Somalia denies airspace to Ethiopian Airlines plane.

An Ethiopian Airlines flight was Wednesday denied access to Somalia airspace after Mogadishu authorities said it lacked proper permission.

The aircraft reported to be carrying a high-level Ethiopian delegation, was said to have been heading to Hargeisa, the capital of the breakaway Somaliland.

Somalia civil aviation said it ordered the return of the Ethiopian flight for lacking necessary clearance to use Somali airspace.

“Today, the Somali Civil Aviation Authority took action to turn back an Ethiopian Airlines plane, Dash 8-Q400, flight number ET8372, from Somali airspace as it was found to be unauthorised. Adhering to international air rules and our rules, flights must obtain proper permission before entering airspace”, said the agency.

The development comes amid a diplomatic row between Somalia and Ethiopia after Addis Ababa signed a memorandum of understanding to secure its access to the Red Sea with the separatist Somaliland.

 Source: The East African.  

Reduce airfares to boost regional tourism, Kenya and Uganda told.

The Kenyan and Ugandan governments have been urged to cut travel barriers, especially air transport, to boost tourism of the two nations.

Uganda Consul General to Kenya Paul Mukumbya said there are a lot of improvements in travel policies between the two countries.

“Right now, a Kenyan can travel to Uganda using a national identity card and a Ugandan can travel to Kenya on just a national ID. That is a very good policy that facilitates travel between the two countries,” he said.

However, despite having the existing policy documents, Mukumbya said there are still a few challenges, especially the cost of air travel.

“You can imagine it is cheaper to travel from Mombasa or Entebbe to Dubai than to travel from Uganda to Kenya, and that is why the two governments need to do more in terms of reduction on taxes on air travel,” he said.

The consul said making regional travel operate like domestic flights will cut cost and grow the number of regional tourists.

Mukumbya said people need to begin looking at air travel not as a luxury, but as a necessity.

“The two governments need to work towards making air travel much more affordable. This will facilitate much more travel within the region,” he said.

This came after the Kenya Coast tourism stakeholders formed an initiative to work with their counterparts in Uganda to improve the sector.

Partnership between the two nations started in 2022 when the first Uganda-Kenya Coast Tourism Conference and Fam Trip took place in Mombasa. Mukumbya said the Kenyan Coast has a number of tourism products, including beaches, Fort Jesus, Vasco Da Gama Pillar in Malindi, and others not found in Uganda.

In Uganda, he said, they have completely different products, including mountain gorillas, chimpanzees and adventure tourism in River Nile.

“We also have the Kampala nightlife, a very interesting product because we are the capital city of nightlife in East Africa, if not in Africa. The products are different and that is why we can work together to promote these products because they can complement one another,” he said.

Mukumbya said Kenya is Uganda’s number one source market for tourists and more Ugandans visit Kenya because it is the number two Kenya’s source market for tourists after the US.

The partnership also intends to give an opportunity to international tourists visiting the two nations to explore and have the experience of the products from both sides on the same itinerary.

“The East African Community has been talking about promoting East Africa as a single tourist destination, but for us, we are going ahead now to practically promote Uganda and Kenya as one tourism destination. And this, we think, is working because there is a lot of interest,” Mukumbya said.

He said they are also working with the private sector, including the Kenya Association of Tour Operators, the Kenya Association of Hotel Keepers and Caterers, the Kenya Coastal Tourism Association and the Kenya Association of Travel Agents.

Kenya Association of Hotel Keepers and Caterers executive officer Sam Ikwaye said the partnership is important because travel is changing and their over-reliance on the international market is good, but diversification is better.

“It is easier to do business with your neighbour because it will be stronger. Previously, we have suffered travel advisories because of insecurities and turmoil, but if we are trading and exporting so much to Uganda who rely on us for many economic issues, why not add tourism to that bouquet? That is what we are trying to do out of this arrangement,” he said. Ikwaye urged the two governments to give the business community a favourable environment.

“At times, we have seen rivalry that is not meaningful, Kenyan food stopped. Ugandan and Kenyan drivers are not allowed to go to Uganda or Tanzania. Those bilateral and diplomatic challenges or hindrances need to be addressed so we are able to allow business to thrive and so that people benefit when the economy of these regions do well,” he said. Ikwaye said there is so much to benefit than to lose when there i He said Uganda and Rwanda are emerging destinations.

“Uganda and Rwanda are emerging destinations and they are learning from us. They are even benchmarking with us and they are likely to do something even better,” Ikwaye said.

