A new chapter is unfolding for Central African air connectivity as Royal Airways Tchad, a private airline based in N’Djamena, prepares to inaugurate its first international service. Starting from September 15, 2025, Royal Airways will begin scheduled flights between N’Djamena (Chad) and Douala (Cameroon), operating the route three times each week. This move promises to shake up regional competition by ending the longstanding duopoly held by CAMAIR-CO and ASKY Airlines on this crucial corridor.The launch of this new service marks a significant milestone for both Chad’s aviation sector and the broader …
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CAMAIR-CO, Cameroon’s national airline, has taken decisive action to stabilize its operations by integrating a Boeing 737-300 into its fleet through a wet-lease agreement with Nigeria’s NG Eagle. This strategic move comes at a time when the majority of CAMAIR-CO’s own aircraft remain grounded, underscoring the airline’s ongoing reliance on external partners to maintain scheduled services across its domestic and regional network.The newly leased Boeing 737-300, a 28-year-old workhorse of the skies, recently underwent a comprehensive C-check maintenance in Lagos before entering commercial service with CAMAIR-CO. This level of maintenance ensures…
The Dubai-based Emirates Airlines is actively pursuing a groundbreaking new route to Libreville, following strategic discussions with Gabon’s National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) on August 7. This potential service would position the Gulf carrier as the first airline to provide direct connectivity between Gabon and both the Middle East and Asia, fundamentally reshaping Central Africa’s aviation landscape and creating unprecedented opportunities for regional travel professionals.Emirates’ interest in Gabon represents a calculated expansion into one of Africa’s most underserved aviation markets. Currently operating 161 weekly flights to 22 African destinations, the carrier has…
Sports tourism is booming, and Africa is poised to cash in. This dynamic sector, encompassing active participation, event attendance, and nostalgia-driven travel, is projected to reach a staggering USD 2 trillion globally by 2030. For African travel agents, this presents a golden opportunity to diversify offerings and score big with sports-focused travel packages.Sports tourists are big spenders. In 2019, football tourists in the UK spent an average of USD 1,272 per visit, significantly more than other travelers. This high-spending trend translates into substantial economic benefits for host countries. Brazil’s…
Cameroon’s flag carrier, CAMAIR-CO, has adjusted its fleet strategy, transitioning from a 90-seat CRJ900 to a 50-seat CRJ200. This shift underscores the airline’s ongoing collaboration with South African leasing specialist, CemAir, which continues to supply both aircraft types.This strategic move comes as CAMAIR-CO navigates a period of fleet renewal and optimization. The airline recently concluded wet-lease agreements for a Boeing 737-700 with Smartwings and an Embraer E195 with Marathon Airlines. These changes reflect CAMAIR-CO’s dynamic approach to capacity management in response to market demands and operational considerations.Currently, two of CAMAIR-CO’s…
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is embarking on a transformative \$500 million modernization of Kinshasa-N’djili International Airport. This ambitious project, spearheaded by US firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) and INFRAROSE, is set to redefine air travel in the region, creating exciting new opportunities for African travel agents.Scheduled for completion in early 2028, the project aims to elevate the airport to international standards, significantly boosting its capacity and enhancing the overall passenger experience. This upgrade is not just a matter of aesthetics; it’s a strategic move to unlock the…
Air Senegal, the flag carrier of Senegal, has received a substantial \$28 million bailout from the Senegalese government. This injection of public funds, covering April to June 2025, aims to stabilize the airline amidst significant financial challenges. African travel agents should closely monitor the situation, as Air Senegal’s performance directly impacts regional connectivity and travel options.The airline has been grappling with substantial losses, reporting \$150 million in the red for 2022 and another \$96 million in 2023. With debts nearing \$200 million, this latest bailout is a critical lifeline. The Senegalese government’s commitment underscores…
New visa restrictions imposed by the UAE on Nigerian travelers have sent ripples of concern through the African travel industry. These changes, which include a ban on transit visas and tighter regulations for tourist visas, present significant challenges for travel agents specializing in UAE-bound travel from Nigeria.The updated regulations stipulate that Nigerian nationals between 18 and 45 years old are no longer eligible for tourist visas unless accompanied. This marks a significant shift from the previous policy, which was already considered restrictive. For those 45 and older, a six-month Nigerian…
ECAir’s successful relaunch of regional flights marks a significant milestone in Central Africa’s aviation landscape, offering exciting new opportunities for travel agents.Equatorial Congo Airlines (ECAir) has triumphantly returned to regional skies, re-establishing vital connections between Brazzaville and key Central African cities: Douala and Yaoundé in Cameroon, and Libreville in Gabon. This strategic expansion, strongly backed by the Congolese government, follows the airline’s successful domestic network revival in 2024. It underscores ECAir’s commitment to boosting regional integration, tourism, and economic exchange, aligning perfectly with the goals of the Economic Community…
Equatorial Congo Airlines (ECAir) is poised to shake up Central Africa’s aviation landscape with the relaunch of its regional network. Starting June 30, 2025, the airline will reconnect Brazzaville with key cities in Cameroon and Gabon, marking its return to international operations after an eight-year hiatus.This strategic move will see ECAir operating two weekly flights from its Brazzaville hub to Douala and Yaoundé in Cameroon, and Libreville in Gabon. This puts ECAir in direct competition with established players like Afrijet Business Service and Camair-Co, promising a more dynamic and competitive market for…