Kenya Airways to Lead Sustainable Aviation Fuel Initiative in Africa.

Nairobi – Kenya Airways (KQ) has been selected as the sole African airline to lead the International Air Transport Association (IATA)’s Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Registry, marking a notable advancement in African aviation.

This recognition follows the national carrier’s receipt of the Most Impactful Breakthrough award for its pioneering use of SAF on a long-haul flight from Africa to Europe in October 2023.

“By taking on a pivotal role in developing the registry, KQ significantly builds trust and confidence in SAF as a viable solution for reducing aviation’s environmental impact,” said Kenya Airways Group Managing Director and CEO Allan Kilavuka.

SAF is anticipated to contribute up to 65% of the total carbon reduction required to achieve net-zero carbon emissions in air transport by 2050. The SAF registry, set to launch in the first quarter of 2025, will allow airlines worldwide to purchase SAF regardless of production location, ensuring they can claim the environmental benefits for regulatory compliance.

“SAF is crucial to aviation’s decarbonization,” stated Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General. Adding: “Airlines are eager for more SAF and are ready to utilize every available drop. The SAF Registry will fulfill the essential needs of all stakeholders in the global effort to increase SAF production.” Walsh also emphasized the need for a reliable system to monitor SAF quality and quantities. “Governments need a trusted system to track SAF usage. Producers must accurately report deliveries and decarbonization efforts. Corporate customers should transparently account for their Scope 3 emissions. And airlines must be certain they can claim the environmental benefits of their SAF purchases,” he expressed.

The registry’s development is supported in its pilot phase by seventeen national airlines, including the IAG airline group, six national authorities, OEMs like Airbus, Boeing, and GE Aerospace, and fuel producer World Energy. These collaborations aim to ensure compliance with regulations set by civil aviation authorities such as ICAO’s CORSIA scheme and the EU ETS, meet SAF mandates, and provide transparency regarding emissions reductions.

Focused on compliance, transparency, and government collaboration, the registry will create a robust, accountable system that accelerates SAF adoption and promotes a more sustainable future for aviation. Kenya Airways ranks most efficient airline Earlier this year, Kenya Airways was ranked the second most efficient airline in Africa in the latest On-Time Performance Review report. KQ attained an impressive 71.86% on-time arrival rate from the 41,905 flights it completed in 2023. The airline has significantly reduced its losses, with the loss after tax dropping by 41% to KSh 23 billion in its full-year 2023 financial results compared to KSh 38 billion in 2022.

In 2023, Kenya Airways recorded an operating profit of KSh 10.5 billion in 2023, marking a substantial 287% increase from the previous year.

Source: Tuko.

BOEING TO OPEN AFRICAN HEADQUARTERS IN ETHIOPIA

US-based global aerospace giant Boeing has announced on Monday that it will open its African headquarters in Ethiopia. The decision puts an end to speculation about South Africa and Kenya being the preferred locations to host the continental branch.

The decision also comes after Boeing recently hired Henok Teferra Shawl to lead Boeing’s African division as managing director. Shawl, a former Ethiopian Airlines executive, was picked for his vast experience in aviation and the telecommunication sector in Africa.

Why Did Boeing Prefer Ethiopia?

The move to center its African division in Ethiopia is not entirely surprising given the relationship between Boeing and Ethiopia. In 2023, Boeing entered a joint venture with Ethiopia for the manufacture of certain aircraft parts in the African nation. Boeing stated that it expected the investment in Ethiopia to generate over 300 jobs for the locals.

However, Boeing’s selection of Ethiopia in the wake of more potential contenders like South Africa and Kenya was due to Ethiopia’s exemplary aviation safety record, which places it among the best in the continent.

Boeing to Bolster Development and Growth in Africa

Boeing expects further growth and development within the African aviation market. In a statement, the company said: “Africa’s abundant natural resources and burgeoning young workforce are poised to drive significant growth in air traffic and airplane demand over the next two decades.” The company forecasts the need for over 1,000 additional aircraft over the next 20 years.

