(Posted 26th August 2025)
Courtesy of Aero Trail Ltd. and Mr. Alex Koech
Introduction.
East Africa’s aviation sector faces mounting turbulence as geopolitics and protectionism undermine growth despite open skies initiatives. RwandAir Ltd has been forced to suspend key routes due to DR Congo’s airspace ban, while Uganda Airlines remains blocked from flying to Kigali amid strained bilateral ties. Kenya Airways (KQ) suffers costly detours from Sudan’s airspace closure, raising ticket prices and threatening its cargo lifeline to Europe, while Tanzania airlines EU ban have also disrupted services. In contrast, Ethiopian Airlines has maintained dominance, earning $7.6 billion in 2024/25 despite rerouting challenges, though its reliance on neighbours’ airspace poses risks. Meanwhile, Uganda has yet to join the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), limiting regional connectivity, while high fares—like $530–$615 for the Entebbe-Nairobi route—reflect excessive taxes and fees. Analysts argue that true liberalization could unlock billions in GDP and thousands of jobs, but entrenched political rivalries and protectionist policies continue to clip the region’s aviation ambitions.
Conferences & Events
The African Civil Aviation Commission AFCAC, in collaboration with the African Union Commission (AUC), the Common Market For Eastern And Southern Africa (COMESA), and the Government of Zambia, successfully hosted the SAATM-PIP Airshow in Lusaka on 18–19 August 2025. The event brought together ministers, director generals, CEOs, and industry partners to accelerate the implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM). Zambia reaffirmed its commitment to aviation liberalisation, with discussions highlighting investment opportunities in airlines, cargo hubs, and tourism–aviation synergies, alongside a strong call to shift from talk to action. With this momentum, Zambia is positioning itself both as a regional hub and as a SAATM Champion for Southern Africa.
AOCs/ASLs/Regulations.
The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has launched a comprehensive audit of the Kano Flight Information Region (FIR) and the wider Nigerian airspace, marking the first exercise of its kind in the agency’s 25-year history. Announced on August 19, the audit aims to assess safety performance, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance, while strengthening NAMA’s readiness for Air Navigation Service Provider (ANSP) certification by the NCAA and upcoming ICAO audits. The review covers Air Traffic Services (ATS), Communication, Navigation and Surveillance (CNS), Aeronautical Information Management (AIM), Search and Rescue (SAR), and planning and statistics, as well as inspections of major international airports—Lagos, Abuja, Kano, and Port Harcourt—and several state and private aerodromes.
Tanzania will introduce a new Passenger Facilitation Fee (VI Tax) effective November 1, 2025, imposing $45 for one-way tickets and $90 for return tickets on international air travelers. The fee is intended to fund and sustain the implementation of advanced border-processing technologies, namely the Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) and the Electronic Border Control System (eBCS), which aim to enhance airport security, streamline immigration, and comply with International Civil Aviation Organization standards. Infants under two, airline crew, and involuntarily rerouted passengers are exempt, and refunds will be issued for canceled or unused tickets. Critics—including aviation experts and the African Airlines Association—warn that the levy may overstate the actual technology costs and risks raising travel prices, potentially undermining Tanzania’s appeal to tourists and its competitiveness as a destination.
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued a new directive requiring all passengers to completely switch off mobile phones and electronic devices during take-off and landing, ending the long-standing practice of using airplane mode. The directive, announced on August 19, 2025, applies to all Nigerian airlines and was prompted by an incident on August 10 involving an unruly passenger on an Ibom Air flight who refused to comply with the instruction. While NCAA maintains the move enhances safety, the Network for the Actualisation of Social Growth and Viable Development (NEFGAD) criticized it as outdated and internationally embarrassing, arguing that modern aircraft are designed to withstand personal device interference and offer in-flight Wi-Fi. NEFGAD further contended that the directive highlights the prevalence of obsolete planes in Nigeria’s airspace and distracts from more pressing sector issues such as technology standards, passenger rights, and aviation security, warning that it could negatively affect investor confidence and passenger perception.
