In the late afternoon of Thursday, 7th August 2025, catastrophe struck Mwihoko, a residential area in Nairobi. A Casette citation flight by AMREF flying doctors air ambulance service crashed after taking off from Wilson Airport. The aircraft, registered as 5Y-FDM was headed to Hargeisa, Somalia on a medical emergency mission. The crash killed six and injured two others.

Incident Details and Casualties

The AMREF plane, a critical air ambulance service, was carrying two crew members and two medical personnel. Within minutes of takeoff, the aircraft lost both radar and radio communication with Air Traffic Control. The plane crashed into a house in the Mwihoko area, which is part of Kiambu County, a region that borders Nairobi. The impact was severe, and reports indicated that a loud bang followed by a fireball and thick smoke were visible from the crash site.

Among the casualties, four people aboard the plane died, including the two medical staff and two crew members. Tragically, two residents in the house struck by the plane were also confirmed dead. Two additional individuals on the ground suffered injuries and were promptly taken to a nearby hospital for medical attention.

Emergency Response and Investigations

In the aftermath of the crash, several key agencies were swiftly involved in the emergency response efforts. The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), led by Director-General Emile Arao, confirmed the loss of communication with the aircraft just three minutes after takeoff. A team from KCAA’s Air Accident Investigation Department was dispatched to the scene to investigate the cause of the crash. The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) and Ministry of Transport also joined the response, working closely with aviation authorities.

Security forces, including the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and the National Police Service, were among the first on the scene, securing the area, assisting with rescue efforts, and managing the crowd of onlookers. The Kenya Red Cross was also present, providing essential emergency assistance to those affected.

AMREF’s Statement and Focus on Safety

AMREF Flying Doctors, the organization behind the aircraft, expressed its deepest condolences and stated that they are fully cooperating with authorities to uncover the cause of the incident. AMREF’s CEO, Stephen Gitau, emphasized that the immediate priority was supporting the families of those involved and ensuring their safety and well-being during this difficult time.

AMREF, which operates a fleet of air ambulances, is known for providing emergency medical services across East Africa. The company reassured the public that their ongoing commitment to safety remains unwavering, and they are working closely with the relevant authorities to determine the factors that led to this tragedy.

What Travellers Can Learn from This Incident

While the crash of AMREF’s air ambulance is a rare and unfortunate event, it serves as a reminder of the importance of safety measures within the aviation industry. The incident highlights the need for robust communication systems, rigorous training, and comprehensive safety protocols for both airline operators and passengers.

For travelers, particularly those using air ambulance services or flying on small aircraft, it is essential to consider the following safety precautions:

• Pre-flight Safety Checks: Ensure that the airline or service provider conducts regular safety checks and maintenance on their aircraft. Passengers should also be aware of the safety measures implemented by the service provider, especially in the case of medical air ambulances.
• Communication Protocols: It’s crucial to be informed about the communication systems of the aircraft you are flying on. AMREF’s case highlights the risks posed by sudden loss of communication between the aircraft and air traffic control.
• Monitoring Weather Conditions: Adverse weather conditions can contribute to aviation accidents. Travelers should check weather reports and, if possible, inquire about flight conditions before embarking on their journey.
• Emergency Response and Preparedness: Understand the emergency response capabilities of your service provider. A strong system for handling unexpected situations, such as aircraft malfunctions or accidents, is crucial for traveler safety.
• Insurance Coverage: Always ensure that travel insurance covers emergencies, including air ambulance services. This not only offers peace of mind but also guarantees support in case of unforeseen accidents or cancellations.

 

Measures to Improve Aviation Safety

In light of the crash, authorities have emphasized the need for stringent safety measures to prevent similar accidents in the future. Several steps are expected to be taken by the relevant aviation authorities:

• Stricter Maintenance and Safety Audits: Aviation bodies will likely enforce even more thorough inspections and audits of air ambulance operators, focusing on the safety, maintenance, and operational standards of aircraft.
• Enhanced Air Traffic Control Systems: The loss of communication with the aircraft so soon after takeoff has underscored the need for more reliable communication systems between aircraft and air traffic control.
• Improved Pilot and Crew Training: Continuous training for pilots and crew members will be a priority to ensure they are equipped to handle emergency situations efficiently.
• Comprehensive Investigations: The ongoing investigation will seek to determine the exact cause of the crash, with findings aimed at improving safety protocols across the aviation industry.