The decision to establish the company’s African headquarters underscores Boeing’s commitment both to Ethiopia and to the African aviation market. The move will allow both Boeing and Ethiopia to develop a stronger partnership and foster growth in the aviation sector over the next few years.

Early this March, Ethiopian flag carrier Ethiopian Airlines made headlines when it became the first African customer for Boeing 777X aircraft. The order of up to 20 aircraft (12 are options) will be instrumental in supporting Ethiopian’s fleet and network expansion plans.

In addition to the B777X, the airline also placed orders for 11 B787-9 Dreamliners and 20 B737-MAX aircraft from the American manufacturer.

Source: Aeroxplorer

Global airlines gather in Dubai to tackle climate goals, supply chain woes and war impact

Global airlines will gather for an annual summit starting from Sunday under the shadow of the Israel-Gaza war to discuss ways to navigate geopolitical instability, turn climate goals into reality and overcome pressures on growth from strained supply chains.

The International Air Transport Association (Iata) will hold its 80th annual general meeting from Sunday to Tuesday in Dubai for the first time, underscoring the city’s importance as a global aviation hub and home to Emirates airline. An influential airlines lobby group, Iata has 300 members from 120 countries who carry more than 80 per cent of the world’s air traffic.

“Dubai’s world-leading connectivity places it at the crossroads of the planet. And it will soon be the centre of the airline industry’s leadership,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s director general.

Global airlines are riding the wave of a post-pandemic travel boom and enjoying higher fares as demand exceeds the supply of available seats, but this is tempered by plane shortages, faltering supply chains, conflicts and increasing costs.

“Discussions at the Iata annual general meeting will turn to the serious issues airlines are experiencing as a result of shortfalls in aircraft deliveries, restrictions of air routes due to regional conflicts, supply chain disruptions, fuel charges and other immediate constraints on fulfilling travel demand,” Anita Mendiratta, founder of London-based consultancy Anita Mendiratta & Associates, told The National.

“Not to mention … continued labour shortages putting pressure on airline and airport operations, the increasing cost of travel and, of course, destination safety as a result of the enduring conflicts.”

Airline chiefs are also likely to address “underlying passenger concerns” after two recent flights encountered extreme turbulence, said Ms Mendiratta, also special adviser to the chief of UN tourism.

One man died and dozens were injured on Singapore Airlines flight SQ321, while 12 were injured on Qatar Airways flight QR017 that struck severe turbulence last week.

The Iata meeting will start with an updated report on the state of the aviation industry, detailing airlines’ collective financial performance.

In its latest report in December, Geneva-based Iata forecast that the industry’s net profit will surge by more than 10 per cent annually to $25.7 billion in 2024, while revenue is projected to grow 7.6 per cent year on year to a record $964 billion.

High on the agenda for the international airlines summit in Dubai are discussions around how long the prolonged post-Covid travel boom might continue as consumers become more price sensitive due to higher living costs.

A waning of the “revenge travel” phenomenon would deliver a blow to airlines already struggling with higher costs and limited aircraft availability.

Boeing and Airbus talks

Also high on the agenda will be airline bosses’ concerns around the years-long aviation supply chain problems, ranging from delayed plane deliveries to shortage of parts and fewer skilled workers. This has hampered airlines’ growth plans as they cannot ensure additional capacity to meet demand.

Manufacturing woes at Boeing and defects on Pratt & Whitney engines that power Airbus narrow-bodies are limiting the availability of planes, with airline chiefs expressing their frustration with production.

Boeing is currently in the middle of a search for a new chief executive to steer the US plane maker out of its worst crisis in years.

Airlines will use the Iata gathering as a platform for meetings with the troubled manufacturer and with its European rival Airbus to updates on their aircraft deliveries, aviation analysts said.

“Most of the conversations will be the airlines asking Boeing, ‘how are you improving the quality of builds and ensuring safety? And what is the timing for my deliveries? Has the timeline slipped? How realistic is the new timeline?'” George Ferguson, senior aerospace analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence, told The National.