The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) has suspended all licensing activities for aviation personnel, including pilots, engineers, air traffic controllers, and flight dispatchers, for 30 days effective August 22, 2025, to facilitate the transition to a fully automated licensing system. The overhaul will introduce digital processes and computer-based examinations aimed at improving efficiency, eliminating duplication, and ensuring transparency in the licensing process. While acknowledging potential concerns, KCAA has set up a dedicated feedback platform for stakeholders to submit recommendations, complaints, and reports of irregularities during the transition. The Authority reaffirmed its commitment to upholding high standards in aviation training and licensing to support a safe and dynamic sector.
African Aviation: Projections and Statistics.
An analysis by Reuters reveals that survival in catastrophic airline accidents is extraordinarily rare—and largely unpredictable. In the June crash of an Air India Limited Dreamliner near Ahmedabad, only one survivor out of 242 occupants managed to walk away with minor injuries, yielding a survival rate of merely 0.4%, the lowest on record among about 1,400 fatal accidents that included any survivors. Historical data indicate that survivors—ranging from cockpit crew to rear jump-seat occupants—have emerged from every section of the aircraft in extreme cases, debunking myths about “safe seats.” For instance, of 20 major crashes (involving at least 50 people) that resulted in only one to five survivors, 44 individuals whose seat locations were known had survived from diverse areas: cockpit, forward, middle, rear, as well as jump seats. These findings underscore that survival odds hinge on a complex blend of factors—such as crash dynamics, structural integrity, evacuation conditions—not merely seat position
Entebbe International Airport set a new monthly passenger record in July 2025, handling 230,577 travellers—119,127 arrivals and 111,450 departures—averaging 7,437 passengers per day, surpassing the previous high of 222,301 in December 2024. The surge was driven by the 2024 African Nations Championship, increased tourism promotion, international conferences, and enhanced airline connectivity with new routes and higher flight frequencies. Cargo operations also rose, with 5,863 metric tonnes handled, including 3,961 tonnes of exports and 1,902 tonnes of imports. Analysts attribute the growth to Uganda’s appeal as a regional travel hub and predict that continued investment could see Entebbe surpass 10 million passengers annually, reinforcing its strategic role in tourism, trade, and international events in East Africa.
Victoria Falls International Airport (VFIA) is experiencing record-breaking passenger growth, establishing itself as a major regional hub, fueled by MICE tourism and strategic airline expansion. After a pandemic-induced low of under 70,000 passengers in 2020–2021, the airport rebounded to 219,308 in 2022, surpassed its pre-pandemic total with 390,010 in 2023, and hit a record 505,426 passengers in 2024. In the first seven months of 2025, 287,597 passengers were recorded, up 17.5% from the same period in 2024, with July alone seeing 62,279 travellers—a 39.7% increase over July 2024—driven partly by the COP15 Ramsar Convention. The airport’s 2016 upgrade, increasing capacity from 400,000 to 1.5 million passengers, alongside proactive “grid development” strategies to attract new routes and increase flight frequencies, including Airlink’s expanded Johannesburg service and fastjet’s new Bulawayo–Victoria Falls route, has been pivotal in supporting domestic and international tourism and positioning Zimbabwe as a premier destination for large-scale events.
Air Service Agreements (ASA’s)/Airlines Agreements/Partnerships.
On August 22, 2025, Angola and Seychelles signed a reciprocal visa waiver agreement for holders of diplomatic, official, and service passports, valid for an initial five years. The accord allows visa-free stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period, easing official travel and fostering stronger bilateral ties. The move builds on Angola’s broader visa reform program, aimed at improving mobility and investment attractiveness, while Seychelles continues to uphold its open visa-free policy for all nationalities, reinforcing both countries’ commitment to closer regional cooperation and connectivity.
