(Posted 18th November 2025)
Courtesy of Aero Trail Ltd and Mr. Alex Koech you can read every week the arguably most comprehensive aviation updates available from all over Africa.
Introduction.
Nigeria’s global aviation compliance rating under the Cape Town Convention has risen to 75.5%, reflecting significant progress in aligning the country’s aviation financing and regulatory framework with international standards. Announced by Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo during the Cape Town Convention Africa Event in Abuja, the improvement follows the operationalization of the Irrevocable Deregistration and Export Request Authorization (IDERA) procedure and Practice Directions, which have clarified the adjudication of aircraft financing cases in Nigerian courts. The milestone signals Nigeria’s growing credibility in aviation law reform, enhancing investor confidence, access to modern aircraft, and financing opportunities. The event, co-hosted by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the Aviation Working Group (AWG), the African Civil Aviation Commission AFCAC, and the Ministry, brought together regulators, financiers, and legal experts to strengthen continental harmonization of the Convention.
AOCs/ASLs/Regulations.
Cabo Verde Airlines has had its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) renewed for 18 months, providing the airline with a temporary regulatory framework to stabilise its operations amid ongoing challenges. The renewal comes as the carrier continues to manage fleet limitations and negotiates new wet-lease (ACMI) agreements following recent aircraft?on?ground (AOG) issues. This extension allows Cabo Verde Airlines to address capacity shortfalls, restructure operations, and ensure continued compliance with aviation safety and regulatory standards while planning for longer-term operational stability.
South Africa has formally requested fifth freedom traffic rights from Nigeria, along with an additional airline designation, to operate flights between Cape Town and Lagos. The request, made during the ICAN 2025 summit in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, could significantly enhance bilateral air connectivity by allowing South African carriers to carry passengers between Nigeria and a third country as part of flights originating or ending in South Africa. The proposal also seeks to grant Airlink access to the Cape Town–Lagos route alongside South African Airways, which currently holds the designation under the existing Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA).
Namibia has officially approved Namibia Air as the name for its new fully state-owned national airline, set up under Namibia Air (Pty) Ltd. Works and Transport Minister Veikko Nekundi confirmed that an interim board and technical committee of aviation experts are guiding its establishment, with market analysis, traffic forecasting, and business model formulation underway. The airline, expected to begin operations next financial year, will operate with a lean, skills-based workforce, avoiding overstaffing issues that plagued Air Namibia, which was liquidated in 2021 after N$10 billion in losses from mismanagement, political interference, and high operating costs. Aircraft acquisition strategies will be commercially evaluated, and partnerships with global airlines may be explored to enhance competitiveness. Namibia Air aims to boost regional connectivity, support intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area, and operate sustainably, though opposition parties warn that without clear oversight and accountability, public funds could be at risk of another failed venture.
Aviation Projections and Statistics.
Cape Town International Airport has recorded over one million passengers in October 2025, marking a significant milestone in the lead-up to the peak tourist season. This early surge in passenger numbers reflects strong demand for Cape Town as a destination, both domestically and internationally. The airport, which handled more than 10 million travelers in 2024, continues to maintain its position as one of the busiest and most important aviation hubs in Africa. The milestone also signals confidence in South Africa’s air travel recovery and the resilience of its tourism sector, with airlines increasingly offering expanded routes and frequencies to meet growing traveler demand.
Air Service Agreements (ASA’s)/Airlines Agreements/Partnerships.
Angola and India have strengthened their bilateral ties by signing a series of agreements covering both aviation and energy cooperation. The accords include Angola’s accession to the Global Biofuel Alliance, signaling a commitment to sustainable energy development and biofuel adoption, as well as a memorandum of understanding to establish a direct air link between the two countries. This initiative is expected to enhance connectivity between Central Africa and South Asia, facilitating trade, tourism, and business travel. The agreements reflect a strategic alignment of Angola’s energy diversification goals with broader economic and transport objectives, and discussions are now focused on the practical implementation and operational timelines for both the biofuel initiatives and the new air services.
Oman has recently signed four bilateral air transport agreements with the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Zambia, and Cabo Verde during its participation in the International Civil Aviation Organization’s Air Services Negotiation Event (ICAN2025) in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. The agreements provide the regulatory framework for air services between Oman and the signatory states, facilitating the growth of commercial, tourism, and investment exchanges. Notably, the inclusion of Zambia and Cabo Verde underscores Oman’s strategic focus on strengthening air connectivity with Africa, enhancing trade links, and opening new passenger and cargo routes across the continent. Signed on behalf of the Omani government by Naif Al Abri, CAA Chairman, these agreements align with Oman’s broader Civil Aviation Authority strategy and Vision 2040 goals, supporting the development of a globally connected, competitive, and sustainable air transport sector.
