(Posted 23rd December 2025)
(Posted 23rd December 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..
Eswatini has positioned itself at the forefront of efforts to advance the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) by hosting a three?day high?level regional capacity?building workshop from 15 to 17 December 2025 in Manzini and Mbabane. The event was hosted by Eswatini Civil Aviation Authority (ESWACAA) in collaboration with the African Union and the Eastern Africa, Southern Africa and Indian Ocean (EA?SA?IO) regional bloc. It brought together senior government officials, civil aviation authorities, regulators, and industry stakeholders to assess progress, address challenges, and develop strategies to accelerate SAATM implementation—a flagship African Union initiative aimed at liberalising air transport across the continent under Agenda 2063. Workshop discussions focused on reviewing the status of key SAATM measures among signatory states, identifying bottlenecks to full liberalisation, and strengthening regulatory and institutional capacity to improve connectivity and reduce barriers to regional air travel.
AOCs/ASLs/Regulations/Certifications.
Libya is set to revive its aviation sector with the launch of a new national carrier, Libyan United Airlines, expected to begin operations in early 2026. The airline plans to operate Airbus A320 aircraft to serve short- and medium-haul routes, supporting the country’s efforts to modernize and consolidate its air transport industry under a national aviation holding company. Ziad Farhoud was recently appointed as the airline’s first CEO, expressing ambitions to establish Libyan United Airlines as the country’s premier carrier, offering modern service and connecting Tripoli to key destinations across North Africa, the Middle East, and beyond. With existing state-owned airlines, Libyan Airlines and Afriqiyah Airways, operating minimal fleets and limited resources, the new airline represents a pivotal step in revitalizing Libya’s aviation ambitions.
Cabo Verde Airlines has secured ETOPS (Extended Twin?Engine Operations) approval, a key regulatory milestone that enables its twin?engine jets—such as its Boeing 737 variants—to operate long?over?water routes beyond the standard diversion limits from suitable alternate airports, a prerequisite for reliable trans?Atlantic services. While full details of the approval were published under subscription, broader industry context indicates that achieving ETOPS certification involves rigorous evaluation of an airline’s operational procedures, aircraft systems, maintenance standards, and safety programmes to ensure safe extended?range operations over remote or oceanic areas. With ETOPS in place, Cabo Verde Airlines is positioned to expand or reintroduce services across the Atlantic—particularly between West Africa and the Americas—by allowing more direct routings to destinations such as Brazil, improving operational flexibility and market connectivity while supporting the airline’s aspirations to strengthen its intercontinental network.
On 17 December 2025, fastjet Mozambique, operated by Solenta Aviation Mozambique, received its long-awaited domestic scheduled services licence, allowing it to enter the country’s domestic aviation market. The airline plans to launch services with two Embraer E145 aircraft, focusing on building a strong network and introducing competition against the financially troubled state carrier, LAM. This marks Fastjet’s second attempt in Mozambique after suspending operations in 2019, and the new entry aims to improve reliability, frequency, and affordability for passengers while supporting the government’s efforts to liberalize and stimulate the domestic air transport market.
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued Air Drone certificates to Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport and Jeremiah Obafemi Awolowo International Airport in Port Harcourt, confirming that both aerodromes meet safety and operational standards. The certification, aligned with Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations 2023 and ICAO Annex 14 standards, validates infrastructure, navigation aids, fire services, security, and emergency procedures. NCAA emphasized that the certification reinforces aviation credibility, ensures functional safety management systems, and strengthens confidence for airlines and passengers. FAAN committed to adhering to corrective action plans and maintaining compliance, while NCAA will continue periodic inspections and audits.
Aviation Projections and Statistics.
Between 8 and 18 December 2025, Morocco’s six AFCON host airports handled 868,287 passengers, marking a 10.7% increase compared with the same period in 2024. Aircraft movements totaled 7,327, up 13% year-on-year, reflecting heightened activity ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport led with 292,221 passengers, representing 33.7% of total traffic, while Marrakech, Agadir, Tangier, Rabat, and Fez also reported notable growth. Passenger volumes peaked on 18 December, setting a new operational record and demonstrating Morocco’s ability to manage large-scale arrivals efficiently, supported by coordinated efforts from airport teams and national authorities.
Air Service Agreements (ASA’s)/Airlines Agreements/Partnerships.