Tunisia and Cameroon are set to strengthen their partnership with the planned launch of a direct flight between Tunis and Douala, confirmed during talks between their prime ministers on August 21, 2025, at TICAD 9 in Japan. The new route is expected to boost connectivity, streamline travel, and foster closer collaboration across sectors such as trade, healthcare, education, tourism, and investment. Both nations highlighted the value of Tunisian expertise in fields like medicine, engineering, and academia in supporting Cameroon’s development goals, while reaffirming commitments to joint projects in digitisation, pharmaceuticals, and infrastructure. More than just a transport link, the nonstop service will serve as a strategic bridge, deepening economic, cultural, and professional exchanges and symbolizing a new era in Tunisia–Cameroon relations.
Finchglow Holidays has partnered with Ethiopian Airlines and Ethiopian Holidays to boost tourism and travel access between Nigeria and Ethiopia through curated tour packages, simplified visa facilitation, and enhanced connectivity. The collaboration aims to showcase Ethiopia’s cultural heritage, UNESCO sites, vibrant cities, and breathtaking landscapes while making travel more seamless for Nigerian tourists. With two Memoranda of Understanding signed—covering tour packages and streamlined visa processes—the partnership not only enriches travel experiences but also strengthens aviation, trade, and cultural ties between the two countries. Both Finchglow Holidays and Ethiopian Airlines emphasized their shared goal of offering unique African travel experiences, positioning the alliance as a major step in redefining regional tourism and innovation in Africa’s travel industry.
RwandAir Ltd officially expanded into Liberia in August 2025 through a partnership with Easy Continental Travel Agency, which now serves as its General Sales Agent. The launch ceremony in Monrovia, attended by government officials, business leaders, and students returning from Rwanda, marked a significant milestone in strengthening Liberia’s aviation and tourism sectors. With direct access to RwandAir’s network and codeshare partners like Qatar Airways and Turkish Airlines, Liberian travelers can now connect to over 160 destinations worldwide, boosting trade, cultural exchange, and diaspora engagement. The move positions Liberia more firmly on the global tourism map while advancing regional integration and economic growth, underscoring the transformative power of African airline partnerships in linking smaller economies to international markets.
Routes and Airline Connectivity.
Air Algérie’s new subsidiary, Domestic Airlines, officially launched operations on August 20 with inaugural flights from multiple airports, utilizing a Boeing 737-800 from Algiers and a Dash 8-400 to Adrar. Formed from aircraft previously operated by tassili airlines, the carrier focuses on strengthening Algeria’s domestic connectivity. The launch marks a major milestone in the country’s aviation sector and reflects Air Algérie’s strategy to expand and modernize domestic air travel. Building on this momentum, Domestic Airlines is set to launch its first-ever regular Algiers–Tamanrasset service on Monday, August 25, 2025, a nationally strategic route aimed at improving mobility, reducing isolation in remote regions, and reinforcing socioeconomic integration across Algeria’s vast territory.
Air Sénégal S.A has fully restored key international and regional routes, including Paris, Casablanca, Bamako-Ouagadougou, Bamako-Abidjan, and Conakry-Abidjan, signaling a major recovery for the airline and renewed connectivity in West Africa. Following operational disruptions, the airline implemented corrective measures and expressed gratitude to passengers for their patience. The resumption of these routes strengthens Senegal’s role as a hub linking Africa to Europe and North Africa while enhancing vital intra-West African connections that support trade, tourism, government cooperation, and regional integration. This recovery underscores Air Senegal’s commitment to operational resilience, customer trust, and regional economic development, marking a positive step for the broader African aviation sector.
United Nigeria Airlines will resume flights to Warri, connecting Lagos and Abuja to Osubi Airport starting Monday, 25 August 2025, reaffirming the city as a key destination in its network. Chief Operating Officer Mazi Osita Okonkwo emphasized the airline’s commitment to reliable service. The airline is also expanding its operations with new routes, including Lagos and Abuja to Ilorin, Abuja to Sokoto, and Lagos and Abuja to Accra beginning 17 October 2025, with tickets now available on its website and major booking platforms.
