out of 23 active domestic airlines in Nigeria, only five— Air Peace, Arik Air, Ibom Air, United Nigeria Airlines, and Aero Contractors of Nigeria Ltd —dominate the market, accounting for 75% of the country’s domestic passenger traffic. Passenger numbers declined to 11.5 million in 2024, while the air transport sector contracted by 0.81% in the first quarter of 2025, marking six consecutive quarters of downturn. Of Nigeria’s 32 airports, only 20 were deemed viable in 2024, with an overwhelming 92 to 96% of passenger traffic concentrated through just four major airports. Major challenges cited include inadequate infrastructure and a significant revenue loss of $3.5 billion between 2020 and 2022.
Air Service Agreements (ASA’s)/Airlines Agreements/Partnerships.
On August 5, 2025, EGYPTAIR Chairman Ahmed Adel met with Boeing ’s Vice President for Africa, Anbessie Afework Yitbarek, to discuss strengthening their long-standing partnership as part of EgyptAir’s fleet modernization strategy. The talks focused on the airline’s expansion plans, operational efficiency, and the delivery schedule of its new Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft, set to begin arriving in January 2026. Boeing reaffirmed its commitment to timely delivery and support through spare parts, technical assistance, and training programs for pilots and engineers in coordination with EgyptAir’s Training Academy. Adel was also invited to visit Boeing’s Seattle facility to review the latest aircraft technologies and innovations.
Vertical Aerospace has partnered with ACITURRI Aerostructures, which operates a production facility near Casablanca, Morocco, to manufacture the entire airframe—including wings, empennage, pylons, and fuselage—of its VX4 electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. This collaboration supports Vertical’s “Flightpath 2030” strategy to secure parts supply and strengthen industrial partnerships as the VX4 moves toward commercial certification. Aciturri, with nearly 50 years of aerospace experience and facilities across Spain, Portugal, Brazil, France, and Morocco, brings deep expertise from working on major aircraft programs such as the Airbus Aircraft A320 and Boeing 737. The Moroccan plant may handle certain production stages for the VX4’s airframe. Vertical Aerospace has already secured about 1,500 pre-orders globally, including from major airlines, aiming to deliver a zero-emissions, safer, and quieter urban air mobility solution.
Routes and Airline Connectivity.
fastjet Zimbabwe successfully operated its inaugural domestic flight between Bulawayo and Victoria Falls on Friday, August 8, 2025. The airline now offers scheduled service on this route four times a week using its Embraer ERJ aircraft, which are well-suited for regional flights. This new route enhances connectivity between Zimbabwe’s industrial hub, Bulawayo, and the popular tourist destination of Victoria Falls, facilitating both leisure and business travel. The launch was a collaborative effort involving Fastjet Zimbabwe, the Airports Company of Zimbabwe (Private) Limited, the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, and the Bulawayo community, with the aim of boosting national tourism and strengthening the country’s domestic air network.
Royal Air Maroc (RAM) will embark on a major network expansion in September and October 2025, strengthening both its European and African connectivity while upgrading its fleet. From October 10–12, it will reinstate four suspended Marrakech–France routes—Lyon, Toulouse, and Bordeaux (last served October 2022) and Nantes (last served November 2017)—operating twice weekly with Boeing 737-800s, reflecting France’s position as Morocco’s largest inbound market at 27.5% of arrivals. Additional Marrakech boosts include Marseille flights increasing from two to three weekly from October 27, and Paris Charles de Gaulle rising from three to daily between December 16, 2025, and January 18, 2026. From its Casablanca hub, RAM will launch four new routes: Zurich (Sept 17, twice weekly), Ndjamena, Chad (Sept 17, twice weekly with late-night departures for onward connections), Sal Island, Cape Verde (Sept 18, twice weekly night flights), and Munich (Oct 20, twice weekly).
Royal Jordanian Airlines will launch direct flights between Amman and Casablanca starting October 16, 2025, operating two weekly flights using Airbus A320 aircraft. This new route is expected to reduce travel time to about five hours and serve as a vital “air bridge” connecting the Arab East and West, enhancing tourism, trade, and cultural exchange between Jordan and Morocco. Announced by Jordanian Ambassador to Morocco Jumana Ghunaimat, the flights reflect the deepening bilateral relations and mutual commitment to strengthen cooperation across investment, education, and culture. The launch follows Jordan’s official request earlier in the year to exempt Moroccan citizens from visa requirements, aimed at facilitating easier travel and boosting commercial ties.
Airline Fleets and ACMI’s.
