Airlines Cancel Mogadishu Flights as US Embassy Issues Do Not Travel Warning.

On April 9, a few flights to Mogadishu Aden Adde International Airport were canceled after the US Embassy issued a security threat alert. However, some airlines have resumed flights to the Somali capital.

US Department of State level-four travel advisory.

On Monday, the US Embassy in Nairobi received information about threats to several areas in Mogadishu, including the country’s largest and busiest airport – Aden Adde International (MGQ). As such, all movements of US Embassy personnel were canceled for Tuesday, April 9.

According to the US Embassy in Somalia, the US Department of State level-four travel advisory “do not travel” for Somalia had remained in effect because of crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health, kidnapping, and piracy concerns. The embassy warned of terrorists continuing to plot kidnappings, bombings, and other attacks, targeting airports and various areas that attract large crowds and Westerners.

In response to the alert, some major airlines canceled services to Mogadishu while other flights were diverted to nearby airports. According to Flightradar24, Turkish Airlines canceled Flight TK646 from Istanbul (IST), scheduled to arrive at 09:05 local time. Qatar Airways Flight QR1459 from Doha (DOH) was also canceled. It was expected to land at Aden Adde Airport at 15:35.

Flydubai Flight FZ609 from Dubai International Airport (DXB) was scheduled to arrive at 11:55, but the service was also canceled. Meanwhile, a Daallo Airlines Boeing 737 operating Flight D3169 from Jeddah to Mogadishu was diverted to Djibouti (JIB).

Resumption of flights to Mogadishu

The US Embassy advised travelers to exercise caution while in Somalia, review personal security plans, notify trusted individuals of travel and movement plans, stay alert in locations frequented by tourists or Westerners, and stay updated by following local media and news outlets. However, there have been no reports of any incidents at the airport.

Turkish Airlines has up to six weekly flights from Istanbul to Mogadishu this month. Flightradar24 shows that the airline has resumed services to the Somali capital. Its April 10 flight operated normally, arriving in Mogadishu at 08:24. Daallo Airlines also resumed its service to the airport, with Flight D3169 landing at 08:32.

There are about 12 airlines with scheduled passenger flights to Mogadishu, connecting the airport with various destinations in Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. Flydubai and Qatar Airways operate two and four weekly flights to Mogadishu, respectively. Other airlines include Freedom Airline Express, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, and Uganda Airlines.

Somalia’s air transport sector

Over the last three months, Somalia’s air transport sector has come under the spotlight for various reasons. In separate developments, airlines flying over the Horn of Africa have reported multiple incidents of receiving conflicting instructions from air traffic controllers amid the airspace dispute between Somalia and the unrecognized territory of Somaliland.

In the latest incident, the Somaliland Civil Aviation and Airports Authority (SCAAA) reported a near miss involving an Emirates Boeing 777 and an Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 737 MAX. However, Emirates and other industry experts disputed the claims. The report came about a month after an Ethiopian Airlines Airbus A350 and a Qatar Airways 787 nearly collided over Somaliland. In this case, TCAS stepped in to avert disaster.

While there have been several incidents and safety concerns, the Somali government is also taking strides to improve the country’s aviation sector. In January 2024, the Ministry of Transport and Aviation opened the country’s first MRO facility in over three decades. The center, known as the Blue Hangar, is expected to contribute towards improving safety in Somalia. Furthermore, the Somali Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) recently inaugurated its new headquarters at Aden Adde International Airport.

Source: Simple Flying.

Why Dubai

Dubai, as a global economic centre, offers a diverse range of options for business events across various budgets.

Complementing its broad infrastructure and venues, Dubai is truly a vibrant hub for innovation and knowledge sharing. From large-scale conferences to intimate meetings, the city accommodates events of all sizes against the backdrop of a rapidly growing knowledge economy.

Its strategic location provides unparalleled access to emerging markets, making it an ideal platform for discussing the latest developments and fostering sustainability. With a multicultural environment, seamless connectivity across the city and its airports, and a history of convening global gatherings, Dubai guarantees an empowering experience for delegates, enabling them to capitalise on networking opportunities and maximize connections in this dynamic city.

