Southern Africa’s premier regional carrier, Airlink, will increase services to Nairobi and Lusaka with additional flights from 30 March 2025.

Three weekly night-time return flights will operate between Johannesburg and Nairobi, while additional flights will be provided in the morning and the afternoon, to Lusaka.

“The additional Nairobi and Lusaka flights are scheduled to provide business and leisure travellers with greater choices and convenient connections, through Airlink’s Johannesburg hub, with our other domestic and regional services as well as long-haul flights provided by our global airline partners,” said Rodger Foster, Airlink’s CEO and Managing Director.

NAIROBI FLIGHTS

These new flights augment Airlink’s daily service, launched in 2023 when the airline became the first private-sector carrier to compete on the route.

Flight    Weekday            Departure Time               Arrival Time

4Z 070 Daily                   JNB 09.40                         NBO 14.40

4Z 071 Daily                   NBO 15.30                       JNB 18.40

* 4Z 072 Wed, Fri, Sun   JNB 20.30                         NBO 01.30+

* 4Z 073 Mon, Thu, Sat NBO 02.15                       JNB 05.25

*From 30 March 2025 (+ Next/Following morning)

Times of departure and arrival are local times in the respective destinations.

Also Read : What you need to know about Kenya’s Leading Travel Industry Payment Summit

LUSAKA FLIGHTS

Airlink will also add morning and afternoon flights to its popular Johannesburg-Lusaka service, increasing the schedule from 13 to 21 return flights a week.

Flight    Weekday            Departure Time               Arrival Time

4Z 162 Daily                   JNB 11.30                        LUN 13.30

4Z 163 Daily                   LUN 14.15                       JNB 16.30

Flight 4Z 164 Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun     JNB 17.00 LUN 19.00

Flight 4Z 161 Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat      LUN 07.30 JNB 09.35

New services on this route will include:

**4Z 168 Fri, Sun                                       JNB 14.30               LUN 16.30

**4Z 169 Fri, Sun                                       LUN 17.10               JNB 19.15

***4Z 166 Mon. Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat JNB 07.45 LUN 09.45

***4Z 167 Mon. Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat LUN 10.25 JNB 12.30

Source : sustainabilityinthesky.com

Angola, Benin, Liberia, and Zimbabwe are among 22 African countries that could soon face US travel bans. 

Angola, Benin, Republic of Congo, Liberia, and Zimbabwe are among the African countries that may soon face travel bans or restrictions in the United States, according to a report by The New York Times.

The Trump administration is reportedly considering a sweeping set of travel restrictions that could impact citizens from 22 African nations. Some could face an outright ban, while others might be given a deadline to address “security concerns.”

A draft list circulating within the administration categorises the affected countries into three groups—red, orange, and yellow—each with varying levels of restrictions.

• Red List: Countries on this list would be completely barred from entering the United States. Three African nations—Libya, Somalia, and Sudan—are included, alongside North Korea, Iran, Syria, Cuba, and others.
• Orange List: These countries wouldn’t face a full ban but would see strict visa restrictions. Eritrea, Sierra Leone, and South Sudan are listed alongside Belarus, Pakistan, Russia, and four others. Citizens from these nations may need to undergo in-person interviews and could be barred from obtaining certain visas, such as immigrant or tourist visas.
• Yellow List: This includes 16 African countries whose citizens will have 60 days to address US concerns or risk being moved into a stricter category. These countries are Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Cabo Verde, Chad, Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, The Gambia, Liberia, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Zimbabwe.

The proposed restrictions follow President Donald Trump’s executive order on 20 January, which called for tighter security vetting of foreigners entering the US. According to The New York Times, these measures are still under review, and the final list may change before reaching the White House.

Source : Bellanaija.com

SalamAir, Oman’s low-cost airline, has officially launched direct flights between Muscat and Nairobi, strengthening air connectivity between the Sultanate of Oman and Kenya. This new route marks SalamAir’s expansion into East Africa, providing travelers with an affordable and convenient way to explore both destinations.

The inaugural flight touched down at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi on March 17, 2025, welcomed by a special ceremony attended by key officials. Among those present were Mohamed Daghar, Principal Secretary at Kenya’s State Department for Transport, Her Excellency Nasra Salim Mohamed Al Hashmi, the Omani Ambassador to Kenya, and His Excellency Abdi Aden Korio, the Kenyan Ambassador to Oman.

