(Posted 25th March 2025)

Courtesy of Aero Trail Ltd and Mr. Alex Koech

Fahari Aviation, a subsidiary of Kenya Airways specializing in Future Aviation Technologies, including Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), hosted the inaugural (AAM) Symposium from March 18–19, 2025, in Nairobi, . This premier event aimed to unlock the transformative potential of Advanced Air Mobility and explore its diverse applications across the African continent.

Max Air Ltd has received clearance from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to resume domestic flights on March 21, 2025, following a comprehensive safety and economic audit. The airline had been suspended since January 2025 due to safety concerns related to its Boeing 737-400 fleet, including incidents of tire bursts and mechanical anomalies.

In , the Senegalese Air Force has stepped in to support domestic connectivity following operational challenges faced by Air Sénégal S.A. The military-operated flights aim to link key regions, particularly those underserved due to ongoing infrastructure developments and operational constraints. Air Sénégal, the national carrier, has been grappling with fleet limitations and reduced domestic service availability. The Air Force’s intervention serves as a temporary but vital measure to ensure continued connectivity within the country.

The and have signed a code-sharing agreement to facilitate direct flights between the two countries. Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, formalized the agreement with the Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Pasquale Salvaggio, marking a significant step toward strengthening air connectivity.

The European Union (EU) and have resumed negotiations to establish a horizontal air services agreement aimed at aligning existing bilateral air service agreements (BASAs) with EU law. Currently, flights between andnations are governed by individual BASAs, but a 2002 European Court of Justice ruling found certain nationality-based restrictions in these agreements non-compliant with EU regulations. A horizontal agreement would enable any EU-designated airline to operate flights between South Africa and any EU member state, fostering increased competition, regulatory consistency, and economic benefits such as enhanced trade and tourism.

Etihad Airways and Ethiopian Airlines have announced a joint venture to boost connectivity between Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Signed at Ethiopian Airlines’ headquarters in Addis Ababa, the agreement includes an extensive codeshare partnership, expanding travel options across both airlines’ networks. As part of the collaboration, the carriers will introduce new direct flights between Abu Dhabi and Addis Ababa.

EGYPTAIR Chairman Ahmed Adel has met with a British delegation in Cairo to explore opportunities for deeper collaboration in the aviation sector. Discussions focused on expanding EgyptAir’s fleet through commercial partnerships, financing solutions, and technological cooperation.

Cape Town officials are engaging with Air India Limited (AI) to establish direct flights between the South African city and Bengaluru (BLR), along with other major Indian metropolitan hubs. The initiative aims to enhance tourism, trade, and business ties between the two regions. Currently, Air India operates the only non-stop connection between and , with direct flights between Mumbai (BOM) and Johannesburg (JNB). South African Airways(SA) previously served this route but suspended operations due to financial challenges exacerbated by the pandemic.

’s low-cost carrier, SalamAir, has launched direct flights between Muscat and Nairobi, enhancing connectivity between the two nations. The inaugural flight landed at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) on March 17, 2025, and was welcomed by dignitaries. This marks SalamAir’s expansion into , providing the only direct air link between and and fostering trade, tourism, and investment between the two countries. The airline will operate four weekly flights on the route.

’s largest airline, IndiGo (InterGlobe Aviation Ltd), has launched direct flights between Mumbai and on March 22, 2025, strengthening connectivity between the two destinations. The new four-times-weekly service provides Indian travelers with greater access to the island nation, further boosting tourism and business ties.

Uganda Airlines is set to mark a major milestone with the launch of direct flights between Entebbe (EBB) and London Gatwick (LGW), beginning May 18, 2025. This will be the airline’s first European destination, re-establishing direct air links between and the for the first time in nearly a decade. The carrier will operate four weekly nonstop flights using its Airbus Aircraft A330-800neo.

Ethiopian Airlines (ET) has announced the introduction of a four-times-weekly passenger service between Addis Ababa (ADD) and Hanoi, (HAN), starting July 10, 2025. This marks Ethiopian’s second Vietnamese destination, complementing its cargo operations in Ho Chi Minh City (SGN), which began in 2016.

