Costly and cumbersome intracontinental flights have led to a disconnect between countries that share so much. Why is it so circuitous, expensive, time-consuming, and exhausting to travel within Africa?

Africa’s aviation challenges

Here are some of the routes that are available for travel within Africa. Buckle up. The shortest option from Johannesburg to Dakar is 14 and a half hours over two stops through Gabon and Togo. If you would prefer fewer stops, you have the option of leaving Africa altogether – flying to Istanbul and returning to the continent, which takes a “quick” 26 hours and five minutes. Port Sudan to Kampala, a mere 1,860 miles away, is a nine-hour flight via Addis Ababa. And if you want to hop over from sub-Saharan Africa to north Africa, you are likely to end up in Paris or Amsterdam, which I have done, and felt that sailing around the Cape of Good Hope might have made more sense. And cost less. The minimum you’ll pay for such trips is US $1,000 return.

Few carriers – and no cheap ones

Part of the problem is that there are only a few large airlines on the continent. Kenya Airways, Ethiopian Airlines and EgyptAir dominate Africa, and travellers are subject to those carriers’ regional concentration, decisions on which direct routes to service, and the prices they can set, given the lack of competition.

The result is that European airlines such as KLM, Air France and Turkish Airlines mop up the rest of the journeys, and therefore hurl travellers out of the continent to their connecting hubs. I asked a Kenyan aviation expert why it was so hard for African airlines to expand their coverage, and he said: “Every plane isn’t just a plane. It’s insurance, it’s parts, it’s maintenance.” The bar is very high for an additional route. And so while it would be great to pop over from Nairobi to N’Djamena, there just isn’t enough traffic to justify the cost.

There might be, if the prices were lower. Air travel remains a huge luxury in Africa, and there are no low-cost regional equivalents to budget carriers such as easyJet and Ryanair, as a result of everything from lack of demand to the high capital required to establish a new airline. However, there is a chicken-and-egg element here: pan-African travel for leisure is considered prohibitively costly and cumbersome, and so the infrastructure required to support it, as well as domestic tourism markets, are discouraged.

https://cdn.optoutadvertising.com/script/sf/r.html There is another reason that raises a deeper question about how high the barriers are between countries that often share borders, languages and even tribal and ethnic relations.

The visa problem

It is an enduring travesty that in most parts of Africa, it is easier to gain entry if you have a western passport than an African one. My travel within the continent opened up vastly after I received a British passport, and it always feels like an uncomfortable colonial throwback to produce it for admission, rather than my Sudanese one. There are strong regional groupings, such as the Economic Community of West African States, and Kenya has recently declared that it will soon allow visa-free travel for all Africans – a bold announcement that has no launch date.

Other barriers linger, and some are getting higher. A historic free travel treaty between Sudan and Egypt was scrapped after the start of the war in Sudan to stanch the flow of refugees. This year, the African Union called for an acceleration of visa-free movement to boost regional integration, and officials blamed enduring travel restrictions for not only the blocking of the goal of a united Africa but also for hampering growth and development. Part of that slow growth is the stagnation of the aviation industry. Free movement, said the vice-president for regional development, “must be the backbone of our integration”.

Air Afrique: Could the glamorous past be a model for the future?

There was once a pan-African airline whose posters I recall being a part of the iconography of travel on the continent: Air Afrique. Established in 1961 by a collective of West African Francophone countries and two French airlines, Air Afrique flew to 56 destinations, 35 of which were in Africa. As a marker of how much travel is crucial to fostering connections, it became more than just an airline and developed into a cultural powerhouse, sponsoring film festivals and establishing style standards (in a nod to this years after the airline closed, a Parisian art collective created an Air Afrique installation at men’s fashion week in 2022).

After dominating African travel for four decades, Air Afrique succumbed to bankruptcy in 2002 as a result of mismanagement and the challenges of the aviation industry after 9/11. And there is a lesson there on how economic and political shocks, such as recessions and pandemics, are hard to manage, even by the most established players. It is understandable why airlines and policymakers may choose to be conservative.

But the case for increased African and African diaspora travel routes is becoming ever more persuasive. Three years ago, Kenya announced that it would be partnering with South Africa to launch a new pan-African carrier. And Nigeria is in talks to launch direct flights to Jamaica and Barbados.