Royal Airways Tchad ?? —a private carrier headquartered in N’Djamena—is launching its first international route to Douala, Cameroon, starting September 15, 2025. The airline will operate three weekly flights, marking a significant move in Chad’s aviation market. This launch breaks the long-standing duopoly on the route held by CAMAIR-CO (Cameroon Airlines) and ASKY AIRLINES (regional West and Central African carrier), introducing competition that could benefit travelers through increased options, potentially lower fares, and better service. This step also signals Royal Airways’ ambition to expand beyond domestic operations and establish itself as a regional player in Central Africa.
Norwegian will introduce a new weekly direct flight from Stockholm Arlanda to Sharm el-Sheikh beginning 27 October 2025, operating every Monday. The service strengthens the carrier’s Egyptian network from Stockholm, adding to its existing Hurghada route, and caters to the strong winter demand among Swedish travelers. Positioned as a key leisure destination, Sharm el-Sheikh offers sun, beaches, cultural experiences, and adventure, while also aligning with Swedavia’s strategy to enhance international connectivity from Sweden’s main gateway.
Ethiopian Airlines is boosting its Nigeria operations with three new weekly evening flights from Abuja starting October 28, 2025, raising its total to 33 weekly flights across the country and 10 from Abuja alone. The late-night departures will arrive in Addis Ababa by early morning, enabling smoother onward connections to Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Passengers to key destinations such as Dubai, Mumbai, Delhi, and Hyderabad will also benefit from extra baggage allowance and double mileage points. Operating in Nigeria since 1960, the airline now serves Lagos, Abuja, Kano, and Enugu with Airbus Aircraft A350-1000s and Boeing 787s, reinforcing its dominance as Africa’s leading carrier and offering greater convenience and value to Nigerian travelers.
FlySafair is expanding its network from Lanseria International Airport with new coastal routes to East London and Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha), set to commence on November 2 and November 1, 2025, respectively. The Lanseria–East London route will operate six times weekly, excluding Saturdays, with flights scheduled throughout the week, while the Lanseria–Port Elizabeth route will operate daily. All flights will be operated using Boeing 737-800 aircraft. These additions complement FlySafair’s existing services from Lanseria to Cape Town, Durban, and George, enhancing connectivity for travelers in Johannesburg and Pretoria’s northern suburbs. The new routes aim to provide more affordable and convenient options to South Africa’s coastal regions, supporting regional travel and tourism.
Etihad Airways will triple its Nairobi service from four to 14 weekly flights by December 15, 2025, marking its highest frequency to any African destination. The expansion, announced on August 21, comes less than a year after the airline relaunched the route in December 2024, with demand already pushing load factors above 90% in Q3 2025. Beginning in October, flights will rise to eight per week before going double daily in mid-December, adding over 1,600 extra seats and bringing total capacity to more than 2,200 weekly. Etihad cited Kenya’s fast-growing economy, booming tourism, and expanding middle class as key drivers, alongside strong export demand. The service, connecting Nairobi through Abu Dhabi to over 80 global destinations, will soon benefit from new fuel-efficient A321XLRs, reinforcing Etihad’s long-term commitment to Kenya and Africa.
Airline Fleets and ACMI’s.
Air Peace Limited, Nigeria’s largest carrier, has taken delivery of another Boeing 777-200ER, registered 5N-CEG and christened Chinonso Onyema, as it gears up to expand its London operations with new Abuja–Heathrow and Abuja–Gatwick services starting October 26 and 28, 2025. The aircraft, originally delivered to Japan Airlines in July 2005 as JA710J, underwent multiple cabin reconfigurations before being withdrawn from use in October 2022 and stored in Victorville (VCV). It later changed hands, registered as N836KW with Jet Midwest in October 2022, then transferred to Alta Airlines Holdings in March 2023, with storage periods in Mojave (MHV), Kansas City (MCI), Marana (MZJ), and Teruel (TEV) through 2024–2025. Finally ferried to Lagos on August 22, 2025, the aircraft now strengthens Air Peace’s widebody fleet as the airline pursues ambitious international expansion.