 

Conclusion

The recent AMREF Flying Doctors crash in Mwihoko has brought sorrow to many homes. As investigators piece together what happened, we’re reminded how vital it is to treat air travel safety with the highest care. Anyone needing an air ambulance should always vet the service carefully, double-check their safety checks, and know what the final plans are before the plane lifts off.

The whole aviation circle regulators, pilots, ground crews, and firms like AMREF needs to join forces and strengthen every safety step. Accidents like this can only be prevented by constant teamwork and improvement. To all those who have lost someone in this disaster, we offer our deepest condolences and support as you face this heartbreaking loss.

Source; TravelAndTourWorld

ASKY Airlines has officially launched its inaugural service to Nouakchott, Mauritania, marking a significant milestone as the airline adds its 30th destination across Africa.

The new route, which commenced on August 2, 2025, will operate three times weekly, offering seamless connections through the airline’s hub in Lomé to the rest of ASKY’s extensive African network.

The addition of Nouakchott reinforces ASKY’s mission to enhance intra-African connectivity and provide more travel options for business and leisure passengers across the continent.

With this launch, ASKY continues its expansion drive, strengthening its position as a key player in African aviation and contributing to regional trade, tourism, and economic integration.

The Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) Board held a high-level consultative meeting with Hon. Rebecca Miano, EGH, Cabinet Secretary for Tourism, Wildlife, and Heritage, to discuss critical issues affecting Kenya’s tourism and travel sector.

The engagement was centered on deepening collaboration between the government and the private sector, with a focus on creating a more enabling environment for growth. Among the key matters discussed were delayed government payments and pending bills, limited access to international flights, delays in the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) processing, the proliferation of rogue and unregulated travel agents, and the need to streamline regulatory and licensing frameworks.

The talks also underscored the importance of raising professionalism across the industry and enhancing service delivery to meet global standards.

Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) CEO, Ms. June Chepkemei, made a presentation during the meeting, stressing the need for product diversification and the alignment of national marketing strategies to boost tourism competitiveness.

Also present were Principal Secretary for Tourism, Mr. John Ololtuaa, Tourism Regulatory Authority Director General, Mr. Nobert Talam, and other senior government officials, who pledged their commitment to working closely with industry stakeholders.

Speaking after the meeting, KATA reaffirmed its role as the national voice for travel agents, dedicated to advocating for ethical practices, regulatory clarity, and a competitive business environment.

“Continuous dialogue between the public and private sectors is essential to unlocking Kenya’s full tourism potential. We remain committed to working hand in hand with the government to address challenges and drive sustainable growth,” the Association’s Chairman – Dr. Joseph Kithitu stated.

The meeting marks a continued push by KATA to engage policymakers and strengthen the sector’s resilience, positioning Kenya as a top destination in the global travel market.

More than 46 million passengers passed through Dubai International (DXB) airport in the first half of the year, up 2.3% year on year, marking the busiest first half in the airport’s 65-year history.​

That sees DXB on track to break even more records in 2025, topping its record 92.3 million passengers in 2024, which marked an annual increase of nearly 6% on the previous year. 

DXB expects annual traffic to reach 96 million this year, “bringing us closer to the symbolic 100 million milestone”, Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, said in a statement. 

April 2025 was the busiest month on record

DXB’s record figure for the first half of 2025 could have been even higher were it not for flight cancellations and disruptions in May and June due to regional conflicts, yet the second quarter of the year still showed resilience, posting a 3.1% increase in serving 22.5 million passengers. 

April 2025 was reported as the busiest for that month on record for the UAE airport, with more than 8 million people passing through its terminals. 

Overall in the first half of 2025, DXB handled 222,000 flights and January was the busiest month with a record 8.5 million guests, while the average stood at 7.7 million and 254,000 people per day.