The Azerbaijani Parliament has ratified an air connectivity agreement with Rwanda, originally signed in Baku on September 20, 2025, aimed at establishing international air services between the two countries under the Chicago Convention. The agreement grants each party rights to overfly the other’s territory, make non-commercial stops, and designate airlines to operate agreed routes, with provisions for fair competition and the ability to alter airline designations via diplomatic notification. It also includes measures to protect civil aircraft, passengers, crew, and aviation infrastructure from unlawful acts, and allows designated airlines to use surface transport in conjunction with international services, in accordance with national laws. The ratification was passed in a single reading.
Cape Verde has formalised a technical cooperation agreement with Brazil’s National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC), marking an important step in strengthening its regulatory and institutional capacity in civil aviation oversight. The partnership is aimed at enhancing technical assistance, knowledge transfer, and the exchange of best practices in key areas such as safety oversight, certification, operator surveillance, and regulatory compliance, while supporting closer alignment with ICAO standards and recommended practices. This cooperation forms part of a broader modernisation agenda for Cape Verde’s civil aviation system, which includes the gradual adoption of digital tools, the integration of emerging technologies, and targeted capacity-building for technical staff, with the objective of supporting sustainable growth of the national and regional aviation sector within a safe, efficient, and internationally compliant framework.
Gabon’s civil aviation authority has entered into a strategic partnership with the country’s national space agency to incorporate satellite and geospatial data into aviation oversight, reinforcing efforts to enhance air safety, risk monitoring, and infrastructure management. The initiative supports more data-driven regulatory supervision, enabling improved monitoring of airspace, airport infrastructure, and environmental risks, while also strengthening preparedness for emerging challenges such as extreme weather events and the growing use of drones. The agreement aligns with Gabon’s broader objective of modernising aviation governance and bringing regulatory practices closer to international standards.
Malaysia Airlines and Royal Air Maroc have signed a codeshare agreement aimed at enhancing connectivity between Africa, Europe, and Asia, leveraging their shared membership in the oneworld Alliance. The partnership enables passengers to book seamless connecting itineraries between Casablanca and Kuala Lumpur via major international hubs including Doha, London, and Paris. Under the arrangement, Royal Air Maroc will place its “AT” code on Malaysia Airlines-operated flights between Kuala Lumpur and the three European and Middle Eastern gateways, while Malaysia Airlines will add its “MH” code to Royal Air Maroc services linking Casablanca with the same hubs.
RwandAir Ltd has partnered with Cargo Flash InfoTech to implement the cloud-based nGen Integrated Cargo Management System (ICMS) as part of its cargo digital transformation. The system integrates the entire cargo workflow—including booking, documentation, warehousing, tracking, and final delivery—into a single platform, automating processes and enhancing operational efficiency. The platform provides real-time shipment visibility, centralized data access, and end-to-end automation, enabling faster, data-driven decision-making. RwandAir’s leadership highlighted that the adoption of nGen ICMS strengthens service reliability, operational transparency, and customer experience, while laying a digital foundation to support scalable and innovative cargo operations across the airline’s network.
The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has signed contracts for the construction of a new corporate headquarters and centralized Air Traffic Management (ATM) Centre in Abuja, a landmark development for the agency and Nigeria’s aviation sector. The facility will consolidate the Kano and Lagos Area Control Centres into a single integrated centre, enhancing operational efficiency, safety oversight, and compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization standards. NAMA emphasized strict adherence to engineering and construction standards, with the project overseen for transparency, quality, and sustainability. The signing, facilitated by Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo, marks a major step in modernizing Nigeria’s airspace management and reflects the agency’s commitment to supporting safe and efficient national air navigation services.
Routes and Airline Connectivity.
On 15 December 2025, Malawi Airlines Limited launched a direct flight between Lilongwe and Entebbe in Uganda, operating four times a week. CEO Solomon Bekele (BSc, MBA) highlighted that the non-stop service will enhance regional connectivity, facilitate trade, and complement existing flights to Nairobi and Dar-es-Salaam, while enabling East African travellers to connect to southern African routes via Lilongwe. Head of Commercial Charles Ng’ambi noted that flight frequency could increase based on demand. The airline, operating a fleet of three aircraft, also serves Nairobi, Dar-es-Salaam, Lusaka, Harare, and Johannesburg, and is a strategic partner of Ethiopian Airlines, which holds a 49 percent stake alongside the Malawi Government and other investors.