Zimbabwe has significantly expanded its international air connectivity by securing eight new aviation deals at the ICAN 2025 conference in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, as part of its ongoing strategy to open the country’s skies to global players. The agreements include Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with Argentina, Belgium, the Dominican Republic, Malaysia, and Ghana, alongside Bilateral Air Service Agreements (BASAs) with Ethiopia and The Gambia, providing legally binding frameworks for designated airlines to operate passenger and cargo flights into Zimbabwe. These deals are expected to facilitate code-sharing partnerships between foreign and local carriers, enhancing seamless connections to Zimbabwean destinations, boosting tourism, and supporting trade. In parallel, targeted discussions with South Africa and Egypt aimed to resolve operational bottlenecks and improve regional air travel efficiency. The agreements align with Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) and its focus on air transport as a driver for tourism, trade, and investment.
Saudi Arabia concluded ICAN 2025 in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, with 47 new aviation agreements, demonstrating its commitment to expanding global air transport cooperation and strengthening its position as a strategic logistics hub across three continents under Vision 2030. The Kingdom signed bilateral air transport agreements with Cape Verde, Paraguay, and Costa Rica, and operational memoranda of understanding with Panama, Liberia, Italy, and Luxembourg, creating regulatory frameworks to facilitate air traffic and promote mutually beneficial cooperation. In addition, Saudi Arabia conducted 26 bilateral negotiation rounds with countries including Ethiopia, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, and Namibia, resulting in 21 further agreements and memoranda aimed at enhancing connectivity, opening new markets, and empowering national carriers to expand their networks.
On November 10, 2025, Sabre Corporation announced that Ethiopian Airlines will adopt SabreMosaic Airline Retailing to modernize its offer-to-order process, enabling AI-driven dynamic pricing, personalized offers, and modular distribution. Leveraging Sabre IQ and the Travel Data Cloud, the system allows Ethiopian to manage offers in real time, optimize fares and ancillary revenue, and launch new products and bundles faster. Integration with NDC IT enhances agency content and global distribution, supporting richer merchandising and broader market reach. The move builds on over 20 years of partnership, with Ethiopian as Sabre’s largest PSS customer in EMEA, and aligns with the airline’s Vision 2035 strategy to become a top 20 global airline by passenger traffic, enhancing competitiveness, revenue management, and passenger choice across all channels.
Nairobi-based Astral Aviation Ltd announced that it had signed a Cargo General Sales and Service Agency (GSSA) agreement with Hong Kong–headquartered TAM Group for the Hong Kong and Macau markets, with the partnership taking effect on 1 November 2025. Under the agreement, TAM Group was appointed to represent Astral’s cargo sales and services across the two territories. Astral Aviation CEO Sanjeev Gadhia said the collaboration would leverage TAM’s strong market expertise and customer network to expand Astral’s footprint in Asia, reinforcing the airline’s commitment to strengthening trade lanes between Africa and major Asian logistics hubs.
Routes and Airline Connectivity.
ITA Airways has launched its first-ever nonstop service between Rome Fiumicino and Mauritius, inaugurating the route on Saturday, 8 November 2025, with flight AZ772 operated by an Airbus Aircraft A330-900neo (EI-HJO), which landed at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport at 11:06 a.m. local time ahead of schedule. The new service operates twice weekly on Mondays and Saturdays, further strengthening tourism, trade, and cultural links between Italy and Mauritius. The launch was marked by an official ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Mauritius’ Minister of Tourism Richard Duval, ITA Airways Chief Commercial Officer Emiliana Limosani, and senior aviation officials.
United Nigeria Airlines (UNA) has launched direct flights connecting Abuja and Accra, as well as Lagos and Accra, marking its entry into the West African regional market. The inaugural Abuja–Accra flight on November 10, 2025, was welcomed by Ghanaian aviation authorities and the Nigerian diplomatic corps. UNA will operate daily flights from Abuja and four weekly flights from Lagos, improving connectivity between two of West Africa’s largest economies. The new routes are expected to boost tourism, cultural exchange, and business travel while creating direct and indirect jobs in aviation and supporting industries. The corridor, which already handles over 240,000 passengers annually, is strategically significant for ECOWAS trade, offering faster access for investors and businesses, enhancing cross-border partnerships, and attracting foreign investment. The ceremonial flight, operated with a Bombardier CRJ900 named in honour of Ghana’s late former President Jerry John Rawlings.
On Monday, November 11, 2025, Royal Air Maroc (RAM) inaugurated its first Casablanca–Es-Smara flight, marking a significant milestone in expanding Morocco’s national air network and promoting socio-economic growth in the country’s southern regions. The route, which will operate twice weekly, is part of a broader strategy to enhance mobility, attract investment, and position Es-Smara as an emerging logistical and economic hub.