A Major Step in SalamAir’s Growth

As part of its long-term expansion strategy, SalamAir is increasing its global reach, with Nairobi being the latest addition to its network. Adrian Hamilton-Manns, CEO of SalamAir, highlighted the airline’s commitment to bridging key international markets.

“We are thrilled to expand our network by introducing flights between Muscat and Nairobi. This new route supports our vision to connect Oman to key global destinations, strengthening economic and cultural ties in alignment with Oman Vision 2040,” said Hamilton-Manns.

He further emphasized Nairobi’s strategic significance, citing its role as a major business hub and gateway to Kenya’s thriving tourism sector. The direct link between Oman and Kenya is expected to boost trade, tourism, and investment opportunities while offering a seamless connection for Kenyan travelers heading to the Gulf region and the Indian subcontinent.

A Boost for Bilateral Relations and Tourism

The introduction of SalamAir’s Muscat-Nairobi flights is more than just an aviation milestone—it represents a strengthening of historical and economic ties between Oman and Kenya. Her Excellency Nasra Salim Mohamed Al Hashmi remarked on the positive impact of the new route.

“This new air route is expected to enhance trade, tourism, and investment opportunities, further strengthening economic ties between our two nations. Improved connectivity will facilitate business engagements and promote cultural exchange.”

Kenya, known for its wildlife safaris, pristine beaches, and vibrant cities, is a growing travel destination, while Oman’s rich heritage and diverse landscapes make it an attractive choice for Kenyan tourists. The increased connectivity is anticipated to drive two-way tourism, allowing travelers from both nations to explore new opportunities.

KATA CHAIRMAN DR. JOSEPH KITHITU AND KATA MEMBERS AT SALAM AIR COCKTAIL EVENT AT MOVENPICK

The Only Direct Flight Linking Oman and Kenya

SalamAir is currently the only airline offering direct flights between Oman and Kenya, eliminating the need for lengthy layovers and complex travel itineraries. His Excellency Abdi Aden Korio, the Kenyan Ambassador to Oman, expressed his enthusiasm for the new service.

“This route serves as the single most vital connection for our guests within the travel and tourism industry, the business community, and government officials. Kenya welcomes SalamAir with open arms and looks forward to the continuation of this crucial passenger and cargo transportation between Kenya and Oman.”

As SalamAir continues to expand its footprint, this new service is expected to lay the groundwork for future routes across East Africa, further enhancing regional connectivity.

Source : FTN News

Dubai, a popular winter sun and relocation destination in the Middle East, is a firm favourite among UK holidaymakers.Enticed by its scorching temperatures, desert adventures and high-rise skyline, a record 92.3 million passengers passed through terminals at Dubai International Airport in 2024.While holidays usually pass by without a hitch, there are strict regulations in the UAE and its emirates – both well and lesser-known – that travellers should get familiar with before they book a trip.

Radha Stirling, CEO of London-based legal group Detained in Dubai, stressed the importance of being familiar with the local laws of your travel destination.“Common behaviour doesn’t mean lawful behaviour. It may be common to drink alcohol in Dubai, but it’s also unlawful to possess alcohol in your bloodstream or be drunk. A mere allegation is sufficient to warrant an arrest and people can weaponise the system to have you prosecuted if they so wish,” said Stirling.

She added: “Almost all tourists will be in violation of local laws before they even get on a plane. A number of first-time visitors have been arrested for social media posts or electronic private communications that they made perfectly legally from their own countries.”Holidaymakers risk fines, deportation, arrests and prison sentences if they fail to respect the rules.The Foreign Office (FCDO) warns: “The UAE is a Muslim country. Respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions. Make sure your actions do not cause offence, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you visit religious areas. There may be serious penalties for doing something that might not be illegal in the UK but is in the UAE.”

Here are the local laws that tourists need to know about to stay out of trouble while visiting Dubai and the UAE.

Dubai laws and rules

Carrying prescription drugs

Don’t be tempted to bring medication into Dubai without first checking if it is considered a “controlled” substance.The FCDO says: “There are strict rules about what medications you can bring into the UAE. You will need approval from the UAE authorities to bring in medication that the UAE classes as narcotic, psychotropic, controlled or semi-controlled.“If you arrive in the UAE without evidence of prior approval, the medication will not be allowed into the UAE, and you may be prosecuted.”You can usually bring up to three months’ supply of medication as a visitor, or one month if the medication requires approval.