“We have been struggling in Kenya to get incentives and if you look at tax regimes, they do not support business in this country.”

 He said Uganda is investing heavily in infrastructure leading to all the attraction sites and making it accessible and supportive to the tourist industry.s cooperation.

“Uganda has stakeholders that are working together. In Kenya, we have a fragmented approach where you find we have countless associations, each one of them pulling in a different direction.”

Source: The Star.

Kenya and Tanzania Restore Traffic Rights after Tense Stand-off.

In a dramatic turn of events, tensions between Kenya and Tanzania over flight rights were diffused just in the nick of time, averting a potentially damaging dispute. The African aviation landscape was shaken when Tanzania issued a notice, suspending all passenger flights between Dar es Salaam and Nairobi starting January 22. This move was a direct response to Kenya’s refusal of fifth freedom rights for Air Tanzania’s cargo flights between Nairobi and third countries.

However, swift diplomatic maneuvers unfolded behind the scenes to deescalate the situation. In a late-night tweet, Musalia Mudavadi, Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign & Diaspora Affairs Minister, announced ongoing efforts to resolve the differences. The tweet assured that both countries’ Civil Aviation Authorities were collaborating to amicably settle the matter within the next three days, quelling any potential alarms.

Responding to the diplomatic initiative, January Makamba, Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation of Tanzania, confirmed the contact and emphasized the mutual agreement to swiftly resolve the issue within the stipulated timeframe. The exchange marked a diplomatic breakthrough, preventing a disruption that could have caused significant inconvenience to air passengers across the region.

Kenya Airways, with its 33 scheduled flights per week between Nairobi and Dar es Salaam, stood at the center of this potential crisis. The resolution underscores the importance of diplomatic channels in maintaining the smooth functioning of regional air travel.

Source: Airspace Africa.  

Sheikh Mohammed emphasizes the role of tourism in Dubai’s economic growth.

DUBAI: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, today visited One&Only One Za’abeel, the first vertical urban resort in Dubai.

During the visit, His Highness highlighted the pivotal role of the tourism sector in Dubai’s economic expansion. He noted the significant growth of the sector in recent years, driven by an increasing number of visitors. Strong partnerships between public and private sectors have been key to Dubai’s success in delivering exceptional tourism services and facilities, he said.

Dubai is shaping a bright future brimming with new possibilities, with initiatives and projects that are opening new horizons of growth, excellence and innovation, His Highness noted. The emirate has charted a unique path for sustainable development with a strong focus on creating an exceptional environment for investors worldwide to harness the vast opportunities emerging from the emirate’s rise as a leading global business and tourist destination. Dubai is expanding its world-class infrastructure to realise the vast growth promise of its various sectors, including tourism. His Highness stated that these efforts are accelerating efforts to achieve the goal of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 to make the city one of the world’s top three urban economies.

Accompanying His Highness Sheikh Mohammed during the visit were H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council; H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance; and Mohammed Ibrahim Al Shaibani, Managing Director, Investment Corporation of Dubai.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed was briefed about One&Only One Za’abeel, the first vertical urban resort in Dubai developed by Kerzner International. The latest addition to Dubai’s hospitality offerings features 229 opulent hotel rooms and suites distributed across 15 floors, as well as diverse services and an array of exceptional dining options crafted by a distinguished team of world-class chefs. The resort also has sports facilities and an infinity pool, the longest in Dubai, stretching 120 metres and soaring 100 metres above ground level.

The opening of the urban resort in early January comes at a time when the emirate’s tourism industry is experiencing significant growth, providing visitors with a wide range of choices. Recent statistics from the Department of Economy and Tourism in Dubai reveal that by the end of November 2023, the city had a total of 149,680 hotel rooms in 820 establishments. This marks a significant rise from the 145,000 hotel rooms in 794 establishments recorded at the end of November 2022.

Source: Zawya.

Flydubai launches direct flights to Mombasa.

United Arab Emirates carrier Flydubai Wednesday started flights to Mombasa from Dubai in a move that looks set to raise competition against Kenya Airways (KQ) that also operates on the route.

The carrier has deployed a Boeing 737 type of aircraft on the route, flying four times per week to Moi International Airport from Terminal Three at the Dubai International Airport (DXB).

According to Flydubai online booking, fares from Dubai to Mombasa start from 846 United Arab Emirates Dirhams (Sh37,000) which matches KQ’s starting fares on economy class. Flydubai will be flying to Mombasa on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Mombasa International Airport Manager Abel Gogo said the entry of Flydubai into Mombasa is a good move as it will heighten competition for customers among carriers, a move that will result in a drop in passenger fare.