There is clearly much infrastructure, investment and liberation of visa regimes needed to turn these ambitions into reality. But there is now such a vast disconnect between the growing cultural and political links between many countries that share so much, that the business case for extending them through air travel should eventually become obvious. And just think of the airline stewards’ uniforms.

Source: The Guardian

Kenya Airways is gearing up to expand its UK travel footprint with the launch of a new thrice-weekly service between Nairobi and London Gatwick this July. To ensure seamless and reliable operations on the new route, the airline is implementing a comprehensive maintenance strategy that includes appointing a certified line maintenance provider at Gatwick, enhancing spare parts access through OEM partnerships, and reinforcing its 787 fleet readiness with predictive maintenance and contingency support. This strategic overhaul reflects Kenya Airways’ commitment to operational excellence as it strengthens its role in Africa–Europe travel connectivity.

Kenya Airways Expands UK Travel Reach with London Gatwick Launch and Strengthened Maintenance Strategy

Kenya Airways is set to broaden its presence in the UK with the launch of a new thrice-weekly route connecting Nairobi to London Gatwick, starting July. This new addition complements the airline’s current daily service to London Heathrow, and forms a key part of Kenya Airways’ strategic effort to deepen its transcontinental footprint, enhance travel connectivity, and ensure consistent service quality for passengers traveling between East Africa and the United Kingdom.

However, this route expansion is not simply about increasing flight frequency or adding a new airport. Kenya Airways is pairing this move with a comprehensive revamp of its technical and maintenance operations to ensure smooth and uninterrupted services on the new route. As part of the rollout plan, the airline is in the final phase of selecting a certified line maintenance partner based at London Gatwick Airport. This provider will be responsible for essential technical oversight and aircraft servicing at Gatwick, offering local support in compliance with Kenya Airways’ high technical standards.

According to the airline, the selection criteria for the Gatwick maintenance provider have been rigorous. Kenya Airways is prioritizing technical partners who demonstrate rapid responsiveness, can easily integrate with its centralized maintenance control center in Nairobi, and who adhere to the airline’s robust engineering and safety protocols. The goal is to ensure that aircraft operating on the new route remain flight-ready with minimal ground time and zero compromise on safety.

To reinforce the backbone of its operations, Kenya Airways is also pursuing strategic partnerships with global third-party maintenance organizations and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). These collaborations will be key in improving access to critical spare parts, minimizing repair turnaround times, and maintaining aircraft readiness for both planned and unplanned scenarios.

In particular, the airline is considering implementing power-by-the-hour (PBH) arrangements with OEMs. These agreements allow Kenya Airways to manage component costs on a usage basis, bringing both cost predictability and reliability. PBH models also give the airline faster access to serviceable parts, which is particularly vital given the current strain in global supply chains affecting the aviation industry. While specific contractual details remain confidential, airline insiders confirm that Kenya Airways already maintains productive relationships with numerous international suppliers and aviation solution providers.

Despite expanding into the UK market, Kenya Airways does not plan to outsource major scheduled maintenance operations such as A checks in Britain. These services will continue to be handled in-house, leveraging the airline’s existing technical capabilities in Nairobi. However, the carrier has wisely arranged contingency support agreements with UK-based maintenance operators. These deals are designed to provide technical coverage in the event of unexpected issues, ensuring that Gatwick operations remain smooth under all circumstances.

Reports in recent months have raised questions about technical challenges affecting Kenya Airways’ fleet of Boeing 787 Dreamliners—issues believed to stem from global component shortages and bottlenecks in the aircraft maintenance supply chain. In response, the airline has significantly stepped up its proactive maintenance initiatives. This includes deploying advanced predictive maintenance tools to monitor aircraft systems in real time, anticipate failures before they occur, and reduce unscheduled downtime.

Additionally, Kenya Airways has adopted a forward-looking spare parts planning strategy, focused on building stockpiles of critical components and working closely with OEMs to forecast future needs. The airline’s leadership is committed to resolving fleet reliability issues and has signaled that these initiatives are already producing tangible improvements in operational consistency.

The Nairobi–London Gatwick launch is a calculated move, timed to meet growing demand for Africa–UK travel while maximizing Kenya Airways’ existing strengths. Gatwick’s accessibility and lower congestion compared to Heathrow make it an attractive gateway for passengers seeking faster, smoother travel between the UK and East Africa. The route will also support Kenya Airways’ broader ambitions of positioning Nairobi as a central African aviation hub, offering enhanced connectivity across its network spanning Europe, Asia, and the African continent.