On December 15, 2025, Safarilink Aviation officially inaugurated its daily Nairobi–Kisumu–Entebbe flight, marking a major milestone for regional connectivity within the East African Community. The service, operating from Wilson Airport via Kisumu International to Entebbe International Airport, reduced travel time between Kisumu and Entebbe to just 45 minutes, offering a direct and efficient alternative to lengthy ground or indirect flights. The route, initially operating a daily morning flight, was planned to expand with an additional four-times-weekly afternoon service (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday) from January 2026 to meet growing demand. The new connection is designed to position Kisumu as a key gateway to East and Central Africa, while boosting trade, investment, tourism, and cultural exchange across the Lake Victoria region.
AURIC AIR SERVICES LIMITED launched a new Dar es Salaam–Kahama–Mwanza route this week, starting 20 December 2025, with four weekly flights every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday using a 50-seat Bombardier Dash 8-300 aircraft. The service offers daytime and early evening flights, improving travel options in Tanzania’s Lake Zone. Flight times are approximately two hours from Dar es Salaam to Kahama, 30 minutes from Kahama to Mwanza, and about two hours and 10 minutes on the return leg. Auric Air highlights the route’s schedule as a key differentiator and expects the new service to boost business, tourism, and regional economic activity.
EGYPTAIR has announced plans to launch a new twice?weekly service between Cairo International Airport and Venice Marco Polo Airport, scheduled to begin on 29 June 2026. The route will be operated with Airbus Aircraft A320neo, reflecting the carrier’s ongoing network expansion and fleet modernisation strategy, and is expected to be added to reservations soon. Flights are planned to operate on Mondays and Fridays, strengthening direct connectivity between Egypt and the northeastern Italian market while expanding EgyptAir’s presence in Europe and offering enhanced travel options for both tourism and business passengers.
Kuwait Airways is set to commence direct flights between Kuwait City (KWI) and Sphinx International Airport (SPX), Egypt, starting 15 January 2026, with a frequency of three weekly services on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. This new route represents a strategic expansion for the airline, providing a seamless air link between the Gulf region and one of Egypt’s most iconic tourist destinations. The service is expected to significantly boost inbound tourism to the Giza Plateau, home to the Sphinx and the Pyramids, while also facilitating business and cultural travel between Kuwait and Egypt.
Turkish Airlines will launch new flights connecting Istanbul and Monrovia via Accra, beginning May 11, 2026, operating twice weekly under flight numbers TK 627 and TK 628. The outbound service, TK 627, departs Istanbul at 06:35, arriving in Accra at 10:55, then continues to Monrovia at 14:15, while the return flight, TK 628, leaves Monrovia at 15:10, stopping in Accra before arriving in Istanbul at 04:50 the following day. This route is expected to boost Liberia’s economy by improving international connectivity, stimulating trade and tourism, generating employment, and enhancing overall economic activity.
Royal Air Maroc will launch two new direct routes from Casablanca to Pointe-Noire, Republic of Congo, and Tripoli, Libya, starting in April 2026, significantly enhancing regional connectivity within Africa. The Pointe-Noire route aims to facilitate business travel and promote tourism in Central Africa, while the Tripoli connection is expected to strengthen cultural and economic ties with North Africa. Operating the fuel-efficient Embraer E190 aircraft, the airline seeks to provide sustainable, frequent regional services that support cross-border trade, tourism, and investment. These expansions align with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the Single African Air Transport Market, reinforcing Royal Air Maroc’s role in improving intra-African mobility, boosting Morocco’s position as a regional tourism hub, and fostering long-term economic and cultural integration across the continent.
Etihad Airways has withdrawn plans to launch scheduled passenger flights between Abu Dhabi and Algiers, ending a proposed expansion that would have marked the carrier’s first entry into the Algerian market. The planned service, linking Zayed International Airport with Houari Boumediene Airport, was announced but repeatedly delayed before being removed from booking systems without any commercial flights operating. The withdrawal is attributed to Algeria’s restrictive bilateral air service framework, under which international capacity is equally allocated between national and foreign carriers and was already fully utilised by Emirates and Air Algérie, each operating seven weekly flights between the UAE and Algeria. As a result, no additional capacity was available for Etihad without renegotiation of existing agreements.
Airline Fleets and ACMI’s.