“The entry of Fly Dubai is good for Mombasa as a region. With this expansion, we are going to witness increased movement of businesspeople and tourists into Mombasa,” said Mr. Gogo Wednesday.

Flydubai is launching direct flights to Mombasa eight years after former Transport Cabinet Secretary James Macharia granted it the rights in 2016.

The airline has become the first national carrier with direct flights from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to the Kenyan coastal city.

The airline plans to partner with Emirates to codeshare the route to offer passengers more options for connections through Dubai’s international aviation hub.

With the launch of operations to Mombasa, Flydubai has now grown its network in Africa to 11 destinations in 10 countries, including Addis Ababa, Alexandria, Asmara, Dar es Salaam, Djibouti, Entebbe, Hargeisa, Juba, Mogadishu and Zanzibar.

“Dubai has seen steady growth in investment from Africa since Expo 2020 with more than 26,000 African companies registered with Dubai Chamber. Our direct flights to Mombasa and our growing operations in Africa will further support free flows of trade and tourism between the UAE and the East African markets,” said Flydubai CEO Ghaith Al Ghaith.

The entry of Flydubai into Mombasa comes barely a few months after Kenya granted Ethiopian Airlines more flights into Mombasa.

Kenya granted Ethiopian Airlines rights to fly twice directly into Mombasa every week last year in July keeping with the open skies policy, setting the stage for intensified competition with KQ.

The open skies policy requires easing access and rules of use of national airports for foreign airlines.

KQ had earlier argued that Kenya risks entering into one-sided deals with foreign carriers in the policy since there is no reciprocity guaranteed.

Source: The East African.

Navigating Kenya’s eTA Storm – A Critical Examination of the Visa-Free Transition.

By: Bryan Obala-KATA Media & Communications.

In a notable development, Kenya’s anticipated move toward a visa-free era has presented unforeseen challenges. President William Ruto’s announcement of a visa-free regime, initially slated to commence in 2024, has been succeeded by the introduction of the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). This recent development invites a closer examination to understand whether the eTA fundamentally aligns with the essence of a visa-free system or represents a distinct approach.

The Unveiling of eTA:

Contrary to the promise of unhindered travel, the recent implementation of the eTA system has stirred a myriad of reactions. Unveiled on January 5, 2024, the system mandates travelers, excluding East Africans, to apply for the eTA at a cost of at least $30, a stark departure from the notion of a visa-free experience. This unexpected financial requirement challenges the initial expectation of a seamless and cost-free entry process, prompting concerns and raising questions about the true nature of the eTA.

As we delve into the intricacies of this development, a critical analysis is essential to gauge its impact on travelers and the broader travel landscape.

Public Backlash and Social Media Outcry:

The fallout from the eTA launch has manifested on social media platforms. Disappointed travelers, expecting a seamless entry process, now voice concerns over the unexpected costs and additional documentation. Critics argue that the eTA introduction contradicts the essence of a visa-free system, placing financial burdens on global citizens.

“The eTA has removed that categorization, and all visitors are being treated equally. Now the countries that were visa-exempt are now being subjected to a cost,” notes Davis Nyagah, an immigration lawyer. This sentiment resonates with a broader sentiment expressed across various online platforms, emphasizing the need for a balanced and traveler-friendly system. Examining these public reactions provides valuable insights into the expectations of the global community regarding border-crossing policies.

Operational Hiccups and Industry Response:

Beyond the social media outcry, the eTA has faced operational challenges. Reports reveal that travelers must provide extensive documentation, including hotel bookings, flight itineraries, and bank statements, potentially hindering the intended smooth entry process. Michael Macharia, CEO of Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers and Caterers, criticizes the implementation, stating, “The eTA is affecting the tourism industry. When the President said Kenya was visa-free, he never mentioned eTA.”

This industry perspective sheds light on the practical implications of the eTA on businesses and reinforces the need for a cohesive and well-communicated entry process that aligns with the overarching goal of promoting tourism in Kenya.

Government’s Defense and Statistics:

In defense of the eTA, Julius Bitok, Principal Secretary in the State Department for Immigration, emphasizes its efficiency and revenue benefits. The government reports collecting a staggering one million dollars (Ksh159 million) from around 25,000 applications within the first week. “The eTA was introduced so that it can process many people. Right now, we do not have any backlog,” explains Mr. Bitok. While the government cites the efficiency of the eTA in managing a high volume of applications, questions arise about the balance between streamlining processes and ensuring a traveler-friendly experience. As we navigate through these contrasting perspectives, it becomes evident that the eTA’s implementation demands a delicate equilibrium to meet both administrative goals and the expectations of global citizens.