The private suites of the JW Marriott Marquis where the Iata gathering will be held will set the scene for these crucial meetings.

Boeing executives attending the summit will “undoubtedly use the opportunity to reinforce business relationships and to reassure airline leaderships that it is fully addressing quality issues as well as attempt to placate them about ongoing delivery delays”, aviation consultant John Strickland said.

While much of these conversations will be around airlines’ need to boost capacity, this is “a two sided coin”, Richard Aboulafia, managing director of US-based AeroDynamic Advisory, told The National.

“Inadequate capacity can push up prices and profits, on routes where demand is sufficient,” he said. However, high ticket prices can put off price-sensitive consumers as they grapple with inflation.

Environmental pressures

Airlines at the Iata gathering, facing pressures from environmental activists, will also need to explain how they plan to meet a target of net-zero emissions in 2050.

Key to this plan in the short-to-medium term is access to sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) as a more environment-friendly alternative to conventional jet fuel.

SAF is three to five times more expensive than jet fuel, “to the extent it would knock many consumers out of air travel if it was used widely” and the investment case for SAF production plants does not appear compelling enough to attract investments, Mr Ferguson said.

“I would say the plan is on life support already. There will be a lot of conversations at the AGM around where to go from here.”

The Iata meeting will focus on how to “inject more political impetus” from governments to help ensure the aviation industry can deliver on its sustainability goals, Mr Strickland said.

The shadow of war

The Iata meeting will take place as the Gaza war enters its ninth month in June, while negotiations to secure at least a pause in hostilities have been deadlocked for months. Last week, Israel launched a number of strikes on the southern Gaza city of Rafah killing dozens of Palestinians, including women and children, and have blocked humanitarian aid into the enclave.

For airlines, the Gaza war and Russia-Ukraine war has forced them to reallocate unused capacity in those regions and avoid the use of air space where regional tensions have flared up.

“I would anticipate significant discussion of the challenging geopolitical context of global airline operations especially in a year with a record number of presidential elections,” Mr Strickland said.

Emirates airline’s succession plans

Dubai-based Emirates will be the host airline of the Iata meeting this year and all eyes will be on its president Tim Clark.

The airline recently appointed its current chief operations officer Adel Al Redha and chief commercial officer Adnan Kazim as deputy presidents.

However, Emirates has not yet named a successor to Mr Clark, a step that the industry will be watching closely.

“The Emirates succession will be talked about extensively. As the most successful super-connector, smart airlines are mindful of where Emirates is going,” Mr Ferguson said.

“Tim Clark has had a strong run at the airline and its recovery from the pandemic is progressing nicely … his successors have big shoes to fill.”

This year’s Iata discussions will also revolve around the use of artificial intelligence in air travel and prospects of air cargo, according to the event programme.

Another focus will be on improving the male-dominated aviation industry’s persistent gender imbalance. The fifth edition of the Iata Diversity and Inclusion Awards will recognise organisations and individuals who are contributing to the 25by2025, an Iata initiative to bring more women into senior aviation leadership positions.

Source:  The National News.

Boost To Air Connectivity as AFCAC Discovers 59 New African Routes.

The African Civil Aviation Council (AFCAC) yesterday revealed that the agency has discovered 59 new Africa air routes, 13 of which operate under fifth freedom air traffic rights.

These developments mark significant progress in the implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), the council said in a report yesterday.

Secretary General of AFCAC, Adefunke Adeyemi said Africa’s discovery of 59 new air routes, including 13 fifth freedom routes, marks a positive step towards enhanced connectivity.

Last year, we discovered that 59 new routes are being operated in Africa. 13 of those 59 routes are fifth freedom routes. This is significant progress. It is not where we need to be, yet it is movement in the right direction, and we will continue to monitor this.’