Royal Air Maroc has taken delivery of a Boeing 737-8 MAX, registered CN-RHL, on 18 December 2025 following a ferry flight from Denver (DIA) to Casablanca (CMN). The aircraft is configured in C8Y168 seating and powered by CFM LEAP-1B28 engines, and is leased from Avolon. Previously operated by Qatar Airways and later IndiGo (InterGlobe Aviation Ltd) under a sublease, the aircraft returned to Qatar Airways in May 2025 before undergoing a period of storage in Denver and Shannon. At the time of delivery, the aircraft is approximately 6.1 years old, adding a relatively young and fuel-efficient narrowbody to Royal Air Maroc’s fleet.
Jambojet has taken delivery of a 14.8 years old Bombardier DHC-8-402 Dash 8 Q400, now registered 5Y-JXO, on 15 December 2025 following a multi-sector ferry flight from Kelowna (YLK) to Nairobi (NBO) via North America, Europe, and the Middle East. The aircraft is configured in 74-seat all-economy layout and powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada PW150A engines. Previously operated by Jazz Air on behalf of Air Canada Express since its original delivery in May 2011, the aircraft was withdrawn from service in June 2025 before entering storage ahead of its transfer to Jambojet.
LAM-Linhas Aéreas de Moçambique has officially taken delivery of two Embraer E190 jets, marking a significant milestone in the national carrier’s ongoing fleet modernisation and restructuring efforts. The aircraft arrived in Maputo on 13 December 2025, having previously been operated by KLM Cityhopper, and are intended to strengthen LAM’s regional network, improve service reliability, and increase flight frequencies on short? to medium?haul routes across southern Africa. With seating for around 100 passengers and good fuel efficiency, the E190s are well?suited to boosting connectivity between Mozambique and key neighbouring markets amid rising demand for intra?African travel, particularly for tourism and business purposes.
Nigeria’s largest airline, Air Peace Limited, has taken delivery of an Embraer E190 previously operated by Aeromexico, with the aircraft arriving in Lagos on 16 December 2025. The induction of the E190 adds a 100-seat-class regional jet to Air Peace’s fleet and is expected to support short- and medium-haul operations, particularly on domestic and regional routes where right-sizing capacity has become increasingly important. The delivery comes at a sensitive point for the airline, following recent fleet adjustments triggered by the return of several leased Airbus A320 aircraft, which temporarily reduced narrowbody capacity.
Aviation Infrastructure, Financing & Profitability.
Angola’s government has awarded a 20-year concession to a consortium led by Corporación América Airports (CAAP) to operate and develop the USD 3 billion António Agostinho Neto International Airport, in partnership with Portuguese construction firm Mota-Engil. Located about 25 miles southeast of Luanda, the new airport is gradually replacing the centrally located Quatro de Fevereiro Airport as the country’s main international gateway. Following a phased opening that began with cargo operations in late 2023, TAAG-Linhas Aereas de Angola transferred its international services to the new facility in October 2025 and had earlier moved domestic flights in November 2024. The airport’s first phase comprises a single passenger terminal with a capacity of 15 million passengers annually, a cargo terminal capable of handling 130,000 metric tons per year, and two runways, one of which is currently operational, positioning the airport as a key pillar of Angola’s long-term aviation and logistics strategy.
The Government of Cameroon, Aéroports du Cameroun (ADC S.A.), and the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) have signed a financing agreement to renovate the passenger terminal at Douala International Airport, launching the Passenger Terminal Renovation Project (RAP-AID). The FCFA95 billion (?USD 162 million) project, combining an AFD loan of FCFA38.3 billion (?USD 65 million), ADC S.A. contributions of FCFA36.7 billion (?USD 63 million), and FCFA20 billion (?USD 34 million) from the state, will support terminal rehabilitation, capacity expansion, modernised equipment, and improved accessibility. Targeting compliance with IATA “C” standards, ICAO, and CEMAC requirements, the upgraded terminal will accommodate up to 1.5 million passengers annually, enhance passenger experience, and strengthen Douala’s role as Cameroon’s main air gateway.
Ethiopia has secured $4.8 billion in pledges towards the $12.5 billion Bishoftu International Airport, planned 40 km south of Addis Ababa, which will become Africa’s largest airport and a major passenger and cargo hub, reinforcing Ethiopian Airlines’ continental leadership. Funding commitments were catalyzed during presentations at the 8th Africa Investment Forum in Rabat (26–29 November 2025) and include $3.2 billion in equity from Ethiopian Airlines, $500 million in debt from the African Development Bank Group (AfDB), and $500 million from a Chinese bank. The project will use innovative blended financing and securitization, packaging future revenues from passenger fees and cargo handling to attract private investment, with guarantees from AfDB and other multilaterals reducing risk. Phase I, valued at $12.5 billion, is designed to accommodate 60 million passengers annually, eventually scaling to 110 million passengers, alongside extensive cargo facilities and an integrated airport-city development featuring logistics centers, hotels, retail, and direct rail and expressway links to Addis Ababa.
