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…
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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…
The recent announcement from Royal Airways marks an important moment for Central Africa’s aviation landscape, as the Chadian carrier prepares to operate its first international service between N’Djamena and Douala. According to multiple industry updates, the route is scheduled to launch around mid‑September 2025, with several sources pointing specifically to 15 September as the planned start date. Though the exact inaugural day varies across preliminary reports, the consensus remains that the connection represents the airline’s first step beyond domestic skies.For years, traffic between Chad and Cameroon has been dominated by a…
The African aviation landscape is set for a transformative boost as Air Transat announces the launch of a groundbreaking nonstop service between Montreal and Dakar for the summer 2026 season. This new route, commencing on June 17, 2026, will be the only direct air link connecting Canada with Sub-Saharan Africa, a development that promises to reshape travel and business opportunities for both regions.Operating twice weekly through October 21, the Montreal-Dakar flights will utilize the advanced Airbus A321LR, renowned for its fuel efficiency and long-range capabilities. This 3,897-mile journey is designed to serve…
The world of wine tourism is undergoing a profound transformation, fueled by the rapid advancement of digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI). For African destinations and businesses, especially those rooted in the continent’s burgeoning wine regions, this shift presents a unique moment to innovate, expand market reach, and redefine visitor experiences in ways never before possible.Globally, wine tourism is no longer confined to traditional vineyard visits and tastings. Cutting-edge technologies such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are creating immersive, interactive experiences that captivate visitors both on-site and remotely. Imagine…