With travel demand rebounding and international route competition intensifying, the ability to offer not just more destinations but also dependable service is increasingly critical. Kenya Airways’ investment in technical resilience reflects this shift. By shoring up its maintenance ecosystem alongside route expansion, the airline is demonstrating a clear intent: to deliver reliability, safety, and efficiency on par with the world’s leading carriers.

The airline’s London Gatwick launch also reinforces its long-term vision of becoming a leading carrier for intercontinental travel. It aims to leverage strong bilateral ties between Kenya and the United Kingdom, grow business and leisure travel markets, and offer passengers more choice and flexibility when flying between the two regions.

Kenya Airways is expanding its UK travel network with a new Nairobi–London Gatwick route, backed by a strategic maintenance overhaul to ensure safe, reliable operations. The airline is securing technical partners, spare parts access, and predictive systems to support its growing 787 fleet.

In essence, this route is not just a geographic addition—it is a statement of operational strength and service reliability. As Kenya Airways prepares for takeoff to Gatwick, its behind-the-scenes technical readiness sets the tone for what travelers can expect: a seamless, safe, and well-supported journey from Nairobi to London and beyond.

Source: TravelandtourWorld

Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, will launch a daily non-stop service between Dubai and Hangzhou from 30 July*. The airline’s latest expansion into Hangzhou makes the city its fifth gateway into the Chinese mainland after Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai, and Shenzhen.

The new service will operate with a three-class Boeing 777-300ER, with a total capacity of 2,478 weekly seats. Emirate’s flight EK310 will depart Dubai at 0940hrs and arrive in Hangzhou at 2200hrs. The return flight, EK311, will depart Hangzhou at 0010hrs, landing in Dubai at 04:55hrs.**

The new flights are optimally timed to connect travellers to 38 destinations in Europe, 22 in Africa, 11 in the Middle East as well as Brazil and Argentina, offering convenient two-way connections to key cities including ​Istanbul, Barcelona, Cairo and Johannesburg.

Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, commented on the airline’s latest expansion into the Chinese mainland: “Launching a new Dubai-Hangzhou route marks a pivotal moment in our operations in the Chinese mainland and broader East Asia region. As an emerging global hub for innovation, e-commerce and advanced manufacturing, Hangzhou will open doors to new opportunities for our passenger and cargo operations, further strengthening the vital economic and technological exchanges between the Middle East and China.”

He added: “The addition of a fifth gateway in our Chinese mainland network will not only enhance connectivity for travellers but also offer businesses efficient access to and from key East Asian markets. This expansion is part of our global growth strategy and positions Emirates as the preferred airline when linking the world to the Chinese mainland’s thriving economic corridors and beyond. We extend our gratitude to the local authorities for their valuable support of this strategic new route and look forward to collaborating closely towards our shared goals of enhanced global connectivity.”

A rising tech powerhouse

The capital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, is rapidly growing to become a global hub for innovation, e-commerce, and technological advancements. Home to Alibaba Group, the city is a driving force in China’s digital economy, with cross-border e-commerce exports projected to exceed AED 70 billion (140 billion Chinese yuan) by 2026. Its blend of historical heritage —including the UNESCO-listed West Lake, Leifeng Pagoda, the Imperial Street of the Southern Song Dynasty, and the Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City— as well as thriving tech industry will offer unique and diverse opportunities for Emirates’ travellers to visit and explore the city.

By embracing artificial intelligence, big data, and cloud computing, Hangzhou attracts numerous tech start-ups and innovation centres from all over the world. In 2024, the revenue generated by the city’s core digital economy industries exceeded AED 1 trillion (2 trillion Chinese yuan), accounting for 28.8% of the city’s GDP and highlighting the central role it plays in driving local economic growth.

Serving passengers and cargo

Emirates’ Boeing 777-300ER will offer travellers 8 First Class suites, 42 angle-flat Business Class seats and 304 ergonomically designed Economy Class seats. Travellers flying with Emirates to Hangzhou will also enjoy the airline’s award-winning inflight entertainment system ice, offering over 6,500 channels of on-demand entertainment in more than 40 languages including Chinese, as well as regionally inspired cuisine including popular Chinese dishes and desserts.

With its extensive network and state-of-the-art facilities, Emirates SkyCargo will further strengthen economic and trade ties between China and the UAE, while reinforcing Hangzhou’s role as a major cargo hub and cross-border e-commerce gateway.