Guinea has entered into a memorandum of understanding with Turkey’s Albayrak Group to advance the financing and implementation of the second phase of the expansion and modernisation of Ahmed Sékou Touré International Airport in Conakry. The agreement establishes a cooperation framework designed to mobilise private capital and accelerate project execution under a public–private partnership (PPP) model, covering both infrastructure development and potential operational enhancements. This second phase is expected to build on earlier upgrades by expanding terminal capacity, improving airside and landside facilities, and strengthening safety, security, and service quality standards.
Morocco’s construction firms SGTM and TGCC have won a $1.29 billion contract to build a new terminal at Casablanca’s Mohammed V Airport, with completion expected by 2029. The H-shaped terminal will span 600,000 square meters, initially handling 20 million passengers annually, expandable to 30 million, and will feature a central processor, two jetties, automated baggage systems, and optimized passenger flow. The project includes a new runway and control tower, with work planned over 40 months in nine phases. The consortium emerged as the sole bidder after a competitive international tender, marking a significant collaboration for SGTM and TGCC and reinforcing Morocco’s “Airports 2030” strategy to position Casablanca as a regional aviation hub while supporting economic and tourism growth.
Ethiopian Airlines has inaugurated a $16 million state-of-the-art premium lounge at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, enhancing its bid to rank among the world’s top ten carriers. Opened on Tuesday, the lounge targets business class passengers and Platinum and Silver frequent flyers, providing a modern, comfortable, and secure transit experience for international travelers. CEO Mesfin Tasew emphasized that the investment reflects the airline’s commitment to global excellence and infrastructure modernization, while Board Chairman Lt. Gen. Yilma Merdasa highlighted continued government support for Ethiopian Airlines’ leadership in African aviation.
Egypt has secured a $200 million investment from Qatari holding company Al Mana Holding to develop a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) facility in the Suez Canal Economic Zone at Ain Sokhna. The project, spread over a 100,000 m² site in the Integrated Sokhna Zone, will produce SAF from used cooking oil using hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) technology, alongside co-products BioPropane and BioNaphtha. The first phase is expected to yield approximately 200,000 tons annually, with Shell Global Aviation having a long-term offtake agreement for the entire output. Deliveries are planned to start by late 2027.
DHL Express has partnered with YANMU Logistics, a Hassan Allam Group subsidiary, to develop a new state-of-the-art service centre at the East Cairo Logistics Park, backed by a EUR 24 million investment. Scheduled to become DHL’s largest facility in Egypt, the hub will span 11,000 m² of built-up area (13,000 m² including service areas and parking) and is designed to meet TAPA A global safety and security standards. The expansion is expected to double DHL’s operational capacity, enabling a larger vehicle fleet, faster pick-up and delivery services, and supporting a 27% business volume increase target by 2035. DHL will also expand its customs clearance facility at Cairo International Airport and implement advanced systems and automation to improve shipment processing speed and efficiency.
On 17 December 2025, Ryanair – Europe’s Favourite Airline announced the opening of its fifth Moroccan base in Rabat, set to begin operations in April 2026 with two aircraft and a US$200 million investment. The base will operate 20 routes, including seven new international connections to destinations such as Milan Bergamo, Frankfurt Hahn, and Valencia, increasing Rabat’s Summer 2026 capacity by 45%. The investment is expected to create over 800 local jobs, including 60 for pilots and cabin crew, and forms part of Ryanair’s broader US$1.6 billion investment across 13 Moroccan airports, supporting more than 8,500 direct and indirect jobs. The launch strengthens low-fare connectivity, boosts tourism, and positions Rabat as a key destination ahead of Morocco co-hosting the 2030 World Cup.
Uganda’s civil aviation regulator has raised concern over approximately USD 44 million in outstanding public sector arrears owed to the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority, cautioning that continued non-payment by government entities — including the national carrier, Uganda Airlines — is limiting the Authority’s capacity to invest in airport infrastructure and air navigation services. The warning comes at a time of strong air traffic recovery and the implementation of major airport development projects across the country.