Fly Mara Airlines, a Kenyan start-up based at Nairobi Wilson Airport, has expanded its cargo operations by wet-leasing a 21-year-old Airbus A321-200P2F freighter from Egypt’s Sky Vision Airlines. The aircraft, registered SU-SKF, arrived in Nairobi on August 19, 2025, and is now stationed at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. The six-month lease, brokered through Go Charter, includes an option for extension. Fly Mara obtained its Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) from the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority on January 27, 2025, valid through January 26, 2026. The A321P2F, converted by ST Engineering in Singapore, has a maximum payload capacity of 25 tons and will serve clients across Africa, Europe, and the Gulf.
Kenyan carrier Skyward Airlines has taken delivery of a Bombardier DHC-8-400, registered as 5Y-SKH, marking the latest addition to its fleet. The aircraft, previously registered as N404QX, has had a long operational history, first delivered to Horizon Air in June 2001 and later operated by Alaska Airlines in a 76-seat configuration. It was withdrawn from use in September 2022 and went through various storage locations including Sault Ste. Marie (YAM), Centralia (YCE), Portland (PDX), and Victorville (VCV). In October 2023, it was transferred to the Bank of Utah and later re-registered as C-FILR with De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited in April 2025. Its entry into Skywards’ service highlights the aircraft’s transition from North America’s leasing and storage cycle to strengthening regional connectivity in Kenya and East Africa.
Ethiopian Airlines has taken delivery of a brand-new Boeing 737 MAX 8, registered ET-BAM, in August 2025. The aircraft, configured with 16 business and 144 economy seats, was ferried from Paine Field (PAE) via Dublin (DUB) to Addis Ababa (ADD) between August 21–23, 2025, and officially entered service on August 24, 2025, enhancing the airline’s modern narrowbody fleet.
Aviation Infrastructure, Financing & Profitability.
The UNEP –ICAO FIRE Project, worth about USD 82.5 million (KSh 10.7 billion), is being implemented in Kenya, Egypt, Ethiopia, Nigeria, and South Africa to eliminate harmful PFAS-based firefighting foams from airport operations. Funded by a USD 10 million grant from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and USD 72.5 million in co-financing, the initiative will oversee the safe removal of 4,500 tonnes of PFAS-contaminated materials and the disposal of 130 tonnes of toxic foam concentrate, replacing them with safer fluorine-free alternatives. The project highlights a critical step in enhancing aviation safety while addressing environmental and health risks, reflecting UNEP and ICAO’s shared commitment to more sustainable and responsible airport firefighting practices.
Ethiopian Airlines Group is set to move into its new state-of-the-art headquarters by August 2026, marking one of the most significant milestones in its history. Built by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), the six-building complex spans over 33,500 square meters and will consolidate the airline’s commercial, corporate, and customer service operations under one roof. The centerpiece is a 45-meter-high main office block, recently topped out in a ceremony attended by senior executives from both Ethiopian Airlines and CCECC. CEO Mesfin Tasew emphasized the project’s importance to the airline’s long-term growth and confirmed its timely completion, while CCECC pledged to deliver the facility to the highest standards. Launched in August 2023, the project forms part of Ethiopian’s broader expansion strategy, which also includes a planned mega airport in Bishoftu, underscoring the carrier’s ambition to strengthen its global leadership and support Ethiopia’s economic transformation.