Emirates SkyCargo will leverage the new Hangzhou route to enhance its cargo footprint across East Asia, meeting rising demand for reliable air freight solutions. The service will also reduce transit times, enabling faster, more efficient movement of high-value and time-sensitive goods, including electronics, e-commerce products, pharmaceuticals, and perishables between the Chinese market and key regions including Africa, Latin America, and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

From 30 July, Emirates will operate 49 weekly flights to the Chinese mainland, including double daily services to Beijing and Shanghai, daily flights to Guangzhou and Shenzhen, and the new daily service to Hangzhou. The airline’s continued expansion into the Chinese mainland reflects the deepening UAE-China bilateral ties and underscores Emirates’ longstanding commitment to advancing the objectives of the Belt and Road Initiative. Serving as a vital link between China and emerging markets across Africa, the Middle East, and South America via Dubai, Emirates is well-positioned to seamlessly connect tech professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors from these high-growth regions to Hangzhou – a dynamic centre of technology and innovation.

Source: FTNNews

Last month’s International Luxury Travel Marketplace (ILTM), held at The Norval Foundation in Cape Town, South Africa, provided many insights on the continent’s bevy of options for luxury travel experiences.

Joyce Oladeinde, Co-Founder, Crescendo Digital, spoke to attendees about how Africa is so often misunderstood by the rest of the world and treated as a single entity. However, she noted that it’s the second largest continent in the world and also the most linguistically diverse, with more than 2,000 languages—not to mention being the birthplace of humanity and having the youngest population in the world, with an average age of 19 years old.

“One of the biggest misconceptions when it comes to travel marketing is treating Africa as one place and one destination,” she said. “I want to change that mindset and emphasize that Africa is 54 countries, each with its own cultures, languages, and landscapes. We need to move beyond the one-size-fits-all strategy and instead highlight both the rich diversity and beauty of pan-African and cross-border experiences.”

As examples, she noted that Mauritius in East Africa is home to an underwater waterfall. The Seychelles boast the second-best beach in the world and are a stunning destination for honeymooners and luxury travelers. And while Africa is thought of as a hot weather destination, travelers can visit ski resorts in Morocco and Lesotho.

Megan De Jager, the Portfolio Director for Africa Travel Week and ILTM, said that in the past, luxury travel on the continent was all about high-end lodges, whereas now we’re starting to see a much bigger trend towards experiences.

“People want to go in and they want to experience the local culture,” De Jager said. “And if you’re looking at art, which is a tourism sector that’s grown, visitors don’t simply want to come and walk into a gallery. They want to meet with the artists. They want to see the crafters. Some of our hotels have significant art on the walls, where they do gallery tours—it’s no longer walking into a hotel and thinking, ‘Oh, it’s really pretty.’ Gastronomy always remains important here. Wine tourism is something that we’ve seen pick up. And we’re also seeing bursts of travel, with people coming for shorter trips, but they’re packing a lot in.”

De Jager noted that another important trend is ethical and sustainable travel. DMOs and tourism companies here are looking at inclusivity in the communities and asking, “How are we offsetting carbon footprints?” The other big change she sees is a shift toward focusing on regions of Africa for inbound luxury tourists, instead of individual countries. “For example, East Africa is marketing itself as one block. So, on one trip, you may tour through Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, and then come through to South Africa,” she said. 

Something for everyone

“For traveler advisors, selling Africa presents an incredible opportunity, from high-value bookings to repeat business, and contributing to the conservation and community development of each local community in individual countries,” Oladeinde said. “For example, you can experience world class resorts and boutiques in East Africa; there are so many beautiful islands, which are great for wellness seekers or luxury private retreats. And for cultural explorers, who really want to experience the heritage of different countries, there’s so much Africa has to offer.”

Different parts of the continent offer very unique experiences, such as:

• In North Africa, visitors find a region where the lands of ancient civilizations meet the Sahara. This area is known for an abundance of UNESCO World Heritage Sites across Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. There are also world-class beach resorts on the Mediterranean Ocean and the Red Sea. Visits can include everything from camel treks to luxury camp resorts.