Swearing and rude gestures

Swearing or making rude gestures, online or in person, is illegal in the UAE. Travellers can be jailed or deported for such “obscene acts”.

Drinking or possessing alcohol

One of the most important rules to remember for tourists: drinking or being under the influence of alcohol in public is illegal anywhere in the UAE, even if you are over 21. Specifically in the city of Sharjah, north of Dubai, where drinking or possessing alcohol is illegal.Residents of Dubai are legally required to have a liquor licence to buy alcohol to drink at home or private parties. Tourists can get a temporary liquor licence which is valid for one month – these are not required in Dubai to purchase and consume alcohol in licensed venues like hotel bars, restaurants, and pubs.

Hotel regulations

Travellers under 18 take note – you cannot stay in a hotel alone if you’re under 18 years old and not accompanied by an adult.

Pedestrian crossings

As known as “jaywalking” in the US, holidaymakers should note it is illegal to cross roads in Dubai without using the marked pedestrian and zebra crossings.

Ramadan rules

During the holy month of Ramadan, travellers should take extra care to be respectful. Exact dates vary by year and country but the FCDO reminds visitors to be wary of eating, drinking, smoking, swearing, playing loud music or chewing gum in public.

LGBT+ travellers

LGBT+ travellers should be aware that same-sex sexual activity is illegal in the UAE before they travel.According to the FCDO: “The UAE is in many respects a tolerant society and private life is respected. However, there have been reports of individuals being punished for same-sex sexual activity, particularly where there is any public element, or where the behaviour has caused offence. This applies both to foreign national residents and tourists.”

Posting critically of the UAE online

Posting critical or culturally insensitive material is considered illegal in the country – specifically videos and photos reflecting negatively on the UAE government, companies and its nationals.

Showing affection in public

Honeymooners beware: kissing, holding hands and showing affection in public is frowned upon and arrests may be made.

Sexual relationships outside marriage

It is illegal for adults over 18 to have a sexual relationship with a person aged 17 or under. British teen Marcus Fakana, 18, was recently jailed for having consensual sex with a 17-year-old while on holiday in Dubai.Even those partaking in consensual extra-marital relationships risk a six-month prison sentence if either person’s spouse or guardian files a criminal complaint.Unmarried parents may also not be covered by medical insurance and could struggle to obtain a UAE birth certificate unless they get married or provide a joint declaration, certified by a notary public, to acknowledge the child.

Financial crime

Tourists who commit financial crimes in the UAE, including fraud and failure to pay hotel bills, are unlikely to be granted bail while they await prison sentencing. Personal bank accounts and assets can also be frozen.

Packing poppy seeds

Before you pack your favourite bakery products – poppy seeds are strictly banned from entering Dubai.

Drug-related offences

The UAE has a zero-tolerance policy for drug offences, including trafficking, carrying and using illegal substances. Penalties can include a three-month prison term, fines up to 100,000 UAE dirham (£21,840) and, in drug trafficking cases, the death penalty. Some CBD, skincare and e-cigarette products are illegal in the UAE due to their ingredients. These will be confiscated and you could face criminal charges.

Fundraising and charity

Before you travel to the UAE, check any charity acts you have planned, including online fundraising, are permitted at your destination.

Using cameras and binoculars

In Dubai, you can be arrested for photographing a person without their consent. It is also illegal to take pictures of some government and military buildings with hobbies that require binoculars likely to “be misunderstood”, say the FCDO.

Media activity

Members of the press must apply for permission to carry out media activity in print or video or risk imprisonment or a fine.

Clothing

Consider packing a modest outfit – for women, this includes covering the shoulders and knees – to avoid causing offence in public areas. Swimwear outside of beaches or at swimming pools and cross-dressing are also illegal.

Checking someone else’s phone

The UAE has strict laws against invading someone’s privacy, including potential jail time for being nosey and checking another person’s phone.

Eating or drinking on public transport

Think again before you pack a picnic for public transport – to help keep the transport system clean, eating and drinking onboard is banned and you could be fined 100 UAE dirham (£21).