Morocco’s Airports Authority (ONDA) has awarded contracts worth MAD 4.4 billion ($440 million) to Jet Contractors and SGTM-Maroc for major expansions at Marrakech-Menara and Agadir-Al Massira airports as part of its “Airports 2030” modernization strategy. Jet Contractors secured the MAD 2.2 billion ($220 million) Marrakech project on August 18, which will expand the terminal to 142,000 square meters and raise capacity from 9 to 16 million passengers. SGTM won the equally valued Agadir contract, which will enlarge the terminal to 75,000 square meters, boosting capacity from 3 to 7 million passengers. Both projects include extensive renovations, landscaping, and road infrastructure to improve passenger flow and experience. These upgrades follow ONDA’s nationwide airport investment plan worth MAD 38 billion ($3.8 billion) and are aligned with preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2030 World Cup, reflecting Morocco’s push to elevate its airports to world-class standards.
Cape Town International Airport has unveiled its newly refurbished domestic departures lounge in partnership with South African Airways (SAA) and Discovery, marking a new standard in luxury airport travel. The upgraded lounge, the third in the rollout of SAA’s premium The Lounge concept, features increased capacity, a copper-clad concierge, a mixology show-bar, buffet-style dining, private focus booths, universal charging ports, and high-speed WiFi. Designed to cater to both business and leisure travellers, it exemplifies SAA’s commitment to exceptional customer service and Discovery’s focus on adding value for its members. Access is available to Discovery Bank clients and Vitality members via the Discovery Bank app, with Black and Purple cardholders enjoying additional perks such as Fast Track entry.
Avolta has made its debut in Tunisia by securing a contract to operate duty-free stores across five major airports—Tunis-Carthage, Djerba–Zarzis, Sfax-Thyna, Tozeur–Nefta, and Tabarka–Aïn Draham—covering nearly 80% of the country’s air traffic. The 15-store rollout will feature a full range of duty-free products, including perfumes, cosmetics, liquor, and food, alongside Avolta’s proprietary concepts Mind, Body & Soul and Haute Parfumerie. This expansion, part of Avolta’s Destination 2027 strategy, enhances its presence in key Mediterranean tourist hubs while promoting digitalization, local flavor integration, and customer-centric retail experiences. The partnership also aims to elevate passenger experiences in Tunisia, with the Tunisian Civil Aviation and Airports Authority praising the move as a boost to service quality and convenience for millions of travelers.
Qatar Airways has emerged as the frontrunner to acquire a strategic stake in Air Mauritius, as the Mauritian government seeks a partner to stabilize and revitalize the struggling national carrier. Air Mauritius, owned by Airport Holdings Ltd (51% government-controlled) and the Mauritius Investment Corporation (MIC) Ltd (49%), has been working on a turnaround plan after entering voluntary administration in 2020 due to mounting losses and intense competition. Qatar Airways is seen as a strong contender because of its financial strength, modern fleet, and global hub in Doha, which could significantly boost Air Mauritius’s international connectivity and operational capacity. While the airline’s chairman, Kishore Beegoo, confirmed that expressions of interest are under review, reports suggest Qatar Airways is viewed most favorably, raising expectations of a partnership that could reshape the carrier’s future.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has resumed direct cargo revenue collection at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos, ending a 15-year period of indirect collection through handlers. Effective immediately, FAAN officials from the Directorate of Cargo Development and Services are stationed at the cargo release points of NAHCO and SAHCO warehouses to oversee real-time collection of accrued charges, enhancing transparency, plugging revenue leakages, and boosting internally generated revenue. The initiative, announced on August 23, 2025, follows months of stakeholder engagement with the NIGERIA CUSTOMS SERVICE and ground-handling partners and is expected to streamline operations, improve accountability, and serve as a model for other airports across Nigeria. Industry stakeholders, including the Domestic Airports Cargo Agents Association, have welcomed the move, noting its potential to strengthen Nigeria’s cargo sector and export economy.