Fifth freedom air traffic rights refer to the right granted by one country to an airline of another country to carry passengers or cargo from its own country to a second country, and then onward to a third country.

This essentially allows an airline to operate flights between two foreign countries, with a stopover in its own country.

Adeyemi emphasized the importance of these new Africa air routes in enhancing connectivity across the continent. However, she also stressed that developing new routes alone is insufficient without passengers or cargo to support them. ‘What good is the development of new routes when people and goods cannot move around?’ she questioned.

Consequently, the AFCAC Scribe mentioned that the commission is supporting a robust regulatory framework for SAATM through the Civil Aviation Authorities (CAAs). Additionally, models are underway to promote affordable and accessible travel for more than the current 10% of Africans traveling by air.

Adeyemi also highlighted the need for an improved visa regime across the continent. She stressed that the true potential of new routes can only be realized when people and goods can move freely.

Source: MSN.

Wings of Change Focus Africa to Address Resilience and Sustainability.

Geneva – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that the Wings of Change Focus Africa Conference (WOCFA) will return for its second edition under the theme “Towards a More Resilient and Sustainable African Aviation”. WOCFA is taking place in Johannesburg, South Africa, on 2-3 July 2024 with South African Airways as the host airline.

WOCFA will delve into priorities under IATA’s Focus Africa initiative to strengthen aviation’s contribution to the continent’s economic and social development, along with improving connectivity, safety and reliability for passengers and shippers.

“Africa’s aviation market holds immense untapped potential, with expectations for traffic to double in the next 15 years. The Focus Africa Initiative has identified key priorities that, if addressed collaboratively and effectively, will bolster Africa’s aviation industry and enhance its socio-economic impact. A year into the Focus Africa Initiative, we have seen progress in areas such as safety, but there is still a long way to go. This year’s IATA’s Wings of Change Focus Africa Conference builds on this progress by addressing critical areas such as safety, security, sustainability, economic development, and the overall resilience of the industry,” said Kamil Alawadhi, IATA’s Regional Vice-President for Africa and the Middle East.

Professor Malesela John Lamola, Chief Executive Officer of South African Airways will deliver an Opening Keynote Address.“We are delighted to host IATA’s Wings of Change Focus Africa Conference and welcome the aviation industry to our home, Johannesburg. Advancing the air transport industry is critical for Africa’s economic growth. The conference will allow industry leaders to join forces and drive the agenda for a stronger, more resilient African aviation industry,” said Lamola.

Speakers & Sessions

Lamola and Alawadhi will be joined by industry leaders from the various areas of aviation in addressing the event, including session tracks on topics such as:

  • Safety
  • Security
  • Boosting Regional Traffic
  • Airport Infrastructure
  • Modern Airline Retailing
  • Sustainability with a focus on Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)
  • Air Cargo
  • Skilled workforce

Source: IATA.

Zambia Airways Adds Exciting New Destinations to its Network

Zambia Airways, the national carrier of the Republic of Zambia, is thrilled to unveil its latest expansion with the introduction of new passenger services to East Africa. Starting on June 27, 2024, the airline will begin operating flights three times a week to two major cities: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and Nairobi, Kenya. This new route reflects Zambia Airways’ commitment to enhancing connectivity and fostering trade and tourism between Zambia and East Africa.

The new service, designated as flight ZN 504, will operate from Lusaka (LUN), the capital of Zambia, to Dar es Salaam (DAR) and Nairobi (NBO). The flights are scheduled for Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. This schedule is strategically designed to cater to both business and leisure travelers, providing them with convenient options for planning their trips to these vibrant cities.

Flight ZN 504 will depart Lusaka at 08:00 AM and arrive in Dar es Salaam at 10:30 AM. After a short layover, the flight will continue to Nairobi, landing at 01:00 PM. This timing allows passengers ample time during the day to commence their activities in either city, whether it’s business meetings or sightseeing. The return flight will follow a similar schedule, ensuring a seamless travel experience for all passengers.