Ethiopian Airlines and Etihad Airways have announced reciprocal flights between Addis Ababa (ADD) and Abu Dhabi (AUH) as part of their broader joint venture. Ethiopian Airlines will commence services on July 15, 2025, while Etihad Airways will launch daily flights starting October 1, 2025. This expansion marks Abu Dhabi as Ethiopian Airlines’ 145th destination and Addis Ababa as Etihad’s 15th new route in 2025, further strengthening connectivity between Africa and the Middle East.

Gulf Air, the national carrier of , has announced the return of direct flights to Nairobi, with operations set to commence on June 2, 2025. This marks Gulf Air’s return to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) after more than a decade, having last served Nairobi in 2012. The airline will operate five weekly flights, including two services on Fridays, using the Airbus A320neo.

Qatar Airways has confirmed the resumption of direct flights between Doha and Kigali starting May 14, 2025. The airline previously operated this route with a stopover until December 2021. The relaunched service, operated four times weekly with an Airbus A320, is expected to reinforce ’s growing aviation hub. Qatar Airways maintains a strategic partnership with RwandAir Ltd, including a codeshare agreement signed in 2021.

Manchester Airport has announced that Ryanair – Europe’s Favourite Airline will introduce twice-weekly flights between Manchester and Rabat, starting March 30, 2025. This addition makes Rabat the fifth Moroccan city served by direct flights from northern .

Airlink is set to expand its network on March 30, 2025, with the introduction of three weekly night-time return flights between Johannesburg and Nairobi, along with additional flights to Lusaka, increasing its schedule from 13 to 21 weekly return flights. As the first private carrier to operate the Johannesburg-Nairobi route since 2023, Airlink continues to enhance regional connectivity, reinforcing its growing presence in Africa’s aviation market.

fastjet has announced a new scheduled flight service from Harare to Lusaka, , launching April 9, 2025. The new route will operate three times a week (Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays), with flights departing Harare at 6:00 AM, arriving in Lusaka at 6:55 AM, and returning at 7:25 AM. This marks Fastjet’s third regional route, complementing existing services to Johannesburg and Nelspruit, .

Tanzanian carrier Flightlink is launching daily direct flights to Nairobi from Serengeti, Arusha, and Zanzibar, starting June 15, 2025. The airline will operate flights to both Wilson Airport (WIL) and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), making Nairobi its second destination in Kenya after Mombasa.

Air Arabia Maroc is expanding its domestic network by introducing direct flights between Rabat and Essaouira, starting April 14, 2025. The route will operate twice weekly (Mondays and Fridays).

FLY ANGOLA has announced the resumption of flights to Lubango, set to begin on March 31, 2025, enhancing connectivity to , Benguela, Cabinda, and Luanda. The expanded network includes weekly Lubango-Windhoek flights departing on Monday mornings and returning on Fridays, three weekly Benguela-Windhoek flights, two of which continue to Luanda, as well as three weekly Cabinda-Lubango flights with a stopover in Luanda. Additionally, the airline will operate three weekly direct flights between Lubango and Luanda.

Ethiopian Airlines continues to strengthen its fleet with the addition of another Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft. The 2.7-year-old jet, registered as ET-BBC (previously N1782B), was delivered on March 21, 2025.

Meanwhile, Egyptian carrier Nesma Airlines has expanded its fleet with the acquisition of a 17.9-year-old Airbus A320, registered as SU-NMF. The aircraft, leased from Carlyle Aviation Partners, was ferried from Hong Kong Chek Lap Kok Airport to Cairo International Airport on March 19, 2025.

Trans Nation Airways (TNA), a private Ethiopian airline and a subsidiary of the Midroc Investment Group, has taken delivery of its first Cessna Caravan C208EX. The aircraft departed from Niagara Falls Airport on March 18, 2025, with the acquisition facilitated by Africair, Inc. Textron Aviation’s largest global distributor.

In a move to enhance urban air mobility, Kenya Airways (KQ), through its subsidiary Fahari Aviation, plans to acquire 20 flying taxis over the next three years to help ease traffic congestion in Nairobi. Fahari Aviation General Manager Hawkins Musili stated that the Electric Vertical Aircraft (EVA) fleet will be introduced for commercial use in Kenya, marking a significant step in revolutionizing urban transportation.

The Office National des Aéroports (ONDA) has officially announced the construction of a new terminal at Casablanca’s Mohammed V Airport. The ambitious project, estimated at MAD 15 billion ($1.5 billion), will feature a hub-style terminal designed to accommodate 20 million passengers annually upon completion in 2029. This major infrastructure development aligns with ’s “Airports 2030” strategy, which aims to position the country as a key global aviation hub.