Air Botswana has received over BWP 1 billion (?USD 74 million) in government support between 2019 and 2024 to cover fleet maintenance, operational shortfalls, debt, and staff salaries. The breakdown includes BWP 17 million (?USD 1.3m) for refleeting in 2019/20, BWP 116 million (?USD 8.6m) for pandemic relief in 2020/21, BWP 76.2 million (?USD 5.6m) in 2021/22, and a combined BWP 91 million (?USD 6.7m) in 2022/23 for debt and maintenance. In 2023/24, allocations rose sharply with BWP 86.3 million (?USD 6.4m) for major maintenance, BWP 86.6 million (?USD 6.4m) for operational shortfalls, and BWP 149.95 million (?USD 11m) for refleeting. By 2024/25, nearly BWP 254 million (?USD 18.7m) was injected, covering refleeting, engine overhauls, and salaries, followed by an additional BWP 23.31 million (?USD 1.7m) in early 2025. The heavy reliance on bailouts highlights Air Botswana’s financial fragility and the urgent need for structural reforms to secure long-term sustainability.
VISA/Passports/Consulates/Travel.
The Syrian Embassy in Tripoli has reopened after more than 13 years of closure, marking a major step in restoring diplomatic ties between Syria and Libya. The reopening was led by a Syrian Foreign Ministry delegation headed by Mohammad Jafal, Deputy Director of Arab Affairs, and comes after Syria earlier dispatched a temporary mission to provide urgent consular services to its nationals in Libya. The embassy’s return follows Syria’s broader regional reintegration after its 2023 readmission into the Arab League and is expected to ease consular access for thousands of Syrians in Libya while strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two nations.
People/Appointments.
Said Oumar Koulibaly has been appointed as the new Director General of Guinea’s airport authority, Société de Gestion et d’Exploitation des Aéroports de Guinée (SOGEAG-SA), succeeding Mory Camara, who has transitioned to serve as Minister of Energy. Koulibaly, a telecoms expert and former Minister of Posts and Telecommunications, assumes leadership at a critical juncture for Guinea’s civil aviation sector. SOGEAG is currently implementing significant reforms aimed at modernizing the country’s airport infrastructure, including the expansion of Conakry’s Aéroport International Ahmed Sékou Touré and the renovation of regional airports to improve operational efficiency, passenger experience, and connectivity across Guinea. His appointment signals a focus on leveraging his expertise in management and technology to advance Guinea’s aviation modernization agenda.
Helena M. Doe-Knuckles, Deputy Director for Administration at the Liberia Airport Authority (LAA), resigned effective August 15, 2025, creating a leadership gap at Liberia’s only international airport. Appointed in 2024 by President Joseph Nyumah Boakai, she expressed gratitude for her tenure but cited the need to pursue new challenges. While her official reason was not disclosed, reports suggest her resignation stemmed from strained relations with senior management amid wider allegations of corruption, poor leadership, and operational lapses at Roberts International Airport. The LAA, however, has denied claims of internal conflict or mismanagement, insisting its focus remains on ICAO certification and meeting international aviation standards. Her departure underscores persistent governance and accountability concerns within the authority.
Air Botswana’s board has extended the suspension of General Manager Rasebotsa Lulu by another 30 working days as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged mismanagement and operational inefficiencies. Rasebotsa was first placed on administrative leave on June 30, 2025, but the inquiry has faced delays due to internal resistance, restricted access to information, and limited staff cooperation. The move comes under the airline’s newly appointed board, chaired by former Air Serbia CEO Dane Kondi?, who is leading a broader turnaround strategy aimed at improving governance and restoring operational stability at the national carrier.
Awards, Recognition, Certifications & Milestones.