Choose Dubai for unmatched business events today.

Source: Visit Dubai.

Qatar Airways Announces the Launch of Flights to Democratic Republic of Congo

Qatar Airways announces the latest expansion of its network to include Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), enabling greater frequencies and increased capacity to Luanda, Angola.

This latest network expansion  provides passengers with greater travel choices within a key region of Africa,  opening up a new entry point for international travel from Africa to China, Europe and the India Subcontinent using Doha, Qatar, as a gateway. The addition of Kinshasa increases the number of destinations in Africa served by the award-winning airline to twenty-nine.

Starting from the first of June 2024, Luanda will see a frequency increase from one weekly flight to four weekly flights with a combined service to Kinshasa which Qatar Airways will serve for the first time. For a world-class experience, the new route will be served by a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, equipped with 22 Business Class seats and 232 Economy Class seats.

Qatar Airways Chief Commercial Officer, Mr. Thierry Antinori, said: “We have seen significant milestones in our 2024 network expansion and this latest addition is particularly special, as it continues our strategic goal of increasing our footprint in Africa.”

“The inclusion of Kinshasa in our network is the latest manifestation of our efforts to improve connectivity to Africa. Qatar Airways has showcased its commitment to the region by providing passengers in Africa with greater choice to explore different corners of the world through our network and our hub in Doha, Hamad International Airport.”

Source: Airspace-Africa.

WTM Africa 2024 opens to 53% increase in attendees.

WTM Africa, which takes place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) from 10-12 April, opened its 10th edition with a remarkable surge of 53% in attendance compared to the previous year. The increase in participation, with preliminary figures suggesting representation from 88 countries globally, heralds a bright future for the African tourism industry.

Africa Travel Week, under which the World Travel Market is a part also comprises shows like the Tourism Investment Forum Africa (TIFA), and Equal Africa among others. The show also features seven networking events and the support of 53 partners.

Carol Weaving, managing director of RX Africa, comments: “We are incredibly proud to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Africa Travel Week with such a phenomenal turnout. This growth is a testament to the resilience and rising global appeal of the African tourism industry. We’re excited to contribute to the continued success and positive transformation of travel on the continent.”

The addition of first-time participants, including Greece, Iran, Switzerland, Lithuania, Tunisia, Benin, Philippines, Singapore, New Zealand, Japan, Colombia, and Peru, brings fresh energy and diverse perspectives to the event.

Minister Patricia De Lille, though unable to attend in person, officially opened the conference via video call. She welcomed attendees and highlighted the need for collective efforts to continue the momentum of tourism in Africa: “This year represents a year where we can take measures to break new ground and achieve exponential growth in our numbers.”

Charting a sustainable future

Minister De Lille emphasised the importance of safety, sustainability, and expanding tourism beyond well-known destinations to include the hidden gems of lesser-known towns and villages across the continent. She also noted: “Tourism is one of the most significant contributors to our economy, but we can do much more. One of the areas where the department is investing in supporting economic sustainability is through our various tourism incentive programmes.”

A highlight of the opening day was the lively content discussions, where topics like responsible animal interactions sparked crucial ethical debates. Cathrine S. Nyquist, Co-founder of Panthera Africa, made a powerful statement: “Just because it’s legal does not make it right.”

The day also featured a dynamic Responsible Tourism session hosted by Harold Goodwin, World Travel Market’s Responsible Tourism Advisor. Three of the five African winners from the 2023 Responsible Tourism Awards shared their inspiring stories, demonstrating the continent’s commitment to sustainable travel practices.

The conference day closed with the inaugural Media Awards, recognising excellence in African travel journalism. Winners included:

• Sustainability Feature Award: Alexander Okere – Illegal Animal Trade

• Visual Tourism Award: Kelly Hammond

• Destination Feature Award: Phoebe Smith

• Tourism News Award: Adele Mackenzie – Tourism Update

“Africa Travel Week 2024 serves as a testament to the continent’s vast potential in tourism. It highlights the collective commitment to fostering growth, innovation, and sustainability. As Minister De Lille declared, ‘We are open for business. We are open for tourists’, extending an invitation to the world to experience the rich diversity and beauty of Africa,” concludes Weaving.