This expansion is a significant milestone for Zambia Airways as it not only broadens its network but also plays a crucial role in strengthening regional ties. The addition of these routes is expected to boost the airline’s growth and contribute positively to the economic development of Zambia and its East African counterparts. Passengers can look forward to experiencing Zambia Airways’ renowned hospitality and reliable service on these new flights.

DayFlight NumberDepart LUNArrive DARDepart DARArrive NBODepart NBOArrive LUN
Tue, ThuZN 50407:0010:3011:1512:3513:2015:20
SatZN 50407:0011:4513:0513:5015:20

“The network expansion is reflective of our mission of enhancing regional connectivity and making air transport services affordable for a wide range of customers,” says Thomas Woldesenbet, CEO of Zambia Airways. “The launch of services to Dar es Salaam and Nairobi will further strengthen the ties between Zambia and the two East African sister countries and foster trade and tourism.”

Source:   Travel and Tour World.  

Tracing the ascendancy of African aviation and air cargo

Africa’s aviation and air freight sectors are experiencing a remarkable upswing, propelled by the continent’s economic expansion, urbanisation trends, and increasing global trade links. Projections indicate the African air transport market will see 5.7% annual growth over the next 20 years, surpassing worldwide averages. While challenges like insufficient infrastructure, connectivity gaps, and regulatory disparities exist, initiatives to enhance air cargo capabilities and catalyse regional integration are gaining momentum to harness Africa’s immense prospects.

The African aviation and air cargo industry is undergoing a remarkable renaissance, fueled by rapid economic growth, urbanisation, and the continent’s increased integration into global trade networks. As more Africans embrace air travel and businesses look for efficient logistics solutions, the sector is on track for unprecedented growth, resulting in a new era of connectivity and opportunity across the continent.

According to a projection by the World Bank, African economies are expected to grow by 3.4 in 2024. While a data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the African air transport market is projected to grow by 5.7% annually over the next two decades, outpacing the global average growth rate of 4.6%. This growth is fueled by a burgeoning middle class, robust economic development, and the continent’s vast untapped potential.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has recently announced that global air cargo demand continued its robust growth for the fourth consecutive month, with Africa experiencing significant expansion in March 2024, The IATA figures show that African airlines saw a 14 % year-on-year growth in air cargo demand in March 2024.

The growth in air cargo demand, particularly in Africa, has been influenced by various factors. According to IATA, the moderate increase in global cross-border trade and industrial production has contributed to the growth in air cargo demand. The rise in e-commerce activity has also played a significant role in boosting air cargo demand globally, including in Africa.

Furthermore, a notable shift from sea freight to air freight has been observed, especially for cargo moving from the Middle East to West Africa, as shippers opt for air freight to avoid the longer sea route. This longer sea voyage has become necessary due to the ongoing crisis in the Red Sea region, forcing ocean carriers to reroute their ships around the Cape of Good Hope instead of transiting through the Suez Canal. As a result, shippers are turning to air freight as a more timely alternative for cargo bound to West African ports from the Middle East.

Source: Logistics Update Africa.

Industry Makes Progress to Reduce Baggage Mishandling, New Survey Reveals

Reykjavík – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) today released a global progress report on the implementation of baggage tracking. Focused on IATA Resolution 753, which requires tracking baggage at acceptance, loading, transfer and arrival, the survey of 155 airlines and 94 airports reveals that:

44% of airlines have fully implemented Resolution 753 and a further 41% are in progress.

Regional variation in airline full adoption rates vary from 88% in China and North Asia, to 60% in the Americas, 40% in Europe and Asia-Pacific, and 27% in Africa.

75% of airports surveyed have the capability for Resolution 753 baggage tracking.

Airport preparedness for Resolution 753 varies by size*: 75% of mega airports are capable, 85% of major airports, 82% of large airports and 61% of medium airports.

Optical barcode scanning is the dominant tracking technology implemented by the majority of airports (73%) surveyed. Tracking using RFID, which is more efficient, is implemented in 27% of surveyed airports. Notably, RFID technology has seen higher adoption rates at mega airports, with 54% already implementing this advanced tracking system.