On Wednesday, 13 November 2025, Transavia inaugurated its new Amsterdam–Rabat route, with the first flight departing Amsterdam Schiphol at 08:25 AM aboard an Airbus A321neo (PH-YHD) and landing in Rabat at 11:44 AM. The new connection, which will operate three times weekly from Amsterdam, responds to rising demand from leisure, family, and business travellers between the Netherlands and Morocco. Rabat—known for its mix of modernity, heritage, and hospitality—becomes Transavia’s ninth Moroccan destination. The inaugural flight carried a delegation of over 200 participants attending the ANVR Congress 2025 in Rabat under the theme “Connecting.”
Malawi Airlines Limited will introduce three new non-stop weekly flights between Lilongwe and Johannesburg from 6 December 2025, operating on Mondays, Saturdays, and Sundays to meet rising demand for faster and more direct travel between the two countries. The new service, with convenient mid-morning departures from Lilongwe and early-afternoon returns from Johannesburg, increases total weekly frequency on the route to ten flights when combined with existing services via Blantyre. The expansion is expected to boost tourism—especially to Lake Malawi and national parks—strengthen business ties, stimulate hospitality-sector investment, and enhance cultural exchange.
Air Côte d’Ivoire is set to launch direct flights between Abidjan and Beirut starting January 4, 2026, operating three times weekly with its recently acquired A330-900N aircraft. This route marks the airline’s first long-haul service to the Middle East, following its September 2025 launch of flights to Paris, and is aimed at enhancing connectivity between West Africa and Lebanon. The service is expected to boost tourism, cultural exchange, and business travel, enabling visitors to explore Beirut’s historical sites, Mediterranean attractions, and festivals while providing Lebanese travellers direct access to Abidjan’s dynamic art scene, nightlife, national parks, and beaches.
Emirates will launch a third daily flight to Nairobi starting 1 March 2026, marking an expansion of its operations in Kenya as it celebrates 30 years of service to the country. The additional service, operated on a three-class Boeing 777, increases weekly flights to 21 and is timed to optimise connectivity with Kenya Airways, enabling seamless onward travel to regional destinations including Rwanda, Kilimanjaro (Tanzania), Mozambique, and Burundi, as well as key international hubs in Europe and the US. The new schedule supports Kenya’s tourism objectives to attract 5 million international visitors by 2030, while also enhancing cargo capacity with an extra 280 tonnes weekly, benefiting the transport of perishable goods. Since 2023, over 31,000 passengers have leveraged the Emirates–Kenya Airways interline partnership, highlighting strong demand for both airlines.
CemAir (Pty)Ltd will launch a new domestic route connecting George and Hoedspruit, starting 17 May 2026, operating three times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. The service offers a direct link between South Africa’s scenic Garden Route and the safari-rich Lowveld, eliminating the need to transit through major hubs. Flight 970 from George to Hoedspruit departs at 08:10 (Tues/Thurs) and 10:05 (Sun), while Flight 971 returns from Hoedspruit at 10:55 (Tues/Thurs) and 12:40 (Sun), with fares starting at R4,800. CemAir’s full-service offering includes complimentary checked baggage and onboard catering.
Air Transat is expanding its international network for summer 2026 with two new direct routes from Montreal to Dakar, Senegal, and Reykjavik, Iceland, alongside increased service to Valencia, Spain. The Montreal–Dakar route, operating twice weekly from 17 June to 21 October, caters to both tourism demand and Quebec’s Senegalese diaspora, offering the only direct Canadian connection to Sub-Saharan Africa. The Montreal–Reykjavik service, running up to twice weekly from 16 June to 27 September, provides access to Iceland’s unique landscapes and long summer daylight. Valencia will gain an additional weekly flight between 16 June and 8 September, bringing service to twice weekly. These expansions, part of Air Transat’s 45+ international destinations for summer 2026, leverage its Airbus fleet and nearly four decades of long-haul leisure experience, reinforcing its position as Skytrax’s 2025 World’s Best Leisure Airline.
Airlink has applied to the International Air Services Council for rights to operate flights between Lanseria International Airport in South Africa and two airports in Zimbabwe, seeking to run two daily flights to Harare and one daily flight to Bulawayo. The move aims to strategically deploy Airlink’s smaller Embraer 135 and 140 aircraft profitably, tapping into business demand and the convenience of Lanseria for northern Johannesburg travelers. Aviation experts note that the liberalized air agreement between South Africa and Zimbabwe, phased in since 2021, now allows near open-skies operations with no restrictions on flight frequencies, enabling Airlink to expand its regional connectivity while maximizing fleet utilization.
Morocco is set to resume direct flights to Israel, ending a suspension that has lasted more than two years following the outbreak of the Gaza conflict on 7 October 2023. The reopening of air links will also allow Israeli citizens to enter Morocco for the first time since the conflict began. This decision follows bilateral discussions between Israeli Transport Minister Miri Regev and her Moroccan counterpart Abdel Samad Qayouh, and is formalized in a joint statement by the civil aviation authorities of both nations. The move comes after months of negotiations on the reactivation of direct flights, accompanied by renewed coordination between transport and security agencies.
Airline Fleets and ACMI’s.