On August 9, 2025, Precision Air Tanzania added a 17.7-year-old ATR 72 (registration LY-JUB, Y70 configuration) to its fleet, leased from Jump Air. Powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada engines, the aircraft has had a varied history since its delivery in December 2007 to Kingfisher Airlines (VT-KAN). It later served with Investec (M-IBAI) in 2013, Elix Aviation Capital in 2015, and Air Carnival (VT-CMA) in 2016. Subsequent operators included SKY express (SX-NIV) from 2019 until its withdrawal in December 2023, followed by storage in Sofia and later Exeter. In July 2024, it was taken up by Abelo (2-XNIV) and then Willis Lease in August 2024, before joining Jump Air in July 2025. The aircraft was ferried from Exeter (EXT) to Verona (VRN) on August 4, 2025 prior to its delivery to Precision Air.
South African regional airline Airlink has finalized an agreement with U.S.-based aircraft lessor Azorra to lease ten new Embraer E195-E2 aircraft, with the first delivery expected later this year and all deliveries to be completed by 2027. The E195-E2, the latest and most efficient variant in Embraer’s E-Jet family, will be configured in a single-class layout with 136 seats, increasing capacity compared to Airlink’s current two-class 107-seat E195s. This fleet expansion will bring Airlink’s total number of Embraer aircraft to 70 and is aimed at enhancing operational efficiency through improved fuel economy, lower emissions, and reduced maintenance costs. The addition of these aircraft supports Airlink’s strategic goals to strengthen connectivity across Southern Africa and beyond.
Sudan’s Badr Airlines has expanded its fleet with the addition of its first Bombardier CRJ200 regional jet, officially welcomed at Port Sudan New International Airport on August 1, 2025. Despite operating in a war-torn environment, the airline continues to show resilience and steady growth. The 50-seat CRJ200, powered by two GE CF34 turbofan engines, is designed for short to medium-haul flights, making it ideal for enhancing domestic connectivity from its new base in Port Sudan. This addition follows the introduction of a Boeing 737-800NG in June, further strengthening its 10-aircraft fleet that operates nearly 100 weekly flights, including international routes such as Kigali, launched last month
Air Sénégal S.A currently operates its Dakar–Paris and Dakar–Lisbon routes using a 22.9-year-old Boeing 767-300ER (registration CS-TST), leased from euroAtlantic Airways. The aircraft is configured with 309 all-economy seats, optimizing capacity for these long-haul flights. The airline’s long-haul expansion strategy depends heavily on strengthening its widebody fleet, particularly as the delivery of its second Airbus A330neo—initially scheduled for July—has faced delays.
Egypt has significantly upgraded its presidential fleet with the acquisition of a Boeing 747-8 registered SU-EGY, originally built for Lufthansa in 2011 as D-ABYE but never taken into service. Stored for years in the Mojave Desert, the aircraft was purchased by the Egyptian government in 2022 and refurbished by Lufthansa Technik in Hamburg to meet the specific needs of presidential and governmental transport. Valued at around $500 million, the 747-8 features advanced communication, security, and comfort systems ideal for long-haul diplomatic missions. It is expected to be delivered soon and will replace the current 30-year-old Airbus A340 registered SU-GGG, which serves as Egypt’s equivalent of “Air Force One.”
Air Burkina has been significantly impacted by the grounding of its sole owned aircraft, an Embraer E190LR (registration XT-ABI), which has been undergoing maintenance in Johannesburg since July 5, 2025. To maintain its flight schedule and minimize disruptions, the airline quickly secured a short-term ACMI lease for a nearly 34-year-old Boeing 737-300 (registration 5A-GRR) from Libya’s Ghadames Airlines, effective from July 2 until September 11, 2025. The grounding highlights the challenges faced by single-aircraft carriers in the region and underscores the need for fleet diversification. Air Burkina had acquired the E190LR in September 2024 as part of a fleet renewal plan that included intentions to acquire a second E190, demonstrating its commitment to sustaining connectivity despite operational setbacks.
Ethiopian Airlines has strongly denied reports claiming it entered an agreement to lease aircraft or spare parts to Russian airlines. CEO Mesfin Tasew dismissed the claims as “completely false” during a press briefing in Addis Abeba. The alleged reports mentioned a meeting between a Russian delegation and Ethiopia’s Civil Aviation Authority (ECAA) to discuss wet-leasing aircraft and MRO collaboration, but no official record exists. Tasew clarified that Ethiopian Airlines has not engaged in any discussions with Russian entities, citing its own fleet needs and compliance with U.S. laws as reasons against such a deal.
Aviation Infrastructure, Financing & Profitability.
