Equatorial Guinea is advancing plans to revitalise its national carrier Ceiba Intercontinental following strategic discussions between government officials and representatives from European aircraft manufacturer ATR. The Central African nation aims to finalise an order for new turboprop aircraft by mid-year as part of broader efforts to restore domestic connectivity and strengthen regional aviation presence.High-level meetings in Malabo have focused on the potential acquisition of four to five ATR 72-600 aircraft, the latest variant of the popular regional turboprop. These modern aircraft would replace ageing equipment and provide the reliability needed…
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West Africa’s aviation sector has reached an important milestone with the formalisation of a bilateral search and rescue agreement between Nigeria and Ghana. The partnership establishes a coordinated framework for responding to aircraft emergencies across the shared airspace of both nations, signalling a renewed commitment to regional safety standards.A senior Nigerian delegation travelled to Accra for the official signing ceremony, which brought together representatives from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority and the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority. The Nigerian contingent included officials from the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency alongside technical…
The International Air Transport Association has confirmed that its flagship continental gathering will return to the Ethiopian capital at the end of April, bringing together senior aviation leaders to chart the next phase of African air transport development. The 2026 edition of the IATA Focus Africa Conference is scheduled for 29 and 30 April, with Ethiopian Airlines once again serving as host for this landmark industry event.Organisers have selected the theme Elevating Aviation Safety, Connectivity, and Operational Efficiency in Africa to guide discussions across two days of intensive programming. This focus reflects the…
The Central African Republic (CAR) is poised to experience a significant reduction in international air access following Air France’s decision to discontinue its direct Paris–Bangui service from February 2026. This move will sever the country’s only nonstop air connection to Europe, posing fresh challenges for business, tourism, and diplomatic exchanges between CAR and the broader international community. Currently, the Paris–Bangui route operates just once a week, reflecting the fragile nature of CAR’s international air links. With its termination, travelers will be required to make connections via Yaoundé, Cameroon, utilizing services provided by a…
The upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup is poised to be a milestone moment not only for African football but also for the continent’s positioning within the global tourism arena. For the first time, Africa will be represented by a minimum of nine national teams—including Morocco, Ghana, South Africa, Cape Verde, Senegal, Egypt, Côte d’Ivoire, Algeria, and Tunisia—with the potential for a tenth entrant from a playoff group featuring the likes of Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. This unprecedented level of representation offers Africa a rare platform…
This month marks a new chapter in culinary innovation for Brussels Airlines as the carrier introduces meals inspired by its extensive sub-Saharan African network on all long-haul flights departing Africa for Brussels. The initiative underscores the airline’s reputation as the Africa specialist within the Lufthansa Group, connecting travelers from no fewer than 18 destinations across the region to Europe and beyond.For the African travel sector, this move signals a growing recognition of the region’s rich culinary heritage and its potential to elevate the passenger experience. By infusing the inflight menu with…
Nigerian carrier Ibom Air is set to make a significant leap in its regional strategy by adding two or three new Central African destinations in 2025. This move builds on its current network, which includes six domestic Nigerian cities and its sole existing intra-African route between Lagos and Accra. The expansion is part of a broader ambition to position Ibom Air as a key player in connecting West and Central Africa, offering new opportunities for trade, tourism, and business travel across the continent. Ibom Air, owned by the Akwa Ibom State government,…
The aviation sector across Africa and the Middle East is facing a mounting crisis as airline funds totaling \$1.2 billion remain trapped under government controls as of the end of October 2025. This staggering figure, released by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), underscores the persistent challenge of currency repatriation for airlines operating in these regions. Notably, 93% of these blocked funds are concentrated in Africa and the Middle East, a situation that is increasingly threatening the financial stability and operational continuity of carriers serving these markets.While there has been a modest improvement—USD…
South Africa’s CemAir is accelerating its regional ambitions with the addition of another CRJ900 to its growing fleet, freshly delivered from the United States. The new arrival raises the number of these versatile regional jets operated by CemAir to nine, reinforcing the airline’s capacity to serve both its scheduled routes and a wide array of charter, leasing, and ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) contracts across Africa.This strategic fleet expansion comes at a time when African carriers are seeking flexible solutions to meet fluctuating demand and to support partners …
The reinstatement of the Malabo–Douala connection by Ceiba Intercontinental is injecting fresh momentum into Central Africa’s aviation landscape. The airline’s return to Cameroon on 21 November 2025, after a two‑year pause, instantly restores one of the region’s most strategically important short‑haul corridors. For African aviation and tourism professionals, this move does more than reintroduce a missing route: it signals renewed confidence in regional traffic flows, commercial viability and the long‑term relevance of cross‑border mobility across the Gulf of Guinea.The significance of this relaunch reaches far beyond its operational simplicity. The…