• West Africa, which is often overlooked, you’ll find strong tradition and culture. There’s much to explore, including myriad festivals. Nigeria is home to the heart of Afrobeat music, and features many music, film, and book festivals. For a lot of the African diaspora travelers from America, visiting the historical Atlantic slave trade sites are an opportunity to connect with their roots and learn more about the culture. There’s even plenty of water activities in lesser-known places like São Tomé and Príncipe, an island nation off the coast of Gabon.

• East Africa, perhaps most famous for the Great Migration, which you can experience across Tanzania and Kenya, is the largest movement of mammals in the world. It’s also a great place to experience the culture of some of the nomad tribes and immerse yourself into , and you get to learn a lot more and reimburse yourself into their way of life. This is also really great destination for gastronomy, especially in Kenya, Zambia, and Tanzania. Plus, Tanzania’s “spice island” of Zanzibar is famed for producing and exporting spices such as cumin, nutmeg, and cinnamon.

• Southern Africa has an abundance of wildlife safari parks, such as Kruger National Park, and visitors can also marvel at Victoria Falls in Zambia, which is one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Here, they can indulge in wine and gastronomic experiences. The country of South Africa itself is one of the top wine destinations in the world; here, you can unwind and experience local specialties like Pinotage, along with luxury lodges designed for wellness experiences.

Source: Travelpulse

The Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) has commenced a crucial season of board elections across its membership categories, ahead of the much-anticipated KATA Annual General Meeting and Convention set to take place from 26th to 28th June 2025 at PrideInn Paradise Beach Resort, Mombasa.

As part of the lead-up to the national elections, the Association successfully conducted two director elections this past week:

• On 14th May 2025, Allied Members elected their board representative during a meeting held at Trademark Suites, Enaki Town, Nairobi, re-electing Grace Ndungu for another term.

• On 15th May 2025, the Coastal Region Liaison Board election was held at Voyager Beach Resort, Mombasa, where Patrick Maina Kamanga was also re-elected as the regional director.

Both directors expressed gratitude for the renewed trust placed in their leadership. “I am deeply thankful for the support and confidence shown once again,” said Ms. Ndungu. “I will continue advocating for our growth as Allied members and encourage everyone to embrace progress, especially by upgrading to IATA Go-Lite status. “Mr Kamanga echoed a message of unity and regional strength, emphasizing the need for continuous engagement to address unique coastal travel business challenges.

Delivering an industry update during the Mombasa election, KATA Vice Chairman Hamisi Hassan applauded the vibrant turnout and called on members to remain united. “This association’s strength lies in our cohesion,” he said. “Stronger leadership across regions and categories positions us for a better business environment and long-term industry growth.”

Upcoming Election Highlights

• The Go-Lite Members’ Election will take place on Tuesday, 20th May 2025, from 9:00 AM, at Trademark Suites, Enaki Town, Nairobi.
• The final and most comprehensive election will be held during the KATA AGM and Convention in June, where members will vote in the Chairman, Vice Chairman, and other key board leadership positions.

These elections are more than procedural as they aim to usher in a leadership team that will push the Association and the travel industry forward, guiding strategy, advocacy, and member support into the next phase of growth.

Lomé, Togo – May 10,2025 – In a momentous ceremony held under the esteemed patronage of His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene, Chairman Gervais Koffi DJONDO founder of ECOBANK & ASKY was honored with the prestigious Lifetime Africa Achievement Prize – GLOBAL BANKING AND AVIATION EXCELLENCE IN AFRICA 2025 by the Millennium Excellence Foundation. This accolade recognizes his exceptional contributions to the advancement of Africa and his unwavering commitment to sustainable development across the continent.

The event, which took place at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, brought together distinguished leaders, dignitaries, and luminaries from various sectors, all gathered to celebrate the remarkable achievements of individuals who have made significant impacts in their communities and beyond. In his acceptance speech, Chairman DJONDO expressed profound gratitude for the recognition, stating, “This award is not just a personal honor; it is a testament to the collective efforts of all those who have worked tirelessly to uplift ECOBANK & ASKY and foster sustainable development in Africa. Together, we can continue to build a brighter future for our continent.” Chairman DJONDO emphasized the importance of collaboration and innovation in addressing the challenges faced by Africa today. He called upon leaders, entrepreneurs, and youth to unite in their efforts to harness the continent’s vast potential. “We must invest in our people, our resources, and our ideas. The future of Africa depends on our ability to work together and support one another,” he urged.