Driving etiquette

It’s wise to control your road rage while driving in Dubai – offensive gestures towards other vehicles can lead to fines, a jail sentence, and possibly deportation.The FCDO warns: “Police in the UAE have the power to impound your car for traffic violations that may be considered minor in the UK. They will charge a fee of 50,000 UAE dirham plus a traffic violation fine to release your car.”

Five years ago this week, daily life, as most of us knew it, came to a halt as the world realized it was in the grips of a deadly global pandemic unlike anything previously seen in modern times. 

By March 11, 2020, more than 118,000 cases of COVID-19 had been reported across 114 countries, and there were 4,291 resulting deaths, according to a CDC timeline of the pandemic’s emergence. On that day, the World Health Organization (WHO) officially declared COVID-19 a pandemic.

Two days later, on March 13, the Trump Administration announced a nationwide emergency banning entry of non-U.S. citizens from 26 countries. This was followed 24 hours later by a “no sail order” from the CDC for all cruise ships, calling for them to cease all activity in all waters over which the U.S. held jurisdiction.

Travel, an industry worth $10.3 trillion globally in 2019, accounting for 10.5 percent of all jobs around the planet and 7 percent of all trade, was about to experience the unthinkable: Being brought to a standstill. It would take years to recover.

March 2020: The Month Everything Changed

It can be hard to believe that the deadly COVID-19 pandemic is already five years behind us. The years have flown by, in some ways, and life has largely returned to normal. The journey to get to this point however, was no small feat. It has been daunting, both individually and collectively.

In March 2020, the routines of daily life changed seemingly overnight. Millions of workers lost jobs as businesses ceased operations. Many of those who remained employed were required to work remotely and found themselves suddenly adjusting to digitalization. Schools shifted to remote learning, and healthcare workers became the front-line defense, helping us all fight a global existential threat. And these are just some of the impacts.

Turning to the tourism industry, one of the central policies implemented to help contain the virus was restrictions on mobility, both domestically and internationally. This had a profound impact on every level of travel, including slashing demand for hotels and eliminating patronization of restaurants, as well as countless other hospitality venues.

Air travel was one of the hardest-hit global industries: “After a decade of consistent and robust growth in global passenger traffic, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic brought airports around the world to a virtual halt in the second quarter of 2020, erasing almost overnight, more than 20 years of passenger traffic growth,” says a report from Airports Council International (ACI).

In 2020, there was a 62.3 percent decline in global passenger traffic, which amounted to about 5.9 billion passengers not flying due to the pandemic, according to ACI.

Additional statistics help further illustrate the bleak reality the travel industry faced five years ago: 

• Lockdowns worldwide resulted in a staggering 49 percent GDP decline for the travel industry in 2020 (compared to an overall global economy GDP contraction of just 3.7 percent during the same time frame.) This amounted to a loss of close to $4.5 trillion compared with 2019, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).
• The United States alone recorded a tourism revenue loss of roughly $147 billion between just January and October 2020, according to Statista. By comparison, Spain, the country experiencing the second-highest drop in tourism revenue, lost about $46.7 billion over that same time frame.
• Some 63 million tourism jobs were lost in just 2020 as a result of the pandemic, according to Statista.

The good news is that the industry, by most accounts, has fully rebounded.

In May 2023, the WHO and former U.S. President Joe Biden declared an end to the pandemic. Exactly one year later, in May 2024, a report from the World Economic Forum touted: “Tourism is back to pre-pandemic levels.” The report explained that the global tourism industry in 2024 was not only expected to recover from the lows of the COVID-19 pandemic, but might even surpass the levels seen before the crisis.

A record $1 out of every $10 spent globally in 2024 was expected to be spent on travel as consumers the world over rushed to book hotels, cruises and flights, WTTC reported. The WTTC also estimated that the industry’s contribution to global GDP in 2024 would increase 12.1 percent year-over-year to reach $11.1 trillion, thus making up 10 percent of global GDP. That figure represented a 7.5 percent increase from the previous record set by the travel industry in 2019, before the pandemic emerged.

Travel industry employment has recovered as well. The sector was expected to support nearly 348 million jobs in 2024, which was also a record-breaking 13.6 million more jobs than 2019 industry employment highs.

Yes, the travel industry is back.