The peak in traffic came on 3 January with more than 311,000 guests as visitors returned from the holiday season and expat residents returned to work.  

India was the Dubai airport’s largest source market in H1 with 5.9 million guests, followed by Saudi Arabia (3.6 million), the UK (3.0 million), Pakistan (2.1 million) and the US (1.6 million).

Meanwhile, London was the busiest city destination with 1.8 million guests, followed by Riyadh (1.5 million), Mumbai (1.2 million), Jeddah and New Delhi (1.1 million).

Griffiths added: “DXB’s continued growth through a period of regional challenges highlights the strength of Dubai and the UAE, the agility of our operations and the commitment of our airport community.”

“As we enter the second half of the year, travel activity is expected to accelerate, beginning with the late-summer peak and leading into a winter season filled with high-profile events across entertainment, sport, and business. 

Source: connectingtravel.com

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has called on African states to reduce taxes and charges on air travel in Africa.

The global body complained that taxes and charges in air travel in the region were 15 per cent higher than the global average.  

IATA emphasised that it is critical that governments on the continent understand that the greatest value that aviation brings to an economy is catalytic, noting that transporting travellers and goods stimulates job creation and destroying demand with excessive taxation puts the brake on economic and social development. 

IATA said that where charges are used to fund critical aviation infrastructure, coordination between industry and government is essential, noting that the aim must be to build growth-supporting infrastructure that is cost-efficient and scalable. 

On blocked funds, IATA said airlines cannot operate in a market if they are unable to repatriate revenues generated, which is guaranteed in international treaties and bilateral agreements.

It regretted that the $1 billion of airline revenues being blocked from repatriation by African governments (as of May 2025)—73 per cent of total global blocked funds—impedes maintaining Africa’s international connectivity, disclosing that blocked funds are spread across 26 African countries.  

IATA remarked that airlines facing blocked funds often reduce flight frequencies or suspend routes. To facilitate aviation’s economic and social benefits, governments need to live up to their international obligation and remove all barriers to airline revenue repatriation. 

Source: Thisdaylive.com

Beyond typical sightseeing, DNA tourism is drawing travellers eager to explore the story behind their genes. More than a sightseeing trip, it’s a pilgrimage to understand identity, lineage, and cultural history by walking in the footsteps of those who came before.

This emerging trend blends genetic science with the emotional journey of rediscovering personal heritage, turning travel into a quest to uncover one’s roots, as reported by IOL.

What is ancestry or DNA travel?

At its core, DNA travel is sparked by results from genetic ancestry tests. After taking a simple at-home kit — typically involving a saliva sample or cheek swab — travellers receive detailed breakdowns of their genetic heritage. These often point to regions or countries that form part of their ancestral story, prompting journeys to explore those connections in real life.

Rather than just visiting a country as a tourist, travellers might:

• Seek out ancestral towns or villages;
• Connect with newly discovered relatives through DNA match platforms;
• Participate in cultural traditions like folk dancing or regional cooking;
• Delve into archives for family records, old photographs or immigration documents;
• Join guided heritage tours tailored to specific ancestries or surnames.

The goal, or the aim, for that matter, is to form a tangible connection to one’s lineage and better understand the forces that shaped their family’s journey.

Why is this trend growing?

Several intersecting forces are fuelling interest in heritage-based travel:

Affordable and accessible DNA testing

With the rise of companies offering at-home ancestry kits, learning about one’s genetic background has never been easier or cheaper. Millions have now taken these tests, often receiving regional breakdowns that spark curiosity about unfamiliar or long-forgotten family ties.

A shift toward meaningful journeys

Today’s travellers are moving beyond checklist tourism. There’s a growing desire to engage with destinations on a deeper, more personal level. DNA travel taps into this need, offering not just an itinerary but a narrative — one rooted in identity and connection.

Reclaiming roots in a globalised world

As migration, diaspora, and displacement continue to shape societies, many feel a yearning to rediscover their cultural origins. DNA tourism offers a powerful way to reconnect with one’s past, especially for those whose family histories include stories of exile, adoption, or lost languages.