The Millennium Excellence Foundation, known for its commitment to promoting excellence and innovation in Africa, has been instrumental in honoring individuals who have made substantial contributions to the continent’s development. The 25th Lifetime Africa Achievement Prize is awarded to those whose work has had a lasting impact on the lives of others. ASKY congratulates its Chairman on this prestigious award, which underlines the airline’s commitment to serving as a tool for sub-regional and Pan-African integration.

India’s leading airline, IndiGo, has reached an agreement with travel technology leader Amadeus to provide travel sellers around the world with access to the airline’s NDC content via the Amadeus Travel Platform.

IndiGo has decided to rely on Amadeus for its unique and robust offering, which combines state-of-the-art airline and distribution technology with an unmatched market reach. The airline, which will carry more than 110 million passengers in 2024 and has growth ambitions backed by one of the largest aircraft order books in the industry, will strengthen its competitive edge through access to new markets and customer segments, thanks to Amadeus’ 96% global market coverage of NDC-ready travel sellers across the globe.

NDC technology, with its standardized messaging, is a game changer in the distribution landscape. It opens up new opportunities for airlines to distribute their content to travel sellers even more efficiently and elevate their retailing to the next level. For corporate clients and travel agencies, NDC simplifies the booking process by providing direct access to IndiGo’s full range of products. This not only streamlines operations but also delivers the ability to offer exclusive deals and promotions tailored to individual traveler profiles.

With the Amadeus NDC capabilities and the seamless integration with the airline’s IT systems powered by Navitaire, IndiGo is able to build dynamically price-tailored offers and expose them to customers – boosting ancillary sales and optimizing the customer experience, regardless of which sales channel they choose quickly and efficiently. Indigo is already live with NDC booking and servicing capabilities in UAE and Singapore with other markets to follow.

IndiGo’s commitment to embracing NDC technology reflects its dedication to innovation and customer satisfaction. By providing greater access and reach of its products and services, IndiGo will be putting more control in the hands of its customers allowing them to make informed choices and enjoy a more seamless travel experience from booking to boarding.

Mr. Pieter Elbers, Chief Executive Officer, IndiGo, said, “IndiGo celebrated its 18th anniversary this year and introduced exciting new products, including IndiGoStretch, and IndiGo BluChip. This is a part of our strategy ‘Towards New Heights and across New Frontiers’ to address the evolving needs of the travelers. This agreement with Amadeus will enable us to take our Distribution Strategy to the next level and provide travelers, with our exciting new products, on an even greater scale, in India and around the world. Amadeus has built a deep integration into the ecosystem of travel sellers around the world, and this will enable IndiGo to leverage IATA’s NDC and ONE Order visions while ensuring an exceptional travel experience for our customers. Over the course of 18 years, IndiGo has revolutionized and democratized air travel in India and this agreement marks yet another important milestone in our journey to redefine air travel.”

Decius Valmorbida, President, Travel, Amadeus, said, “We look forward to working with IndiGo to simplify its distribution strategy and take advantage of new technology standards. Amadeus is the world’s largest travel distribution platform and the largest provider of IT solutions to airlines which puts us in a unique position to drive NDC forward. Our technology will enable the airline to easily tailor its offers using the latest merchandising capabilities, and efficiently present and distribute them in a way that enriches and enhances the shopping experience for its passengers and travel sellers worldwide.”

IndiGo features a fleet of over 350+ aircraft, with more than 2,000 daily flights connecting 120+ destinations, of which 34 are international. Last year, the carrier welcomed over 100 million passengers, focusing on affordable fares, on-time flights, and a hassle-free travel experience.

Source: Amadeus

Dubai’s Al Maktoum International Airport is progressing well and has seen contracts awarded and tenders prepared for the major transport hub, according to a senior aviation official.

Khalifa Al Zaffin, Executive Chairman of Dubai Aviation City Corporation (DACC), said that the Al Maktoum International Airport development project has seen tangible progress since the master plan was approved by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, in April 2024.

Speaking on the final day of the Airport Show 2025 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, Al Zaffin explained that contracts for enabling works and the construction of the second runway have already been awarded.

Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai
Other strategic projects, such as the automated people mover system and baggage handling system, have entered the tender phase, with contracts expected to be awarded later this year.

He added that the upcoming phase will include tenders for vital infrastructure works such as foundations and concrete works, central cooling stations, and 132 kV substations.

He confirmed that the project is proceeding on schedule under the supervision of the Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects Corporation.