Source: Bizcommunity.

Kenya Airways launches new Route to Maputo.

In response to growing demand for travel between East and Southern Africa, Kenya Airways (KQ) has launched a brand-new route connecting Nairobi directly to the vibrant city of Maputo, Mozambique.  This exciting expansion takes flight from 14th June 2024, further solidifying KQ’s commitment to strengthening its network and offering seamless travel experiences across the continent.

“The demand for air travel is soaring, and we’re determined to meet it by expanding our reach and fostering connections between Africa’s rich cultures and thriving economies,” says Julius Thairu, Chief Commercial and Customer Officer at Kenya Airways. “The addition of Maputo to our network strengthens ties between Kenya and Mozambique, opening doors for increased trade, tourism, and cultural exchange.”

Beyond its designation as a major trade hub for southern Africa, Maputo enchants visitors with its rich tapestry of history and culture. Portuguese colonial influences are evident in the city’s architecture, while vibrant markets and a flourishing art scene offer a glimpse into contemporary Mozambican life.  Whether you seek relaxation on pristine beaches or exploration of fascinating museums, Maputo promises an unforgettable experience.

Starting 14th June, KQ will operate three flights per week to Maputo, with Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays becoming the flexible gateways to exploring this dynamic city.  Beyond Maputo, this expansion complements KQ’s broader network strategy for FY2024, which also boasts increased frequencies to popular destinations like New York, Paris, Lagos, Accra, and Freetown.

Source:   Airspace-Africa

AFRAA Secretary General highlights EU learnings at SAATM meet.

Abderahmane Berthé, Secretary General, African Airlines Association (AFRAA) intervened in a panel session during the Connecting Europe Days on the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) on lessons learnt from the air transport liberalisation in the European Union (EU) that can be useful for SAATM.

“The air transport market in Africa is relatively small, we have seen some protectionism attitudes aiming to protect national carriers,” said Berthé. “Of course, this is a wrong approach because, by nature, traffic rights are reciprocal. It is therefore critical to increase the market size and facilitate its access. “To achieve this, the following need to be addressed: *Affordability of air transport for African citizens: reduce the cost of operations and taxes and charges. *African economy growth: GDP per capita (only 15% of global GDP per capita).

Trade and tourism development: Intra-Africa trade is below 20 percent compared to more than 50% in other regions. Intra-Africa tourism is very small. In Africa when we talk about tourism, we are looking at tourism from non-African regions. *Facilitation of air travel through visa openness is also critical. 50 percent of African citizens need a visa to travel within Africa.

Airlines’ cooperation: commercial agreements and partnerships are essential to improve connectivity. AFRAA route network and cargo coordination is aimed at creating a forum for airlines to cooperate. Another success factor is airline consolidation. Over the past 18 years, the African continent has had the lowest level of market consolidation compared to the other regions in the globe.

The engagement of states, airlines and all the relevant stakeholders is necessary to effectively achieve the required outcomes on airline consolidation in Africa.” The session looked into SAATM as a key to open the door for aviation to play a major role in connecting Africa, promoting its social, economic and political integration and boosting intra-Africa trade and tourism. The event was organised by the European Commission together with the Belgian Presidency of the Council in Brussels.

Source: Logistics Update Africa

CS Mutua Kick Starts Activities to Rejuvenate Tourism Sector.

Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua has launched activities that could revive the tourism industry to contribute immensely to the national economy.

Dr Mutua is spearheading a countrywide campaign dubbed “Utalii Fresh,” a strategic roadmap that seeks to uncover Kenya’s hidden tourism treasures and move the sector to the next level.

Speaking in Kwale County, the CS says his ministry is collaborating with the 47 devolved governments in the development of their rich tourism destinations and potentials.