Libyan carrier, Buraq Air has taken delivery of a 13.2-year-old Embraer ERJ-190, now registered 5A-BAF, in November 2025. The aircraft previously operated as a VIP-configured jet with Vale (delivered in September 2012) and later Concept Aviation (from September 2025). After periods of storage in Brazil and Portugal, it was ferried from LPAR to Benina International Airport (BEN) on 13 November 2025, marking its official delivery to the Libyan carrier.
Air Algérie has welcomed a brand-new Airbus A330-900, registered 7T-VJD, into its fleet in November 2025, marking the arrival of one of the airline’s youngest widebody additions at just 0.1 years old and the first of eight Airbus A330neos ordered by the airline. The aircraft features a modern three-class configuration with 18 Business, 24 Premium Economy, and 266 Economy seats, powered by two Rolls-Royce engines. Following its completion in Toulouse, the aircraft was ferried from TLS to Algiers (ALG) on 13 November 2025 for delivery, further advancing Air Algérie’s ongoing fleet renewal and international network expansion.
Ethiopian Airlines (ET) has taken delivery of a 1.7-year-old Airbus A350-900, now registered ET-BCD, in November 2025 as part of its ongoing widebody fleet expansion. The aircraft, twenty second of the type for ET, was originally built for Sichuan Airlines as B-32HG, featuring a C30Y307 layout and painted in the distinctive “Panda Route (????)” special livery, but was never taken up by the Chinese carrier. Powered by two Rolls-Royce engines, the A350 was subsequently placed on lease to Ethiopian Airlines (lessor undisclosed) and ferried from Toulouse (TLS) to Addis Ababa (ADD) between 12 and 13 November 2025 for official delivery.
United Nigeria Airlines has inducted a 13.4-year-old Airbus A320-232, registered LZ-FSG, into its fleet on 10 November 2025 under a lease arrangement with Fly2Sky Airlines. The aircraft has had a long and diverse operational history, beginning with SEAIR in 2012, followed by service with Tigerair Philippines, Tigerair, IndiGo (InterGlobe Aviation Ltd), and later Scoot, before transitioning to Fly2Sky in 2024. Powered by two IAE V2527-A5 engines, the A320 underwent several leasing cycles, storage periods, and ferry movements throughout its career, including operations across Southeast Asia and Europe. After being ferried to Sofia in 2024 for Fly2Sky, the aircraft has now been delivered to United Nigeria, marking its latest chapter as part of the airline’s growing narrowbody fleet.
TAAG-Linhas Aereas de Angola has taken delivery of a 5.3-year-old Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner, registered D2-TES, on 10 November 2025, following the airline’s earlier delivery on 7 November 2025 of a 4.7-year-old 787-10, D2-TET, named “Deolinda Rodrigues.” The newly delivered aircraft, the third dreamliner and the only two 787-10 operated by an africa carrier, previously operated by Vietnam Airlines as VN-A875, features a C24Y343 configuration and is powered by two GEnx-1B74/75 engines. Leased from ALC, it carries the name Okavango and sports a special “50 Years of Angolan Independence” sticker to commemorate the nation’s milestone. The Dreamliner was ferried from Paulo Afonso (PAE) to Luanda’s Quatro de Fevereiro Airport (NBJ) between 10 and 11 November 2025 for official delivery, further strengthening TAAG’s long-haul fleet.
Ghana’s presidential jet — a Dassault Falcon 900EX (registration 9G?EXE) operated by the Ghana Air Force — has finally returned to Accra after being in maintenance in France since March 2025. The aircraft underwent an extensive 24?month / 1,600?hour inspection at Dassault Falcon Service in Le Bourget, during which corrosion in the fuel tanks was repaired and a fuel leak on the right wing addressed, though wing panel reinstallation delays prolonged the process. According to Deputy Defence Minister Ernest Brogya Genfi, final checks included a leak test, a third engine ground run, painting, and a successful acceptance flight. The Falcon, delivered to the Ghana Air Force in 2010 and powered by Honeywell TFE731?60?1C engines, is now cleared to resume presidential duties.
Aviation Infrastructure, Financing & Profitability.
Angola is investing €189 million in the construction of Mavinga International Airport in the southern Cuando Cubango province, near the borders with Namibia, Zambia, and Botswana, to enhance regional connectivity and promote tourism and economic development. The airport will be the first international-standard facility in this previously isolated region, serving as a gateway for eco-tourism and adventure tourism, including access to the UNESCO-listed Okavango Basin and other natural attractions in southern Africa. Strategically located, it will enable cross-border travel to Etosha National Park (Namibia), Victoria Falls (Zambia), and the Okavango Delta (Botswana), fostering multi-country tourism itineraries.