“Between 2007 and 2022 baggage mishandling reduced by nearly 60%. That is good news. But travelers expect better; and the industry is determined to make further improvements. Tracking bags at acceptance, loading, transfer and delivery will give the industry the data it needs to improve. Tracking reduces overall mishandlings and helps airlines reunite mishandled bags with their owners even faster. With 44% of airlines already fully implementing Resolution 753 tracking and a further 41% in progress, travelers can have even more confidence that their bags will be at the carousel on arrival,” said Monika Mejstrikova, IATA Director Ground Operations.

In 2022, the global rate of mishandled bags was 7.6 per 1,000 passengers, according to SITA. The majority of these were returned within 48 hours.

Accelerating Modern Baggage Messaging

Resolution 753 requires airlines to exchange baggage tracking messages with interline partners and their agents. The current baggage messaging infrastructure depends on legacy technologies using costly Type B messaging. This high cost adversely affects the implementation of Resolution 753 and contributes to issues with message quality, leading to an increase in baggage mishandling.

IATA is leading the industry’s transition from Type B to modern baggage messaging based on XML standards. The first pilot to test modern baggage messaging between airport and airlines is planned for launch in 2024.

“Adopting modern messaging is the equivalent of implementing a new standard, intelligible language for use by airlines, airports, and ground handling staff so they can effectively communicate about passenger luggage. In addition to helping reduce the number of mishandled bags implementation also sets the stage for ongoing innovations in baggage management systems,” said Mejstrikova.

Background

IATA resolution 753 was adopted by June in 2018. In 2024, IATA launched a campaign to assist airlines with the implementation. The campaign focuses on collecting data on the implementation status of airlines and providing support to member airlines to develop and execute their implementation plans. This initiative underscores IATA’s commitment to enhancing operational efficiencies and standards across the industry.

*Airport size classification:

Medium: 5-15 million

Large: 15–25 million

Major: 25–40 million

Mega: >40 million

Source:  Tourism News Africa.  

High flight ticket taxes and fees slowing air transport in Africa.

Taxes and fees charged on African air tickets are higher than what airlines in other continents charge and are inhibiting air transport on the continent. According to the African Airlines Association (Afraa), a leading trade association of airlines based in Ghana that researches aviation, the average amount paid in taxes and fees by passengers in Africa is more than twice what air travelers in other continents pay.

Taxes and fees on African air tickets averages $64 while in Europe it averages $30 per ticket while it is even lower in Middle East at $29.65.

The high add-on fees have inhibited the growth of air travel on the continent that is grappling with high poverty rates.

Regionally, Western and Central Africa rank as the most expensive regarding international passenger charges averaging $94.59 and $93.74.

Unfriendly Environment

However, passengers from Northern Africa pay the lowest in taxes and fees averaging $26.27. The charges have been blamed on the unfriendly business environment, poor governance and less subsidies given to airlines in Africa compared to those abroad.

East African Business Council in a study on air space liberalization in the EAC shows average departure charges account for 13 percent of the ticket prices for flights in EAC and eight percent for flights to other African countries. Afraa notes that despite efforts by airlines to offer passengers low fares, taxes and fees cause total ticket prices to more than double of the base rate.

“The low purchasing power in Africa calls for interventions to evaluate the issue of high taxes and fees to stimulate demand and make air transport affordable to African citizens”, Afraa recommends.

Apart from passenger taxes levied directly on the ticket, airlines incur other charges connected to their operations in airports such as aircraft charge, landing, parking, passenger bus, and hangar among others.

Operational Costs

In 2019 as noted by Afraa, the International Civil Aviation Organization, a United Nations agency, regulations stipulated fuel that accounted for 24.7 percent of operational costs by African airlines was not to be taxed.

However, other particular taxes and fees are applied to passengers.

Source: Business Daily Africa  

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.