The UK Export Finance (UKEF) has approved up to GBP 371.35 million (approx. USD 475.33 million) in support for the construction of a new greenfield international airport in Cabinda, Angola, located about 36 km north of the city, with the existing airport to be decommissioned. Developed by the Angolan Ministry of Finance with Innovo Project Ltd as the main contractor and Standard Chartered Bank as financing agent, the project will involve around 90 UK suppliers. Classified as a Category A initiative under OECD and Equator Principles due to its potential environmental and social impacts, it has undergone independent review by ERM Southern Africa to ensure compliance with IFC Performance Standards and World Bank EHS guidelines.
Ethiopian Airlines Group and the African Development Bank Group (AfDB) have partnered to develop the Abusera International Airport near Bishoftu, about 45 km southeast of Addis Ababa, with the AfDB spearheading efforts to raise $7.8 billion towards the project’s estimated $10 billion cost. Ethiopian Airlines will contribute 20% of the funding, with the remainder expected from creditors and development partners. Slated for completion in 2029, the airport is designed to be Africa’s largest, with a projected annual capacity of 100 million passengers and facilities to handle 4 million tonnes of cargo. The mega-hub will feature four runways, extensive passenger terminals, and advanced logistics infrastructure, positioning Ethiopia as a leading continental and global aviation hub.
Morocco is investing approximately $10 million to upgrade its airspace surveillance by deploying advanced Monopulse Secondary Surveillance Radar (MSSR) Mode S systems at five strategic locations: Oujda, Tan-Tan, Marrakech, Essaouira, and Nador. This project, led by the National Airports Office (ONDA), involves acquiring, installing, and operating high-precision radar stations that enable real-time two-way data exchange between aircraft and ground stations, providing detailed tracking information such as identity, altitude, route, and technical status. The upgrade aims to close surveillance gaps, enhance continuous air traffic monitoring, and comply with international aviation standards.
On August 5, 2025, Ghana inaugurated its new Air Navigation Services (ANS) Complex, which serves as the headquarters for the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and centralizes air traffic management, communication, navigation, surveillance, meteorology, and aeronautical information services. The ceremony, officiated by President John Dramani Mahama at Kotoka International Airport, also marked the launch of Advanced Passenger Information (API) and Passenger Name Record (PNR) systems to enhance border security by providing real-time passenger data and booking details to security agencies. The ANS Complex functions as a multi-agency command center fostering collaboration among national security institutions including immigration, police, customs, and intelligence services.
Madagascar is advancing its travel modernization efforts with the development of a new “eForm” digital platform to streamline traveler administrative procedures. In a recent technical consultation involving the Confederation of Tourism of Madagascar (CTM), the National Tourism Office (ONTM), and developer Mada Ozi, stakeholders addressed key requirements for the system’s launch and integration. The platform will centralize and secure data, integrate the API-PNR system to comply with ICAO standards, and improve checkpoint processing, data reliability, and tourism planning. This initiative is set to enhance both efficiency and security in Madagascar’s travel and tourism sector.
On August 9, 2025, Air Algérie announced it had completed the acquisition of tassili airlines and confirmed plans to launch its new subsidiary, Domestic Airlines, dedicated solely to domestic routes. The move, in line with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s directive, aims to improve provincial connectivity, boost operational efficiency, and support economic and social development. The rebranded Domestic Airlines fleet will begin operations before the end of August, marking a new phase in Algeria’s domestic air transport. Air Algérie, now holding a monopoly in the country’s air travel market, pledged high service standards and full integration of Tassili Airlines to strengthen the national civil aviation network.
Ethiopian Airlines recorded an 8% increase in revenue, reaching $7.6 billion in the 2024/25 financial year, driven by a strong 11% rise in passenger numbers to 19 million. The growth, though lower than the 15% revenue increase seen in 2023/24, was supported by network expansion and rising demand despite challenges on certain routes due to conflicts in Sudan, the Middle East, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The airline, which operates a fleet of over 150 aircraft, recently took delivery of its fourth Airbus A350-1000. CEO Mesfin Tasew Bekele also noted that recent legal changes in the United States had impacted their operations there, but maintained that the airline delivered a solid performance in a difficult global environment.
VISA/Passports/Travel.
The U.S. Department of State will launch a 12-month pilot program on August 20 requiring certain foreign travelers, starting with those from Malawi and Zambia, to post reimbursable visa bonds of up to $15,000 to deter overstays for business or tourism visits. The bonds—$10,000 or $15,000 per adult and $5,000 per child—will be refunded if travelers leave within their visa period and comply with all terms. The program targets countries with high visa overstay rates, exempting nations in the Visa Waiver Program. About 2,000 travelers are expected to be affected, with an initial cost of around $20 million, though refundable. The initiative follows a stalled 2020 pilot and comes amid industry concerns that higher visa costs could hurt U.S. competitiveness in global tourism.