The has unveiled plans to construct a new international airport as part of efforts to modernize the country’s aviation infrastructure. Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir made the announcement on March 18, 2025, during the signing of the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) Customer Service Charter in Nairobi. The decision follows growing concerns over JKIA’s outdated infrastructure and operational inefficiencies, despite being East Africa’s busiest aviation hub. While details on the new airport’s location, design, and timeline remain undisclosed, the government intends to secure funding through the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) balance sheet after the previously proposed Adani deal fell through.

The Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) is advancing its plans to repurpose Terminal 2 at Kotoka International Airport (KIA) to handle both domestic and international flights. The move aims to ease congestion at Terminal 3 while optimizing available infrastructure, reinforcing ’s goal of becoming West Africa’s premier aviation hub.

’s M184 million Moshoeshoe I International Airport refurbishment project has suffered another setback after a parliamentary committee recommended that the tendering process be restarted. The Economic and Development Cluster committee, in its review of the 2025/26 national budget, cited violations of the Public Procurement Act of 2023 in the original adjudication process. Further complicating matters, the Natural Resources Committee declined to approve an additional M108.5 million for the project, citing concerns over procurement irregularities and alleged corruption. The project had initially been allocated M50 million in the 2024/25 fiscal year, of which M18 million had been spent. However, Parliament has now blocked further funding, effectively stalling the project.

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has announced the temporary closure of Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport in Ibadan, Oyo State. The decision, outlined in a statement by FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Obiageli Orah, is part of the ’s initiative to upgrade Ibadan Airport from a domestic to an international hub. In compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) regulations, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency has closed the runway and suspended operations to facilitate the remodeling and expansion works.

Lufthansa Consulting has proposed a rescue plan for ’s struggling national carrier, Ceiba Intercontinental, which is grappling with financial challenges, a grounded fleet, and legal disputes. Catrin Drawer, Lufthansa Consulting’s Head of Marketing for Africa and the Indian Ocean, presented the plan to Vice President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mangue, outlining two possible solutions: restructuring Ceiba or establishing a new airline to take over its assets.

On March 19, 2025, a mutual visa exemption agreement between and officially took effect. Under the agreement, holders of national passports from both countries can travel visa-free for up to 30 days within every six-month period. This initiative, signed during the 79th United Nations General Assembly on September 26, 2024, is expected to strengthen tourism, business, and cultural ties between the two nations.

On March 17, announced the closure of its and the termination of all diplomatic engagements with . The move follows escalating tensions, with Kigali accusing Brussels of undermining ’s position and promoting a misleading narrative against the country. Despite the diplomatic fallout, has assured that Belgian travelers will not face any changes in entry requirements.

In another diplomatic development, the announced on Saturday that it is temporarily closing its due to worsening security conditions, as the country teeters on the brink of civil war. The German Foreign Office’s crisis team decided to shut down operations in the capital, Juba, emphasizing that the safety of embassy personnel remains the top priority.

The Office of the President of has announced the appointment of a new Board for the Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA). Mr. Wilfred Fock Tave has been re-appointed as Chairperson, while Mrs. Sherin Francis takes on the role of Vice-Chairperson. The other Board Members include Ms. Sophie Belle, Mr. Afzal Dias, Mr. Jules Sinon, LLM, PGDL, BSc, ACMI, Mr. Yannick Roucou, Mr. Gerard Sicobo, Ms. Amelie Nourrice, and Mr. Rhony Desaubin. Additionally, Mr. Garry Albert, the Chief Executive Officer, remains an ex-officio member.

On March 16, 2025, ‘s Transport Minister, Barbara Creecy, suspended Nozipho M., CEO of Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS), citing ongoing failures in air traffic management. Mdawe, who was appointed in April 2022, was removed following a damning expert report from December 2024, which highlighted severe staffing shortages, outdated navigation systems, and inadequate safety measures. These issues led to widespread flight delays, diversions, and cancellations, resulting in significant economic losses. In response, Minister Creecy has launched urgent reforms within ATNS to restore confidence and ensure compliance with international aviation standards.