Al Zaffin emphasised that Al Maktoum International Airport is one of the most strategic projects under the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), and it will enhance the emirate’s position as a global hub for aviation, logistics, and sustainable economy.

He noted that Emirates Airlines’ record revenues for 2024 reflect ongoing sector growth and underscore the importance of future infrastructure.

Al Zaffin outlined the first phase of the project, which includes the construction of a passenger terminal and four concourses.

This will raise the airport’s capacity to 150m passengers annually, eventually reaching 260m passengers and 12m tons of cargo in the final phase.

He confirmed that the airport’s location near Jebel Ali Port and the Free Zone helps establish an integrated multimodal logistics platform supporting “Dubai South,” offering living and employment opportunities for around one million people.

The project is also expected to stimulate the local economy by creating thousands of jobs and boosting sectors such as real estate, tourism, hospitality, air freight, and global supply chains.

Al Zaffin noted that the 70sq km airport will include more than 400 aircraft gates, an automated transport system, and advanced technologies including artificial intelligence, robotics, and biometric identification, all implemented with a strong commitment to sustainability and a target of achieving LEED Gold certification.

Regarding the transition from Dubai International Airport, he explained that the move will take place in an integrated and simultaneous manner to avoid operational disruptions.

The executive transition program is currently being coordinated with all relevant stakeholders.

He also highlighted that short- and medium-term solutions are being implemented to address traffic congestion around Dubai International Airport in collaboration with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).

These efforts have already resulted in noticeable improvements in traffic flow, with further steps planned to ensure accessibility until the full transition to Al Maktoum International Airport is completed.

Source: arabianbusiness.com

South Africa is preparing to host  Africa’s Travel Indaba 2025, the largest trade show on the continent, in Durban from 12 to 15 May.

Demand from businesses and buyers wanting to attend the annual event has surged this year, Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille said on Wednesday at the indaba’s launch. 

“As we go into Africa’s Travel Indaba 2025, we currently have participation from 26 African countries including South Africa. We have also seen consistent interest in the number of tourism products from across the continent,” she said.

More than 1 200 exhibitors had confirmed their attendance. “A total of 908 buyers have been vetted and approved, with 7 430 meetings already confirmed on the Indaba online diary platform. “Interest is surging from major markets including the United States, China, the United Kingdom and India. In fact, a total of 55 countries are represented in our buyer profile,” De Lille said. The indaba will feature discussions on how artificial intelligence (AI) can drive customer service improvements, streamline operations, enhance visitor experiences and optimise marketing strategies.

“This will help tourism businesses, particularly small and medium enterprises, harness the power of AI to stay competitive in the global tourism market,” De Lille said. “This year’s indaba will also highlight opportunities for cross-border tourism collaborations and regional destination marketing to increase the value of Africa’s tourism offering. “DE Lille said 1 000 jobs had been created for youth, students and entrepreneurs at the 2024 trade show.

“A total of 9 000 delegates walked the hall of indaba, 1 200 exhibitors shared their dreams, 24 000 business meetings turned ideas into action and R226 million in direct economic activity was generated right here in Durban, with another R333 million rippling across KwaZulu-Natal,” she said. The department of tourism had funded 120 small, micro and medium enterprises to attend the event in 2024, and would do so again this year.

De Lille said sports, adventure tourism and medical tourism were major drawcards to the country.

“In 2024 adventure tourists made up 8.8% of tourists to South Africa, which is over 700 000 of the 8.2 million arrivals in 2023. Adventure tourists to South Africa stay five nights longer and spend almost three times more than the average tourist to South Africa,” she said. “Adventure tourism speaks to the heartbeat of the new traveller — those seeking meaning, authenticity and magic. From the quiet beauty of the Karoo to the wild trails of the Drakensberg, we invite the world to lose themselves in Africa — and in doing so, find something deeper.”

She said by the end of November more than 200 G20-related meetings would be hosted in the country, which currently holds the presidency of the grouping. “This cements the message: tourism is not a side act in our economic story — it is centre stage,” De Lille said, adding that the sector was “regaining momentum” after the ravages of Covid-19, contributing 8.2% to GDP in 2023 compared with 9.5% before the pandemic.

“Last year, nearly nine million international visitors arrived in South Africa – 76% from fellow African nations. The tourism sector already supports 1.68 million jobs, set to grow to over 2.2 million by the end of the decade,” she noted.

Source: The Mail & Guardian