What to expect on a DNA-inspired journey

No two heritage trips look the same, but many follow a similar path:

1. The spark: A DNA test reveals ancestral ties to one or more regions.
2. The research: Travellers trace family trees, map migrations, and gather historical context.
3. The journey: Visits to ancestral homes, participation in cultural rituals, or emotional reunions with previously unknown relatives.
4. The discovery: Learning local customs, exploring community archives, or uncovering family secrets.

Navigating emotional and ethical terrain

While DNA travel can be incredibly enriching, it’s not without its challenges.

• Imprecise science: Genetic tests aren’t always exact. Regional overlaps and limited databases can blur ancestral lines.
• Unexpected revelations: Some travellers discover hidden family histories — unknown parentage, adoptions, or difficult truths linked to colonialism, slavery, or war.
• Emotional weight: Standing in places marked by historical trauma or personal loss can be overwhelming, especially without emotional preparation.
• Cultural sensitivity: Ancestral villages and sacred sites aren’t theme parks. Travellers must approach these communities with humility and respect, recognising them as living spaces rather than relics of the past.

The future of DNA tourism

As more people become curious about their heritage and look for purpose-driven travel, ancestry-based journeys are likely to become even more popular. It’s a path that blends science, storytelling, and soul-searching — offering not just a destination, but a rediscovery of self.

Source: Getaway

Fastjet Zimbabwe has introduced a new direct flight connecting Bulawayo with Victoria Falls, and it is scheduled to be operational from August 8, 2025. The four-per-week service will make travel easier between two of Zimbabwe’s busiest cities for leisure and business travelers. Flights, which are now back and available for booking from Monday 13 January through to Thursday 24 March 2020, take off daily during the week Monday to Friday at lunchtime with Fastjet’s reliable fleet of young Embraer ERJ-145s, renowned for their comfortable flight and short field capabilities.

This new service will help to better connect visitors within Zimbabwe. Thousands of international tourists flock to Victoria Falls, among the world’s most renowned natural attractions. Famed for the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls waterfall, a UNESCO World Heritage site, there’s plenty to do in this region, from safaris through nature reserves and cultural experiences. Bulawayo, the second-largest city in the country, is a cultural centre with historical sites, museums, and an active arts community.

With the convenience of direct flights, tourists visiting these two destinations – closely associated as they too often are for an all-encompassing Zimbabwean adventure. Finally, the newfound ability of visitors to marvel at (the beauty of Victoria Falls) and experience Bulawayo in its full incomparable cultural vibrancy will induce more people to visit Zimbabwe as a truly accessible tourist destination.

Flight Schedule and Details

These new Fastjet flights from Bulawayo to Victoria Falls (and return) are timed for the convenience of both business and leisure travellers. The flight timings are as follows:

FN8111 Bulawayo departs 13:25 arrives Victoria Falls at14:20

Depart Victoria Falls on flight FN8112 at 14:50, arriving in Bulawayo at 15:45.

The operation is designed to allow visitors the convenience of regular, on-time flights; be it for the day or overnight. These flights would also help foreign tourists flying into Zimbabwe from Victoria Falls by connecting them to Bulawayo and easily reach the city for a tour.

Impact of economy on the tourism and regional development

The new route will also boost the economies of Bulawayo and Victoria Falls. Fastjet will enable closer connections between these major tourist regions, thereby stimulating growth in tourism based businesses such as hotels, restaurants and tour operators. The flights will be aimed at encouraging more tourists to travel between the two regions, which in turn is expected to drive business and create new jobs for tourism establishments.

Victoria Falls is already on a robust growth path with the opening of new hotels and attractions to meet soaring demand. The introduction of a convenient flight service will bring even more tourism arrivals to the area. The new flights to Bulawayo will boost tourism and make it easy for travelers to learn more about its rich history, including the National Gallery of Zimbabwe, the Zimbabwe Museum of Human Sciences, and Khami Ruins, which are historically significant archaeological sites.