Somalia has updated its domestic travel rules to require all passengers to present a valid national ID card, and from next month, the same requirement will apply when applying for a Somali passport. The move follows a meeting between the Somali Immigration and Citizenship Agency and the National Identification and Registration Authority, chaired by the Minister of Internal Security, to align services and expand the use of the biometric ID system launched in September 2023 — the first in over 30 years. The measures aim to link key public services, such as banking and vehicle registration, to the national ID, enhancing security and service delivery.
People/Appointments.
Zambia Airports Corporation Limited (ZACL) has appointed Urvesh J. Desai as its new Managing Director, effective September 1, 2025. Desai brings extensive experience from senior executive roles in Ghana and Zambia across various sectors. He is recognized for his expertise in financial strategy, organizational transformation, and corporate governance. ZACL’s Board Chairperson, Zevyanji Sinkala, expressed confidence that Desai’s leadership will drive the corporation’s growth and transformation, aligning with its vision to position Zambia as a leading aviation hub in the region.
On 1 August 2025, dnata appointed Alex Doisneau as Regional CEO for Airport Operations in Asia Pacific (APAC) and Middle East & Africa (MEA), including Zanzibar, to oversee ground handling and cargo services in Australia, Singapore, the Philippines, Pakistan, Iraq, and Tanzania. She will manage nearly 8,000 employees across 23 airports, handling over 110,000 aircraft turns and 800,000 tonnes of cargo annually. With nearly 30 years of aviation experience, Alex joined dnata in 2012 and most recently served as Managing Director of dnata Airport Operations UK. She will relocate to Dubai and report to CEO Clive Sauvé-Hopkins, who praised her leadership. James Butler, dnata UK’s Finance Director since 2020, succeeds her as UK Managing Director, bringing prior experience from Menzies Aviation and Flybe.
Awards, Recognition, Certifications & Milestones.
ELIN AIR has achieved a significant milestone in Nigeria‘s aviation sector by completing the country’s first 7,800 landings maintenance check on a Bombardier Challenger CL604 aircraft. This comprehensive “D-check,” which involves a full structural and system overhaul requiring over 6,000 man-hours, was conducted entirely by Nigerian engineers at Elin Air’s hangar in Lagos. The inspection, completed on June 23, 2025, marks a pivotal step toward achieving aviation self-sufficiency in Nigeria. The project included dismantling and servicing critical components such as engines, fuel tanks, APU, thrust reversers, and flight control systems, along with performing 600- and 1,200-hour checks and a full cabin refurbishment. All personnel involved were Nigerian, highlighting the nation’s growing technical capabilities in aircraft maintenance.
Engr. Sunday Olubadewo, a distinguished aircraft maintenance engineer in Nigeria, has been honored with a Champions Award for his significant contributions to the nation’s aviation sector. The award ceremony took place on August 10, 2025, in Lagos, during the 29th annual conference of the League of Airport and Aviation Correspondents (LAAC). Themed “Financing Aviation in Nigeria: Risks, Opportunities, and Prospects,” the conference brought together key stakeholders to discuss the challenges and future prospects of the industry. Olubadewo’s recognition underscores his pivotal role in advancing aviation safety and technical excellence in Nigeria.
Lawsuits/Investigations.
South Africa’s Comair Limited and Boeing reached an out-of-court settlement regarding a lawsuit filed by Comair’s estate. The estate had sought $83 million in damages, alleging fraud and breach of contract over the purchase of eight Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. The dispute centered on claims that Boeing had misrepresented the safety and functionality of the aircraft, leading to financial losses for Comair. The settlement was confirmed by a U.S. federal court in Washington, D.C., which canceled an upcoming trial and ordered that settlement documents be filed by September 15, 2025. Comair, once a franchisee of British Airways and operator of the low-cost carrier KULULA AIR, ceased operations in January 2024, with the liquidation process still ongoing.
On July 30, 2025, the Commercial Court of Dakar ruled in favor of Air Sénégal S.A, ordering the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to immediately release approximately 3.55 billion CFA francs (about USD 6 million) that had been frozen under the Billing and Settlement Plan (BSP) system. The court deemed the freeze illegal under the Organization for the Harmonization of Business Law in Africa (OHADA). This ruling followed a legal dispute with U.S. lessor Carlyle Aviation Partners, which had prompted the fund freeze due to unpaid lease arrears, leading to the grounding of four aircraft. Air Sénégal, established in 2016 to replace the defunct Senegal Airlines, has faced significant financial challenges including debts to service providers like Rolls-Royce. The court’s decision provides crucial financial relief to the state-owned carrier as it works to stabilize operations, highlighting the complex interaction between international aviation regulations, national legal systems, and airline financial health in emerging markets.