Dr Mutua says his ministry is determined to revitalise the country’s tourism industry by investing in critical infrastructure like access roads, installing solar lighting along the beaches and strategic marketing to attract high spending tourists.

He says the campaign seeks to turn the tourism potentials in the counties into reality and promote tourism as a major foreign exchange earner and create jobs.

The CS was in Kwale County for his #UtaliiFresh county tours and announced that his visits will explore potential collaborations and partnerships to ensure that counties benefit from tourism opportunities.

He noted that Kenya has a strong comparative advantage in the hospitality and tourism sector because of its diverse cultural heritage.

CS Mutua termed the #UtaliiFresh campaign as a recipe for reviving sustainable and responsible tourism and repositioning it as a key sector in the national economy.

He says his vision is to unlock the untapped tourism potential of every corner of the country and take development to the grassroots.

“All around the world tourism plays an important role in the preservation and promotion of culture and heritage,” he said, adding that efforts would be made to ensure heritage sites and monuments throughout the country are preserved.

The CS accompanied by Governor Fatuma Achani visited a number of sites that the county intends to develop into attractive tourists’ sites in Diani.

Diani beach is the preferred holiday destination for both domestic and foreign tourists and each year it receives a record number of holidaymakers arriving to savour its beautiful scenery.

The resort town of Diani with its clear blue water and white sandy beaches have seen the South Coast town voted the best destination beach in Africa for six years in a row by the World Travel Awards.

The minister also held talks with tourism stakeholders and investors who presented their views on the challenges and opportunities in the tour, travel and hospitality sector.

Dr Mutua is asking the county governments to develop cultural experiences that would not only attract tourists but also benefit local economies and empower communities.

The Tourism CS says he has agreed with the Kwale County leadership on several initiatives aimed at enhancing the coastal county’s tourism sector.

“Key commitments include supporting the rehabilitation of the Diani tourist market and the construction of the Kwale Heritage and Convention Centre,” he said.

He also announced the establishment of a modern recreation facility along the historic Kongo beach blending preservation of the area’s history with contemporary amenities.

Dr Mutua says Kongo Beach is renowned for its potential in Halal (Shariah compliant) Tourism development and noted that the government sees a potential market of foreign Muslim travelers, especially from the Middle East.

He says the national government has set its eyes on the Arabian travel markets as an important growth area for the coastal counties of Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi and Lamu tourism sector.

Mutua said the government will take steps to get a slice of the growing Muslim tourism market by participating in the Arabian Travel Markets.

He said Muslim customers from the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Morocco, Oman, Iran and Turkey specifically look for tour packages that can guarantee them to perform prayer five times a day during travel.

Mutua also noted that in terms of food, they demand products that only use halal materials and are processed in compliance with Islamic rules.

Governor Achani says the devolved unit will set up a state-of-the-art conference facility in Diani and has already allocated Sh 40 million for the development of the necessary public services and utilities.

“Our discussions focused on strategies on possible partnership areas between the Kwale County government and the ministry of tourism to grow and bolster the tourism numbers in our county,” she said.

She says the national government needs to partner with devolved governments and other stakeholders if the tourism industry is to be properly harnessed.

The coastal county boss says Kwale will reposition itself as a top Halal friendly destination as the hospitality industry already has outstanding halal tourism infrastructure to cater for the Muslim travelers.

“As a Muslim it’s important to ensure that your travel arrangements including food and accommodation are Halal especially if you intend on travelling during the Muslim holiday seasons,” she said.

She urged stakeholders to offer tour packages with extended services such as allocating times for praying in the itinerary of Muslim tourists and offering halal food.

Source: Kenya News

Kenya received 460,000 more tourists in 2023.

Kenya’s 2023 tourism arrivals grew by more than 460,000 in the period to December, marking the third consecutive growth since 2021 when the numbers started rising.

The annual tourism sector performance report shows arrivals rose from 1,483,752 in 2022 to 1,951,185 in 2023, a 31.5 percent increase.

This is however way less compared to the previous year (2021-2022) when the numbers grew by about 71 per cent.