South African Airways (SAA) workers have commenced a ‘work-to-rule’ industrial action starting Wednesday, March 19, 2025. This form of protest involves employees strictly adhering to official working rules and hours, effectively reducing operational efficiency and output. The action, also known as a go-slow, is a strategic move to pressure management during ongoing wage negotiations. It follows dissatisfaction from the SAA Pilots Association (SAAPA) and the National Transport Movement (NTM) Pilot Forum, who rejected the airline’s final wage offer.

Royal Air Maroc (RAM) has been named the best airline operating routes between and at the 30th Travelranking Awards, organized by Agenttravel magazine in Madrid. The award, presented on Thursday, recognizes RAM’s commitment to enhancing the customer experience and strengthening connectivity between the two markets. Voted by experts in ’s travel and tourism industry, this accolade further solidifies RAM’s position as a key player in African-European air travel.

Meanwhile, the Egyptian Holding Company for Airports and Air Navigation has honored a group of outstanding employees from the operations and coordination teams at Terminal 2 and Terminal 3. During the ceremony, Ishaq presented certificates of appreciation, commending their dedication and encouraging them to continue setting high performance standards within the company.

Nigeria’s Special Offences Court in Lagos is currently investigating allegations of financial misconduct involving Union Bank of Nigeria Plc, the state-owned Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), and Arik Air. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has filed charges against several individuals and entities, including former AMCON Managing Director Ahmed Kuru, former Arik Air Receiver Manager Kamilu Omokide, current Arik Air CEO Roy Ilegbodu, Union Bank Nigeria Plc, and Super Bravo Ltd. The case revolves around the alleged misappropriation of NGN76 billion (approximately USD49.5 million) and USD31.5 million belonging to Arik Air.

All five people aboard were killed after a DHC-5D Buffalo aircraft crashed approximately 24 kilometers southwest of Mogadishu, on Saturday, March 22, 2025. The aircraft, registered as 5Y-RBA and operated by Trident Aviation Ltd, was en route from Dhobley Airport (HCDB) to Aden Abdulle International Airport (HCMM) when it went down at approximately 5:43 p.m. local time (14:43Z), according to a statement from the Somali Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA).

On the same day, a Beechcraft G36 Bonanza sustained substantial damage following an apparent forced landing near Klein Karoo, Van Wyksdorp, , while en route from Mossel Bay Airport (MZY/FAMO). No injuries were reported.

Also on March 22, 2025, an Atlas Impala Mk I (MB.326M), registered as ZU-IMP, was destroyed after crashing and bursting into flames during the Saldanha Airshow at Saldanha Vredenburg Municipal Airport (FASD), Saldanha Bay, Western Cape, South Africa. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, perished in the accident.

On March 23, 2025, a Jabiru J430 suffered a failed landing at Vuwani Airstrip, Limpopo, South Africa. All three occupants sustained serious injuries, and the aircraft sustained substantial damage.

Earlier in the week, on March 19, 2025, an Algerian Air Force Sukhoi Su-30MKA crashed a few kilometers east of Timokten, north of Aoulef, Adrar, shortly after taking off from Reggane Air Base. One of the pilots, Lieutenant Colonel Bakkouch Nasr, perished, while the other ejected safely.

The Tanzanian government has allocated over 6 billion TSH for pilot training programs at the National Institute of Transport (NIT) after the institute met the accreditation requirements set by the TANZANIA CIVIL AVIATION AUTHORITY(TCAA) (TCAA). Additionally, more than 52 billion TSH has been invested to enhance training infrastructure, procure teaching equipment, and strengthen instructor capacity to align with advancements in science and technology.

On March 12, 2025, Aéroport International Ahmed Sékou Touré in Conakry, Guinea, achieved Level 1 certification in the Airport Carbon Accreditation program, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to reducing carbon emissions. Managed by SOGEAC, the airport is mapping its CO? footprint using the ACERT tool while implementing broader sustainability initiatives, including pollution reduction and biodiversity conservation.

Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport, Davis Chirchir, along with counterparts from the Ministries of Tourism, Interior & National Administration, presided over the signing of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport’s (JKIA) Service Delivery Charter. This initiative aims to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency at East Africa’s busiest international airport. The Charter establishes a collaborative framework among airport stakeholders to address critical service gaps, including poor coordination, inadequate infrastructure, and inconsistent service standards. With JKIA’s customer satisfaction rating at 3.78, below the African regional average of 3.96, the Charter outlines strategic improvements through better governance, resource allocation, and performance monitoring.

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