People/Appointments.
Kenya Airways has announced that CEO Allan Kilavuka has exited the airline and proceeded on terminal leave, shortly after issuing a profit warning. Captain George I. Kamal, the airline’s Chief Operating Officer since March 2023, has been appointed acting Group MD and CEO effective 16 December 2025, signaling the board’s preference for continuity during the transition. Kilavuka’s nearly six-year tenure was marked by crisis management, restructuring, and partial recovery, including aggressive cost-cutting, fleet rationalisation, route restructuring, and debt reprofiling, culminating in a pretax profit in 2024.
Royal Air Maroc has appointed Rita CHRAIBI as vice president of its cargo division to lead the airline’s commercial strategy through 2037, succeeding BERRADA Yassine. With nearly 20 years at RAM and extensive experience in senior roles, Chraibi is tasked with expanding the cargo network, enhancing service offerings, and prioritizing customer experience. Operating from its Casablanca hub, RAM’s cargo division serves 82 destinations via freighter aircraft and partner agreements, and Chraibi will focus on opening new routes and adapting commercial solutions to meet the needs of shippers across the airline’s markets.
VISA/Passports/Consulates/Travel.
The Trump administration has expanded the US travel restrictions to include 20 additional countries, with five African nations—Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan, and partially Angola, Benin, Ivory Coast, Gabon, Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe—affected. The full ban applies to Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan, and Syria, while partial restrictions target 15 others, mainly in Africa. These measures, effective January 1, 2026, affect both short-term visitors and prospective immigrants, though exemptions exist for existing visa holders, green card holders, diplomats, and individuals deemed in the US national interest. The administration cited concerns over corruption, unreliable civil documentation, and inadequate vetting systems in the affected countries as the rationale for the expansion, which significantly reduces US travel and migration options for citizens of several African states.
Rwanda has retained its position as the most visa-open country in Africa in 2025, according to the Africa Visa Openness Index (AVOI), a ranking it has held since 2023. The top spot in 2025 was shared with The Gambia, while Kenya came third and Benin fourth, after introducing new visa requirements for citizens of five countries. The AVOI, a joint initiative by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the African Union Commission, measures African countries’ visa policies to assess how easily citizens of other African nations can travel across the continent. In 2025, 20 countries adjusted their visa rules—11 improving their scores, nine reducing them, and 34 maintaining previous ratings. Overall, visa-free travel scenarios across Africa increased slightly from 803 in 2024 to 814 in 2025, covering 28.2% of intra-African travel scenarios, the highest level since the index began.
Angola has officially launched its new electronic passport, a 48-page biometric document embedded with a secure chip designed to store the holder’s biometric data and advanced security features in line with International Civil Aviation Organization standards. Unveiled at a ceremony in Luanda presided over by Interior Minister Manuel Homem, the e-passport incorporates fingerprinting, facial and iris capture, encryption, and automated verification systems, significantly reducing the risks of forgery and identity theft while enhancing migration control and international cooperation. Issuance has commenced at the Angolan Migration and Foreigners Service (SME) office on the Luanda waterfront as part of a broader modernisation programme, with a phased rollout planned across additional SME offices nationwide and diplomatic missions abroad.
Turkmenistan and São Tomé and Príncipe have officially established diplomatic relations, formalized through a protocol signed by Turkmenistan’s Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov and São Tomé and Príncipe’s Health Minister Celso Vaz do Nascimento Matos. The agreement was celebrated by both parties as a step toward strengthening friendly bilateral ties and enhancing cooperation between the two nations.
Awards, Recognition, Certifications & Milestones.
Ethiopian Cargo & Logistics Services has been recognised as a Major Logistics Partner in the development of the China–Belgium–Europe Logistics Bridge, an award presented at a ceremony in Guangzhou organised by the Belgian Government in coordination with the China Logistics Association. The recognition underscores Ethiopian Cargo’s growing strategic role in facilitating intercontinental trade flows between Asia and Europe, with Addis Ababa increasingly positioned as a key air logistics hub. Leveraging its expanding freighter fleet, extensive belly cargo capacity, and integrated logistics solutions, the airline has supported the efficient movement of e-commerce, pharmaceuticals, perishables, and other high-value goods, complementing traditional sea and rail corridors.
Lawsuits/Investigations.
The Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) has announced plans to investigate recent flight disruptions at Uganda Airlines, which have caused multiple cancellations and delays, frustrating passengers and drawing public scrutiny. UCAA Director General Fred Bamwesigye stated that while the issues do not currently pose a safety risk, investigations will determine the underlying causes and appropriate measures. The disruptions have largely been linked to technical challenges affecting the airline’s small fleet of seven aircraft, including an Airbus A330-800neo, with even the temporary grounding of one or two planes causing network-wide schedule changes. Uganda Airlines CEO Jenifer Bamuturaki has apologised to passengers, highlighted operational constraints such as airport slot restrictions (NOTAMs), and confirmed that long-haul services remain operational.
Aviation Accidents/Incidences.
On Tuesday, 16 December 2025, at approximately 20:00 local time, a Cessna 172 operated by Skypower Express and registered as 5N-ASR was involved in an incident during the landing phase at Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, Nigeria. The aircraft, operating a passenger flight from Kaduna International Airport to Port Harcourt, was reported to have made an emergency landing, during which it overturned on the runway. There were four occupants on board, all of whom survived without fatalities, and no injuries to persons on the ground were reported. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
On Friday, 19 December 2025, Berniq Airways flight NB463, operated with an Airbus A320-214 (registration 5A-BRE, MSN 4414, manufactured in 2010 with CFMI CFM56-5B4/P engines), experienced a takeoff incident at Tripoli-Mitiga International Airport (MJI/HLLM), Libya, while en route to Cairo International Airport (CAI/HECA). During the takeoff roll on runway 10, the aircraft suffered multiple bird strikes, prompting the crew to abort the takeoff. ADS-B data shows the aircraft reached a maximum ground speed of 156 knots. The incident caused minor damage to the nose radome, which was subsequently repaired. All 155 occupants on board survived, with no fatalities or injuries reported.
A chaotic incident occurred in the Democratic Republic of the Congo when passengers of an Air Congo Boeing 737-800, leased from Ethiopian Airlines, were reportedly encouraged to jump from the aircraft door at Kindu Airport due to the absence of air stairs. Videos show passengers lowering luggage before descending from the 3–4 metre height, with ground staff and police present but not intervening. Air Congo, launched in December 2024 and partly government-owned, faced criticism as this practice deviates from standard aviation safety procedures, though jumping from a depressurised, stationary 737 is not inherently life-threatening. Emergency slides, typically used for evacuation, were not deployed because they are single-use, costly to replace, and could significantly disrupt operations.
The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) has raised alarms over a 200% rise in fatal aviation accidents in the 2025/2026 financial year, despite the total number of accidents dropping to 43 from 131 the previous year. While only four fatal accidents occurred in 2024/2025, the current period has already seen a significant increase in deaths, prompting urgent investigations by SACAA’s Accidents and Investigations Division. The authority is accelerating safety interventions under the General Aviation Safety Strategy (GASS) 2025-2030, emphasizing disciplined decision-making, thorough flight planning, and regulatory compliance, particularly during the festive season when flight activity rises. Additional safety concerns stem from a shortage of air traffic controllers at Air Traffic Navigation Services (ATNS), exacerbated by international recruitment of South African ATCs, which limits capacity to manage the country’s extensive airspace covering Southern Africa and parts of the Southern Atlantic and Indian oceans.
Other Information.
Kenya Airways will establish a new operational base in Accra, Ghana, introducing three Embraer E190 aircraft to strengthen its regional connectivity and presence in West Africa. The move will position Accra as a key hub linking East and West Africa, tapping into the region’s growing demand for air travel driven by economic growth, tourism, and business activities. The fuel-efficient E190s will be ideal for shorter regional routes, supporting sustainability while ensuring passenger comfort. This expansion is expected to boost tourism, facilitate business travel, and enhance Accra’s competitiveness as a regional business center.
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has launched the ICAO-approved EMPIC Personnel Licensing and Medical Certification (PEL/MED) platform to modernize aviation licensing and medical certification, with full adoption set for April 2, 2026. The digital system is designed to drastically reduce processing times for pilots and other aviation personnel, enabling tasks that previously took weeks to be completed within hours. The EMPIC platform aligns with ICAO standards, enhancing regulatory efficiency, safety oversight, data integrity, and inspector management. During the transition, NCAA will finalize data migration, onboard stakeholders and aviation medical examiners, and ensure system stability. The platform will be supported by four biometric data centers in Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Kano, positioning Nigeria’s aviation industry for greater transparency, efficiency, and global competitiveness.
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