On 14 June 2025, the Sri Lanka Aviation Unit serving under the United Nations mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) successfully carried out a high-risk casualty evacuation (CASEVAC) mission in Zemio, earning official commendation. Using an Mi-17 helicopter, the crew evacuated three severely wounded UN personnel under hostile conditions that included extreme dust, unstable tactical threats, adverse weather, and a night extraction requiring night vision goggles (NVG). Led by Group Captain Uditha De Silva with Captain Pilot Wing Commander Ishan Thibbotumunuwe and Co-pilot Wing Commander Nadun Deneththi, the team demonstrated exceptional professionalism, flying for 3 hours 50 minutes to complete the mission. Their timely actions saved lives and reinforced their humanitarian mandate. The Force Commander of MINUSCA formally commended the unit on 17 August 2025, noting that this contingent has completed 16 CASEVAC missions, saving 18 lives since deployment.
EGYPTAIR has been named the official carrier for Egypt’s National Folk Arts Troupe at the Carthage Festival in Tunisia, where the group, led by Khaled Galal and managed by Mohamed El-Farmawy, represented the Ministry of Culture. The Embassy of Egypt in Tunisia emphasized the airline’s support and Egypt’s commitment to facilitating the troupe’s participation in showcasing the country’s cultural heritage to regional and international audiences.
Lawsuits/Investigations.
The COMESA Competition Commission has launched an inquiry into a proposed aviation deal involving the acquisition of two aircraft leased in Kenya by U.S.-based Azorra Aviation Holdings from Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE). The review, conducted under COMESA competition regulations, will assess whether the transaction could restrict competition or harm public interest before approval. Azorra manages a fleet of over 100 aircraft with commitments for more than 160 new Airbus A220s and Embraer E2s, leasing to more than 35 operators across 31 countries, including several COMESA states such as Kenya, Egypt, Ethiopia, and Uganda. DAE, headquartered in Dubai, is one of the world’s largest lessors, serving over 170 airlines in 65 countries.
South African low-cost carrier MANGO has announced a structured wind-down of its operations after negotiations with a potential investor, Ubuntu Air Services, fell through. The airline, a wholly owned subsidiary of South African Airways (SAA), had been under business rescue since July 2021 while seeking a third-party investor to resume operations. Negotiations collapsed following a court ruling that blocked the proposed transfer of creditors’ claims to the investor, leading Ubuntu Air to withdraw from the deal on July 31, 2025. As Mango begins its structured wind-down, proceeds from asset sales will be distributed as final payouts to affected customers, with those holding unused tickets or vouchers required to verify them on the Mango Voucher Portal before September 1.
Aviation Accidents/Incidences.
On 23 August 2025, a privately operated Aero Commander 500S Shrike Commander (ZS-IZN) suffered a double engine failure, reportedly due to fuel starvation, while approaching George Airport, South Africa. The aircraft made an emergency landing in a farm field south of Thembalethu, George. Both occupants sustained only minor injuries, but the aircraft was substantially damaged. No fatalities were reported.
In other news:
On 20 August, Alexandria Governorate announced that Borg El Arab International Airport will be renamed Alexandria International Airport effective 4 September, with its ICAO code changing from HEBA to HEAX. Located 40 km east of Alexandria, the rebranding is part of a major expansion and modernization plan that includes a new runway, expanded aircraft parking for 40 stands, upgraded facilities, and enhanced safety systems. The airport, which handled over 2 million passengers across 17,000 flights in 2023, mainly serves Middle Eastern and European routes. Officials say the move supports Egypt’s broader aviation strategy under President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi to boost airport capacity, strengthen Alexandria’s regional identity.
In a landmark initiative to advance aviation education in Gauteng, Premier Panyaza Lesufi and Education MEC Matome Chiloane officially received a decommissioned Embraer 135 jet from Airlink at Rhodesfield Engineering School of Specialisation. The aircraft, which logged over 32,000 flight hours before retiring in 2022, will serve as a practical training aid for the school’s 45 aviation learners, including 13 girls, exposing them to key systems such as hydraulics, avionics, flight controls, and engine maintenance. The donation, accompanied by additional aircraft parts and two Airlink technicians for curriculum support, aims to broaden access to aviation careers and address the underrepresentation of African professionals, particularly women, in the sector.
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