August recorded the highest number of visitors at 11 per cent of the total arrivals, attributed to the wildebeest migration experience in Maasai Mara around late July to August.

The growth is attributed to the good value for money perception by tourists, implying their belief in the country to offer quality experiences, services and attractions relative to the cost of their travel.

“Affordability of travel in Kenya is also a significant factor influencing the increase in tourist numbers,” the report reads.

The arrivals are attributed to the country’s positioning as a safe destination which is crucial in attracting tourists.

The perception according to the report may result from effective safety measures, low crime rates in tourist areas and the country’s commitment to providing a secure environment for visitors.

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport  registered the highest number, at 69 per cent of the total arrivals followed by Mombasa International Airport at eight per cent.

Most tourists using the road as mode of transport came through Busia Border, at eight per cent of the total arrivals, followed by Namanga Border at six per cent and Malaba at two per cent.

A total of 4,000 visitors used water as a mode of transport through Kilindini Seaport, Shimoni Seaport and Kisumu Pier.

USA was the top source market in the period under review with 265,310 tourists, which was 14 per cent of the total, surpassing the 2019 mark when it yielded 245,437 arrivals.

Uganda, Tanzania and the United Kingdom had  10, 8, and 8 per cent market shares, respectively.

Worth noting, is the Uganda market performance, whose extent of recovery was at 90 per cent, having yielded Kenya 223,010 arrivals in 2019.

The other source markets with a notable number of visitor arrivals were India, Germany, Italy, China, Somalia and Rwanda.

“A total of 13 of the 30 top market performers were from Africa which together had a share of 60 per cent of the total,” the report reads.

Holiday was the top reason why most travellers visited Kenya in the period under review, at 45 per cent.

It was followed by those visiting friends and relatives, at 24 per cent of the total.

Arrivals on business and MICE came at a close third with 24 per cent of the total visitation.

There was also a good number of visitors for other purposes such as religion, education, medical, employment and sporting activities.

Additionally, five per cent were visitors who entered the country while on transit to their final destinations.

Source: The-Star

Ethiopian Inaugurates the New Jinka Airport Terminal Ethiopian Continues to Renovate and Construct Domestic Airport Facilities.

Addis Ababa, April 3, 2024

Ethiopian Airlines Group, the largest airline group in Africa, inaugurates its Jinka airport project, unveiling a new terminal and support facility buildings. The new state-of-the-art airport terminal is now open for service, following a grand celebration held today in Jinka, one of the emerging cities in the South Ethiopia Regional State.

The two-and-a-half-year project covered the construction of a new terminal building having a total built-up area of 3,500 square meter, support facility building, and external facilities including exclusive VIP parking area and other facilities. Regarding the inauguration of the new Jinka Airport, Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mr. Mesfin Tasew said, “We are truly delighted to witness the completion of the brand new Jinka Airport Terminal Building project that has been under construction for the last few years. As a national flag carrier, Ethiopian is playing its part in the country’s aviation transformation and Jinka is our latest contribution to Ethiopia’s modern aviation facility.

The new Jinka airport will further offer a comfortable travel experience to/from the city thereby boosting trade and tourism in the region and beyond. Committed to enhancing customer experience, we will continue to invest in renovation and upgrading of domestic airports.”

Following the finalization of the project with an investment cost of more than 8 million Euro for construction, Jinka Airport Terminal is now equipped with modern passenger service areas including departure and VIP lounges and other facilities that will enhance customer experience. The completion of the airport will help Ethiopian offer an upgraded customer services to its passengers to/from the city. It also creates a comfortable experience to tourists traveling to southern Ethiopia to visit the exotic people, culture, and nature of the region.

At its hub, Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, Ethiopian Airlines offers seamless transit and stopover services, creating an opportunity for passengers who have lay over to enjoy the beauty of Addis Ababa, the diplomatic capital of African.