Douala International Airport (RAP-AID) has launched a major terminal upgrade, supported by French Development Agency (AFD) financing, aiming to modernize infrastructure and enhance passenger capacity in Cameroon’s economic capital. The project, overseen by the French consortium TPF/Kardham, combines two key components: expansion of aeronautical pavements with a new 36,000 m² aircraft parking area on the west side of Pier B, executed by Chinese contractor CHEC over 12 months, and the modernization of the existing terminal, including the development of 30,000 m² of passenger and commercial space, 10 new check-in counters, renovations to 80% of baggage carousels, and improved accessibility with elevators and ramps. The CFA95 billion (approx. USD 165 million) project, with CFA66 billion (approx. USD 115 million) from AFD and the remainder from ADC and state contributions, will be implemented without airport closures and is scheduled to begin in the second half of 2026, with completion targeted for June 2028. Once finished, Douala Airport’s capacity will rise from 1.5 million to 2.5 million passengers annually, achieving IATA category C standards and security level 7, positioning it as a major hub in Central Africa.
Tunisia is set to embark on a major $950 million expansion of Tunis-Carthage International Airport in the capital, Tunis, aimed at boosting the airport’s annual passenger capacity to 18 million. Announced by Transport Minister Rachid Al-Amari during a House of Representatives session, the project will also feature an elevated metro line connecting the airport to central Tunis, enhancing accessibility and urban transport integration. The expansion is planned as a turnkey project under a negotiated contract model following a prequalification phase, with feasibility studies already completed by Tunisia’s Civil Aviation and Airports Authority. The government is also exploring the development of a new airport in Bizerte to further strengthen the country’s aviation infrastructure, positioning Tunisia to handle increasing passenger demand and support broader economic and tourism growth by 2035.
The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) has completed a state-of-the-art eight-storey Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower at Kisumu International Airport, marking a significant step toward full international accreditation for the facility. Equipped with advanced ICT, surveillance, and communication systems, as well as modern infrastructure including lifts, power systems (conventional and green energy), water reticulation, and a biodigester for effluent management, the tower replaces an aging colonial-era facility and meets international standards. The technical handover confirmed that all systems are fully operational, despite construction delays caused by heavy rainfall and El Niño conditions, which were mitigated through overtime work. The modern tower is expected to enhance air traffic management, safety, and regional connectivity, particularly with Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi, supporting Kenya’s broader agenda to expand aviation capacity and strengthen the country’s competitiveness in the region.
UNMISS has significantly enhanced safety at Juba International Airport by rehabilitating and returning a 250x100m² parcel of land to South Sudan Civil Aviation Authority‘s. The project involved relocating 300 shipping containers, air hangars, and accommodation units, levelling and compacting swampy terrain, building culverts, and clearing drainage systems, despite heavy rains and challenging soil conditions. The eight-month effort, led by engineering contingents from Pakistan and Thailand, also included provision of vehicles and training to strengthen local aviation capacity.
UK-based Rolls-Royce has announced that Air Algérie has become the latest operator of its Trent 7000 high-bypass turbofan engine, following the delivery of the airline’s first Airbus A330neo on Thursday. The aircraft is powered exclusively by the Trent 7000, the seventh generation of the globally successful Trent engine family, which has amassed over 200 million flying hours since the original Trent 700 entered service 30 years ago. The Trent 7000 delivers 68,000–72,000 lb of thrust, operates six decibels quieter, and achieves a 14% fuel burn improvement over its predecessor.
Namibia officially inaugurated the Dr. Hage G. Geingob Freeway in Windhoek on Monday, marking the completion of a landmark 21.3-km, four-lane dual carriageway aimed at transforming regional transport and boosting economic development. The project, funded in phases by the Namibian government and supported by a Chinese government grant of 447 million yuan, was constructed by Zhong Mei Engineering Group and reduces travel time between downtown Windhoek and Hosea Kutako International Airport from about 50 minutes to just over 20 minutes.
ASKY AIRLINES, the pan-African carrier based in Lomé, is set to launch its own Boeing 737 flight simulator by June 2026, with construction having begun last week in the Togolese capital. Designed to replicate real flight conditions, the simulator will allow ASKY to train, certify, and enhance the proficiency of its pilots in a safe, controlled environment, while eliminating the need to send crews abroad to Europe or the Middle East, significantly reducing training costs. “This simulator is essential not only for training our own pilots but also for regional airlines that currently have to send their crews abroad. It will be the first of its kind in West Africa,” said ASKY CEO Esayas Woldemariam Hailu. Developed in partnership with Togo’s National Civil Aviation Authority (ANAC-Togo), the facility is expected to strengthen Togo’s role as a regional aviation hub and position Lomé as a leading training center for ASKY, its partner airlines, and strategic shareholder Ethiopian Airlines.