One of the positive developments continuing to shape the travel industry is the growing commitment to sustainability and community-focused initiatives. The pandemic served as a turning point for travel, reinforcing the importance of intentional, sustainable, and transformative experiences. It further accelerated the adoption of sustainable travel practices—moving beyond ‘do no harm’ to actively leaving destinations better than we found them.

What other Positive developments in travel can we “credit” COVID-19 for?

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Source : TravelPulse by Northstar

While South Africa remains the most popular location for safaris, followed by Tanzania and Kenya, there’s growing interest among travelers in moving beyond traditional locations for safari experiences.In addition, the customary safari travel season is becoming longer, with an increasing number of globetrotters opting for June or September experiences, extending peak safari travel beyond its normal limits.

These are just some of the top takeaways from Go2Africa’s State of Safari travel report for 2025, a publication that’s based on proprietary search and booking data, combined with global Google search volumes.The annual report highlights the pivotal trends poised to shape safari planning and the industry across Africa. Some of the additional developments highlighted by this year’s report include:

Inquiries for Indian Ocean Island destinations like Seychelles and Mauritius grew by 71 percent, from 4.4 percent to 7.5 percent.Travelers are spending more on safari with an increase from 36 percent to 59 percent for medium-high budgets.The number of solo travelers interested in safari has increased slightly by 1 percent while couples continue to be the most dominant group with 44.58 percent of bookings.

Shifting Safari Hot Spots

While the percentage of traveler inquiries for South Africa decreased slightly year-over-year, now representing 23 percent of bookings, it remains the most popular safari destination, according to Go2Africa.Traveler inquiries for Tanzania, meanwhile, increased slightly, by 0.6 percent, reaching 19 percent. Eternally popular Kenya accounted for 18 percent of bookings, according to Go2Africa.

These three most popular locations accounted for 60 percent of the total interest, a figure that remains unchanged from last year.There are however, a few regions that are making notable inroads among safari travelers. Interest in Indian Ocean Island destinations like Seychelles and Mauritius grew by 71 percent year-over-year, from 4.4 percent to 7.5 percent.

What’s more, travel to Madagascar and Malawi more than doubled from 2023 to 2024. This development is likely a result of tourism to Madagascar being boosted with new airlines and flight routes that now serve the island.Still, Liesel Van Zyl, Go2Africa product manager and head of positive impact, says travelers appear to be moving beyond “traditional safari routes.” In tandem with this development, safari travelers are also seeking more hands-on experiences that make a difference.

“Instead of just observing, guests want to be part of the conservation effort—places like Usangu and Green Safaris offer immersive activities that allow them to contribute directly,” says Van Zyl.There’s also a shift away from classic itineraries like Kruger and Victoria Falls, with more interest in hidden gems such as Zambia’s Kafue, Ruaha’s Usangu, Seychelles’ Platte Island, Zimbabwe’s Matusadona, and the pristine waters of Lake Malawi, says Van Zyl.

The Safari Travel Season Is Getting Longer

Safari travel peaks from June to October, with July consistently the most popular month, driven largely by the Great Migration and prime wildlife viewing conditions.Interest in April and May is also growing thanks to fewer crowds and the potential for better rates.

Increased Safari Budgets

This year’s report showed a continued shift from medium budgets to medium-high budgets for safari travel. For 2023, the average budget sat in between $5,500 to $6,500, while 2024’s average budget was between $5,500 to $7,500, reflecting a combination of an increase in desire for premium experiences, longer trips and an increase in the cost of safari travel. Year-over-year medium budgets decreased from 53 percent to 39 percent, while medium-high budgets increased from 36 percent to 59 percent.

Couples Remain Top Safari-Goers

The distribution of safari traveler types has remained relatively stable year over year, according to Go2Africa.Traveling with a partner continues to be the most popular choice, accounting for 45 percent of those on safari. Solo travel, however, has seen a slight increase, rising from 12 percent to 13 percent.

Families are also increasingly turning to safaris for a vacation.

”There’s been a noticeable increase in families choosing safaris as their ideal holiday,” said Maija De Rijk-Uys Go2Africa Managing Director. “More lodges and experiences are catering to children and multi-generational travel, making it an incredibly rewarding experience for families looking to connect with nature together.”

Source : TravelPulse by Northstar