About Ethiopian

Ethiopian Airlines Group (Ethiopian) is the fastest-growing airlines brand globally and the continent’s largest airline brand. In its seventy-seven years of successful operations, Ethiopian has become one of the continent’s leading carriers, unrivalled in efficiency and operational success. In addition to its main hub in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, it is also pursuing its multi-hub strategy through hubs in Lomé, Togo with ASKY, in Lilongwe, Malawi with Malawi Airlines and in Lusaka, Zambia with Zambia Airways. Ethiopian commands the lion’s share of the African passenger and cargo network operating the youngest and most modern fleet to more than 150 domestic and international passenger and cargo destinations across five continents. Ethiopian’s fleet category consists of ultra-modern and environmentally friendly aircraft such as Boeing 737s, 777s, 787s, Airbus A350-900 and Bombardier Dash 8-400 double cabin with an average fleet age of seven years. In fact, Ethiopian is the first airline in Africa to own and operate most of these aircraft.

Having achieved its strategic plan (Vision 2025) ahead of time, Ethiopian is currently implementing a 15-year strategic plan called Vision 2035 that will see it become one of the top 20 most competitive and leading aviation groups in the world. As a multi-award-winning airline, Ethiopian has been champion in various coveted awards including Skytrax’s ‘Best Airline in Africa Award’ for six consecutive years among others. The airline has been a Star Alliance member since 2011 and has been registering more than threefold growth in the past 10 years.

For more at: www.ethiopianairlines.com

Email: CorporateCommunication@ethiopianairlines.com Contact: (251-11)517-8913/8165/8907

Dubai sees 18 percent rise in overnight visitors to 3.67 million in first two months of 2024.

The latest figures from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) revealed an annual increase of 18 percent in the number of visitors in the first two months of 2024. During January and February, Dubai received 3.67 million visitors, with 1.77 million visitors in January and 1.9 million visitors in February.

Origin of visitors

Western Europe was at the forefront of visitors to Dubai in the two months. Tourists from Western Europe constituted 21 percent of the total number of visitors to Dubai, or about 773,000 tourists. South Asia followed with 604,000 visitors, constituting 17 percent of the total number of tourists. Then came the Gulf Cooperation Council countries with 549,000 visitors, constituting 15 percent of the total.

Russia, the Commonwealth of Independent States and Eastern Europe ranked fourth, with 530,000 visitors, constituting 14 percent of the total number of tourists in Dubai. In fifth place, visitors from the Middle East and North Africa reached 448,000, constituting 12 percent of the total. Meanwhile, visitors from North and Southeast Asia recorded a share of 9 percent or about 340,000 visitors in Dubai.

The number of tourists arriving to Dubai from the Americas reached 240,000, making up 7 percent of the total. Meanwhile, the number of visitors from Africa reached 138,000, or about 4 percent of the total. Moreover, 53,000 visitors from Australia came to Dubai in January and February, making up about 1 percent of the total.

Hospitality sector surges

By the end of February, the number of hotel rooms in Dubai reached 151,269 in 826 establishments, compared to 148,450 rooms in 813 establishments by the end of February 2023. The average hotel occupancy in Dubai reached 87.1 percent, compared to 84.4 percent during the first two months of 2023. Meanwhile, the number of rooms booked exceeded 7.78 million, compared to about 7.28 million rooms during the first two months of 2023. Besides, the average length of stays reached 3.8 hotel nights during January and February 2024.

Notably, the number of 5-star hotel rooms in Dubai reached 52,118 in 161 establishments, accounting for 35 percent of the total number of hotel rooms. Meanwhile, the number of 4-star rooms reached 43,792 in 197 establishments, and the number of one- and three-star hotel rooms reached 29,037 in 275 establishments. The number of luxury hotel apartment rooms reached 13,764, and the number of medium-level hotel apartment rooms reached 12,558.

During the first two months of 2024, the average daily price of a hotel room in Dubai reached AED664, a 9 percent increase compared to AED609 during the corresponding period of 2023. Meanwhile, the average revenue from available rooms reached AED578, a 12 percent increase compared to AED514 in the first two months of 2023.

Source: Economy Middle East.