The Algerian government has granted US$207?million to Air Algérie and its newly formed subsidiary, Domestic Airlines, to support fleet expansion and enhance domestic connectivity. Domestic Airlines was established to operate domestic routes more efficiently following Air Algérie’s integration of tassili airlines. The funding will facilitate the acquisition of 16 ATR 72?600 turboprop aircraft, with deliveries scheduled between 2026 and 2028, aiming to improve air service to under-served southern and interior regions of Algeria. This initiative is part of a broader restructuring of the country’s aviation sector, enabling Air Algérie to modernize operations, differentiate domestic and international services, and strengthen its overall network.
Madagascar Airlines has received a significant boost in its turnaround efforts after The World Bank approved an additional USD 40 million as part of a USD 65 million financing package supporting the airline’s “Phenix 2030” restructuring plan. The second tranche follows an initial USD 25 million disbursed in September 2024 and reflects renewed confidence in the carrier’s progress toward operational stability, governance reform, and financial transparency. The Malagasy Government is finalizing the remaining conditions to unlock the funds, expected by the end of November. The airline is projecting a positive operating result this fiscal year—its first in many years—and plans to convert state-owned debts into share capital to strengthen its balance sheet.
Mozambique’s government has announced a major restructuring of the state-owned airline LAM – MOZAMBIQUE AIRLINES, with three state-owned companies—Hidroeléctrica de Cahora Bassa (HCB), Caminhos de Ferro de Moçambique (CFM), and Empresa Moçambicana de Seguros (EMOSE)—injecting US$130 million to recapitalise the carrier. As part of the process, 80 employees will be laid off to align workforce size with operational needs, while other roles will be adjusted in phases. Transport Minister João Matlombe highlighted that LAM has struggled for over a decade with high indebtedness, excessive operating costs, and a workforce disproportionate to flight volumes, leading to losses of 61.9 million euros in 2020 and 35 million euros in 2023. The restructuring aims to rationalise costs, optimise routes, renew the fleet, and introduce measures such as closure of redundant offices, outsourcing customer service, and implementing an integrated accounting system.
Nigeria’s largest airline, Air Peace Limited, has reported over $15 million in losses after Latvia-based SmartLynx Airlines Ltd abruptly withdrew three wet-leased aircraft without notice. The leased aircraft, intended to cover Air Peace planes undergoing maintenance abroad, were scheduled for operations, and their sudden removal caused flight delays and cancellations. The airline’s Chief Commercial Officer, Nowel Ngala, described the action as a serious breach of contract and fraudulent, noting that over $5 million, including security deposits, remains with SmartLynx. Air Peace highlighted that this disruption follows previous challenges with fraudulent lessors like Tunisia’s SYPHAX Airlines. Despite the setback, some of Air Peace’s aircraft have completed maintenance and are returning to service, and the airline is committed to reprotecting affected passengers and resuming full operations across all routes while holding defaulting partners accountable.
Kenya Airways has unveiled KQ Ezesha, a landmark accessibility program designed to make air travel more inclusive, affordable, and dignified for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). Meaning “to validate and empower,” Ezesha reflects the airline’s commitment to removing long-standing barriers that have discouraged many PWDs from flying—studies indicate that nearly 70% avoid air travel due to high costs, limited support, and inadequate accessibility. The new product introduces a comprehensive solution built around three pillars: affordable travel, accessible transfers, and global inclusion. Under the initiative, PWDs will benefit from discounted fares—up to 18% off international flights and 10% off domestic flights—alongside dedicated care and support throughout their journey, ensuring a seamless experience from booking to arrival. Kenya Airways has also partnered with accessible travel providers to offer discounted airport transfers, hotel bookings, and park tours, extending accessibility beyond the airport environment.
VISA/Passports/Consulates/Travel.
Egypt’s official electronic visa portal, visa2egypt.gov.eg, has been experiencing severe technical failures for several days, leaving travelers unable to submit new e-Visa applications and causing previously registered applications to remain pending. Initially, users could sometimes access the system but were consistently met with error messages preventing submission and payment. In recent hours, the portal has become completely inaccessible, displaying only a “404 – Not Found” message, with no official communication yet on the cause or expected resolution. In the meantime, travelers eligible for a visa on arrival can obtain a 30-day entry visa at Egypt’s international airports for a $25 USD fee, while others are advised to seek visas through Egyptian embassies or consulates, particularly for business, long stays, or multiple-entry requirements. This outage coincides with a period of rapid growth in Egyptian tourism: forecasts project 17.76 million visitors in 2025, rising to 18.56 million in 2026 and over 20.6 million by 2029, driven in part by attractions such as the Grand Egyptian Museum.
Liberia has officially lifted visa requirements for Rwandan nationals, allowing them to enter the country without a visa. This follows bilateral agreements signed earlier in 2025 aimed at strengthening diplomatic, economic, and cultural cooperation between Liberia and Rwanda. The policy supports Rwanda’s broader agenda of promoting visa openness across Africa, facilitating easier travel for its citizens, and reflects a growing continental trend toward more accessible cross-border mobility.