An African travel agent not to be missed

For African-based travel agents, the new Fastjet flight provides a great ingredient for developing packages that include Bulawayo with Victoria Falls. These dual-nature and culture destinations are a perfect pair. All sorts of tempting deals for international tourists – and indeed people travelling from neighboring countries become possible simply because travel professionals can include these fast, convenient Fastjet flights in their offerings.

The direct service is convenient, with a flexible schedule that gives visitors more opportunity to visit both locations without the time and hassle of traveling long distances on busy roadways. With the dependability of flight schedules, travel agents now have effective products to sell tourists and can take advantage of what is becoming an increasing demand as Zimbabwe positions itself as a hub for regional tourism.

Fastjet Cheapest ways to visit Tanzania on FastJet and Enjoy your Holiday.

Fastjet Zimbabwe’s attractive and user friendly offering further makes the Bulawayo Victoria Falls route even more compelling now. With competitive prices and no-hassle booking process, the airline is a great option for travelers interested in discovering Zimbabwe without having to shell out exorbitant fares. Fastjet is also well known for its generous baggage policies, high quality standards of service while ensuring that the customer travels in comfort whether on business or leisure.

With its up to date fleet and emphasis on customer service, the airlines is a dependable choice for all types of travelers, whether domestic or international. The new Bulawayo (BYO) Victoria Falls (VFA) service not only provides a faster, cost-effective way of travelling but enhances tourists’ overall travel experience in visiting Zimbabwe.

Future Prospects for Zimbabwe’s Tourism

The Bulawayo–Victoria Falls route is part of a broader initiative to develop transport links and tourism in Zimbabwe. The private sector and government in Zimbabwe are collaborating to break through the barriers of tourism accessibility both locally and regionally. Increased accessibility by air, such as thanks to the new Fastjet service, will enable Zimbabwe unlock emerging African and global tourism source markets which in turn should assist with contributing towards long-term economic development of the country.

Increasing infrastructure like roads, runways and train networks also support the expanding tourism sector.

Conclusion

“Fastjet Zimbabwe’s new services from Bulawayo to Victoria Falls enable us to contribute significantly towards the creation of a highly accessible tourism infrastructure within the country. By making it easy to travel between two of Zimbabwe’s most visited centres, the airline is playing a role in positioning the country as one of Africa’s top regional and international tourism destinations. These new flights will then open up the tourist to explore more of Zimbabwe’s culture and unspoiled areas, which should, in turn, benefit tourism as well as the general economic coffers.

The introduction of this new service now offers African travel agents a vehicle to cater to their clients ‘ cost-effective, easy, and hassle-free bookings throughout Zimbabwe. The introduction of the Bulawayo–Victoria Falls service is a clear sign that Fastjet will continue to support the development of Zimbabwe’s tourism sector and reinforce its status as a unique leisure spot in Southern Africa.

Source: Travel And Tour World

Kenya Airways and WestJet have signed an interline agreement to enhance connectivity across both carriers’ networks.

With connections via Paris, Amsterdam, London (Gatwick and Heathrow) and New York (JFK), passengers can book a single ticket with a connected itinerary between WestJet and Kenya Airways’ networks.

Kenya Airways passengers benefit from single-stop access to Calgary, Halifax, St. John’s, and Toronto, which feed into 69 North American destinations. 

WestJet passengers can travel to Nairobi and beyond through the Canadian airline’s extensive network of European and North American connections.

Source : Travel News

Morocco said on Thursday it will spend Ksh.542.6 billion ($4.2 billion) over the next five years to overhaul its main airports, ahead of the World Cup it will cohost with Portugal and Spain.

An agreement was signed to that end between the Moroccan government and the airports authority ONDA, the government said in a statement.

Under the deal, Ksh.879 billion will be allocated to airport expansion and Ksh.457 billion will go to maintenance and land acquisition.

The government plans to expand its airport capacity to 80 million passengers by 2030 from 38 million currently.

In May, Morocco issued two expressions of interest to identify bidders for its plan to build a new terminal that will increase capacity at its largest airport in Casablanca by 20 million passengers.

Morocco reported a record 17.4 million visitors last year, up 20% from 2023, and it expects to attract 26 million tourists in 2030.

Source : Citizen Digital