South Sudan Supreme Airlines owner Ayii Duang Ayii claims the government owes him about USD 1.05 billion for air transport, fuel, and food supplies provided since 2013, warning he will take the matter to the International Criminal Court if unpaid within two weeks. His dispute is part of broader creditor pressure, with other companies seeking over USD 700 million and some already petitioning the east african court of justice to recover debts, potentially seizing state assets. Ayii has also clashed with the Transitional National Legislative Assembly over a separate USD 193 million claim, which leaked documents and sovereign guarantees appear to support, though payment remains outstanding. Additionally, he has faced court-ordered compensation for victims of the March 2021 Pieri crash, including USD 800,000 to families and USD 175,000 per deceased pilot, after which he was briefly jailed for non-payment.
Aviation Accidents/Incidences.
On August 5, 2025, at around 19:00 local time, an ECA Safir-43 (registration 7T-VQP), a Zlín Z 43 variant built under licence by Établissement de Construction Aéronautique, and operated by the Protection Civile Algérienne, crashed during takeoff from Jijel Airport (GJL/DAAV) in Taher, Jijel Province, Algeria. The accident occurred during a training flight, and the aircraft was destroyed on impact. Tragically, all four occupants on board sustained fatal injuries. No casualties were reported on the ground.
On August 6, 2025, at approximately 09:20 local time, a Harbin Z-9EH military helicopter operated by the Ghana Air Force tragically crashed into a forested mountainside in Adansi Akrofuom, Ashanti Region, Ghana. The helicopter, which had departed Accra-Kotoka Airport (ACC) and was bound for Obuasi Airport, was on an official mission carrying senior government officials. On impact, the aircraft was destroyed by fire, resulting in the deaths of all eight occupants — three crew members and five passengers. Among the passengers were Ghana’s Minister of Defence and Minister of Environment, who were travelling to Obuasi for a government event aimed at tackling illegal mining in the region. No fatalities occurred on the ground.
On August 6, 2025, unconfirmed media reports, citing a statement from the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), claimed that SAF forces carried out an attack on Nyala Airport (UYL/HSNN) in South Darfur, which is currently under the control of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). According to the statement, the strike targeted a UAE-owned aircraft allegedly involved in transporting Colombian mercenaries from a military base in the Persian Gulf to Nyala to support RSF operations.The SAF has not released photographic or video evidence of the alleged strike, and details on the type of aircraft, extent of damage, or casualties remain unverified. The United Arab Emirates has denied that any of its aircraft was destroyed in the incident, adding to uncertainty over the accuracy of the reports.
On August 7, 2025, at approximately 11:00 local time, a 2022-built Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX (registration 5Y-SXA) operated by Scenic Air Safaris was involved in a wildlife strike while landing at Lewa Airstrip (HKLD) in Kenya. The aircraft, which had departed from Nairobi-Wilson Airport (WIL), collided with a giraffe on the runway during the landing roll. The impact caused the propeller assembly to detach from the engine. No injuries were reported among those on board, and the giraffe was killed. The full extent of the aircraft’s damage is yet to be determined.
On August 7, 2025, at around 14:20 local time, an AMREF Cessna 560XL Citation XLS (registration 5Y-FDM) crashed into a residential area in Mwihoko, Githurai 45, Kiambu County, Kenya. The air ambulance had departed Nairobi-Wilson Airport at 14:12 LT bound for Hargeisa Airport, but about five minutes after takeoff, it entered a steep descent and impacted terrain roughly 22 km northeast of the airport. The aircraft was destroyed, killing all four occupants on board and two people on the ground.
In other news:
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Team held a progress meeting at the EAC Civil Aviation Safety & Security Oversight Agency (CASSOA) Centre for Aviation Medicine in Nairobi, attended by Mr. Liban Shire, Director of the Somali Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), and representatives from the Kenya Aircraft Accident Investigation Department (AAID). The team, constituted to review aircraft accidents in Somalia and South Sudan over the past five years, engaged in detailed discussions on incidents involving Kenyan-registered aircraft in Somalia. The meeting also proposed the establishment of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Somali AAIB and the Kenyan AAID to enhance coordination and collaboration in future investigations, with the aim of improving aviation safety in the region.
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