Somalia’s new e?visa system has reportedly been breached, potentially exposing the personal data of 35,000+ applicants, including names, photos, birth dates, emails, home addresses, and more. The U.S. Embassy confirmed “credible allegations” that hackers accessed the system around 11 November 2025, and warned visa applicants—possibly including thousands of U.S. citizens—to assume their data may be compromised. Despite the alert, Somali authorities have not publicly acknowledged any data loss, and some cybersecurity experts are calling the incident a major security failure.
People/Appointments.
The Seychelles government has appointed Ms. Véronique Laporte as Minister of Transport, Ports, and Civil Aviation under the administration of President Patrick Herminie. Ms. Laporte brings extensive aviation and management experience, having served as Chairperson of Air Seychelles from 2021 to 2023, where she played a key role in the airline’s restructuring and successful return to profitability. Her deep understanding of airline operations, strategic management, and civil aviation policy positions her to drive reforms and initiatives aimed at strengthening the country’s transport infrastructure, enhancing port operations, and advancing the development of Seychelles’ aviation sector.
German firm Aero?Sys, a manufacturer of aircraft boarding bridges and ground support equipment (GSE), has appointed Belujane Konzult, a Nigerian aviation consultancy, as its official representative in Nigeria. Under the agreement, Belujane Konzult will handle the marketing, sales, after-sales service, and spare-part provision for Aero?Sys’s equipment – including AvioBridges, ground power units, dollies, carts, fixed walkways, automation, and baggage?handling systems. Aero?Sys’ director, Peter Yan, said the decision reflects confidence in Belujane Konzult’s capacity and commitment to high aviation standards.
Workers at Mogadishu’s Aden Adde International Airport went on strike to protest the dismissal of 15 Somali employees by Favori LLC, the Turkish firm managing the airport, which has left operations severely disrupted. The striking staff, citing unfair labor practices, unpaid wages, and the replacement of local workers with foreign personnel, gathered at the airport to demand government intervention and the reinstatement of their colleagues. While the labor unrest has sparked public outcry over management’s treatment of Somali workers, the Ministry of Transport has stepped in to mediate and address their grievances.
Awards, Recognition, Certifications & Milestones.
Eagle Air has been named both the National and East African Community (EAC) Service of the Year (Private SMEs) winner at the 2025 Regional Quality Awards, marking a major milestone for the Ugandan carrier and the region’s aviation sector. The honours were announced at a gala ceremony held at the Weston Hotel Nairobi on November 10 and officially presented by Kenya’s President H.E. William Ruto at Uhuru Gardens on November 11. The award recognises Eagle Air’s exceptional commitment to safety, quality, and operational excellence—attributes reinforced by the airline’s ISO certification, multiple Civil Aviation Authority approvals, UN authorisation, and validation from Oil and Gas industry leaders. With over 30 years of service in charter and scheduled operations from Entebbe, the achievement highlights the airline’s strong operational systems and sustained growth.
Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS) SOC Ltd secured two major honours at the Civil Aviation Industry Awards (CAIA) 2025, held on 14 November 2025 in Gauteng and hosted by the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA). The awards recognise ATNS’s exceptional contribution to South Africa’s aviation sector and its continued leadership in air navigation service provision. Although the specific award categories were not disclosed in the announcement, ATNS highlighted the recognition as an affirmation of its operational excellence, industry impact, and commitment to advancing safe, efficient, and innovative air traffic management across the region.
Lawsuits/Investigations.
Two senior officers from Botswana’s Directorate of Intelligence and Security (DIS) have alleged serious mismanagement at Air Botswana, claiming their unlawful arrest and detention were linked to investigations into procurement irregularities and operational failures at the national carrier. The officers, Pulane Pretty Kgoadi and Paul Desmond Setlhabi, asserted in court that a fleet modernization project involved the purchase of aircraft that did not meet Civil Aviation Authority safety requirements, and that key airline executives lacked proper qualifications. On 3 November 2025, the High Court granted the officers a default judgment after state actors failed to respond, highlighting ongoing concerns over governance and oversight at Air Botswana.
A federal court jury in Chicago has awarded over $28 million to the family of Shikha Garg, a United Nations consultant killed in the March 2019 Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 crash, marking the first civil trial related to the disaster that claimed all 157 lives on board. With an additional $3.45 million pre-trial settlement for her husband, Soumya Bhattacharya, and interest charges, Boeing will pay a total of approximately $35.8 million to the family. The trial focused on damages for loss of income, grief, and emotional distress, as Boeing had already accepted liability for the crash. Garg, an Indian citizen en route to a U.N. environmental assembly in Nairobi, was highlighted in court as a young, accomplished PhD candidate whose death was “senseless” and “preventable.” The crash, caused by repeated nose-down commands from the Boeing 737 Max’s faulty flight-control system, led to a global grounding of Max aircraft until late 2020–2022, with Ethiopia resuming operations in February 2022.
Iran’s Mahan Air has opened a new sanctions-evasion route through Malawi, shifting its aircraft procurement network to the country after its previous channel in Madagascar was dismantled in 2025. Malawian shell companies have begun acquiring and re-registering Boeing 737s, Airbus Aircraft A320s, and refurbished Airbus A340-642s that are ultimately destined for Iran, exploiting Malawi’s weak aviation oversight and foreign influence. This mirrors the earlier “Triple Seven operation,” in which five Boeing 777s were smuggled using forged Malagasy registrations—a scheme that led to arrests and political fallout in Madagascar. It is speculated that several Malawian-registered aircraft have already reached Iran, with more expected to follow using disguised ferry flights and transponder suppression. The strategy allows Mahan Air to rebuild long-haul capacity using older aircraft whose engines can be maintained without Western support.
Aviation Accidents/Incidences.
On Monday, 10 November 2025, at approximately 07:45 local time, a Robinson R22 Beta II helicopter, registered ZS-DLF and manufactured in 2007, crashed near Patensie in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, resulting in a fatality of the sole occupant. The helicopter, operated privately for agricultural purposes, was engaged in dew control over berry fields at the Roodegrond farm when it struck power lines during manoeuvring. The aircraft sustained substantial damage and was written off. Tragically, the pilot, Mynie Steffens, a well-known cookbook author and cooking show host, lost his life in the accident.
On Tuesday, 11 November 2025, at approximately 15:45 UTC, Air Mauritius flight MK141, operated by an ATR 72-600 registered 3B-NCV (manufactured in 2016, MSN 1323) and powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127 engines, experienced a cockpit windscreen layer crack while en route from Rodrigues Island Airport (RRG) to Mauritius’ Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (MRU). The flight safely returned to RRG, with no injuries reported among occupants or others, and the aircraft sustained minor damage which was later repaired. After approximately two-and-a-half hours, the ATR 72-600 was flown to MRU at flight level 100, concluding the incident without further complications.
A recent controversy arose when aviation-content creator Josh Cahill publicly accused Air Côte d’Ivoire of a “downgrade, scam, and censorship” following his experience on the airline’s inaugural long-haul flight from Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) to Abidjan (ABJ). Cahill claimed that his business class booking via an online travel agency for €982 was voided at check-in and that he was asked to pay an additional €1,500 for a seat. The airline and Ivorian government rebutted these claims, explaining that the issue stemmed from a fare-class mis-mapping by the third-party travel agency. Air Côte d’Ivoire upgraded Cahill at no extra cost, and officials emphasized that no similar complaints were reported by other passengers. Ivorian parliament member Alain Lobognon defended the carrier, framing it as a technical error swiftly rectified and cautioning against potentially misleading content that could harm the airline’s reputation. The incident sparked broader discussions on the responsibilities of aviation reviewers, highlighting the importance of transparency, disclosure of booking sources, and fair contextual reporting.
In recent days, several international flights were diverted from Somaliland’s airspace after failing to comply with newly enforced clearance rules, with aircraft rerouted to Djibouti and Ethiopia. Somaliland authorities have mandated that all airlines obtain prior authorization before entering its airspace, citing sovereignty concerns and asserting that only authorized flights may operate overhead. Officials reported that around 40% of aircraft have complied so far, while non-compliant operators are being diverted, signaling active enforcement of the directive and potentially reducing overflight fees previously collected by Somalia. Somaliland has briefed representatives from the UN, EU, Turkey, UAE, the UK, and other international partners, accusing Somalia of interfering in its airspace and immigration systems. The move underscores Somaliland’s efforts to assert control over its skies and protect its national sovereignty. Separately, Somalia faces a cybersecurity breach of its e-Visa platform, exposing sensitive data of foreign nationals, including diplomats and aid workers, raising serious security and privacy concerns, though Somaliland maintains the system has no legal authority over travel to its territory.
A Ghanaian military helicopter crash in August, which claimed the lives of Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, and six others, was caused by poor weather conditions, according to an investigative report. The Z9 helicopter, flying from Accra to Obuasi, lost altitude and lift due to a downdraft while navigating dense forest terrain. The probe, conducted by Ghanaian authorities with support from US aviation experts and the helicopter’s Chinese manufacturer, confirmed the aircraft was airworthy but highlighted the fleet’s lack of modern safety and navigational systems, including a terrain awareness and warning system (TAWS).
Over 100 Palestinians traveling from Nairobi to South Africa faced over 12 hours of delays at O.R. Tambo International Airport after South African authorities initially denied entry due to unclear travel details. The group, including young children, had departed Gaza via Israeli-coordinated transfers. Entry was eventually permitted after the pro-Palestinian organization Gift of the Givers committed to accommodating them. South Africa’s Border Management Authority confirmed the travelers, eligible for 90-day visa-exempt visits, were processed normally and must comply with entry conditions. Activists criticized Israel for not stamping passports to “exacerbate the suffering” of the Palestinians, while thanking South Africa for its humanitarian stance.
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