Industry Concerns and Potential Repercussions:

Industry leaders express concerns over the eTA’s impact on existing bilateral agreements and the potential for retaliatory measures from affected countries. Michael Macharia questions the disregard for these agreements and suggests that countries might reciprocate with their own fees for Kenyan travelers. “In the old regime, we had about 50 bilateral agreements with other countries for no visa – South Africa, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Singapore, and Malaysia, among others. So, what happens to them?” queries Mr. Macharia.

Reflecting on Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA)’s December 2023 press release, it becomes apparent that the current eTA implementation diverges from the envisioned smooth transition. Calls for clear guidelines and a traveler-friendly process seem more pertinent considering the operational challenges faced.This independent examination calls for transparent communication, a reconsideration of operational aspects, and an inclusive approach to address the concerns voiced by both the public and industry stakeholders.

In concluding this examination, the eTA’s introduction brings to light a myriad of complexities. As the government and concerned state departments work towards realizing the goals of the eTA, collaboration with relevant associations, as the Kenya Association of Travel Agents, becomes paramount. A balanced and level playing field for travelers and the industry alike should be the collective aim. Transparent communication, an inclusive approach, and a reconsideration of operational aspects will contribute to a more seamless and traveler-friendly experience.

#eTAdebate #KenyaTravel #VisaFreeKenya #TravelObservations #IndustryPerspectives

CKCEDOK and LOTPLAirlines Unveil Direct Flights to Mombasa, Kenya: A New Gateway to Africa’s Wonders.

Traveling to the heart of Africa has become easier and more convenient than ever before with CKCEDOK’s announcement of a new direct flight service to Mombasa, Kenya.

This new service, operated by LOTPLAirlines, opens up a world of possibilities for those seeking to immerse themselves in Kenya’s diverse attractions, from its sprawling wildlife reserves to its scenic coastal landscapes.

A New Gateway to Kenya’s Wonders

The new route is a direct link to Kenya’s bountiful offerings. It allows travelers to embark on thrilling safari adventures, exploring the country’s rich wildlife, and enjoy its coastal treasures, including picturesque beaches.

The opportunity to experience the diverse and vibrant Kenyan culture, its people, food, and history, adds to the allure of this new service.

Flights to Mombasa: The Details

The flights to Mombasa are scheduled every Wednesday, ensuring a regular and reliable service for both tourists and regular travelers alike. The service will be operated by the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, a state-of-the-art aircraft renowned for its efficiency and passenger comfort.

The Dreamliner is known for its spacious cabins, larger windows, and smoother ride, thereby ensuring a relaxing journey to the vibrant city of Mombasa.

Competitive Pricing and Bundled Deals

CKCEDOK is offering bundled flight and hotel deals for direct flights to Mombasa, making the journey more affordable. Prices for one-way flights start at $759 and round trip flights start at $1,229.

Additional terms apply, catering to the needs of various travelers, from the budget-conscious to those seeking a more luxurious travel experience. This move demonstrates CKCEDOK’s commitment to offering competitive pricing while ensuring a high-quality travel experience.

In conclusion, the new direct flight service to Mombasa by CKCEDOK and LOTPLAirlines offers an exciting new opportunity for travelers to explore the diverse attractions of Kenya. With its competitive pricing and the comfort of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, this service promises a unique travel experience, opening up a new gateway to Kenya’s wonders.

Source: bnn breaking

Kenya’s Passport 6th Strongest In Africa.

NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 11 – Kenyan passport holders can travel to 76 countries globally visa-free, a new data shows, indicating its growing prominence worldwide.

The latest data compiled by the Henley Passport Index also ranks the country’s passport at number 67 globally, together with Malawi.

The Seychelles passport is the most powerful on the continent at number 26, followed by Mauritius (30), South Africa (53), Namibia, and Lesotho at 65, as well as Eswatini (66).

The strongest passports include those of France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Singapore, and Spain, whose citizens can travel to 194 countries globally without the need to apply for visas.

Source: Capital Fm

Kenyan Caravan operators’ source electric powertrains.

Safarilink and Yellow Wings are excited about the potential to transform regional aviation within Kenya and East Africa by demonstrating the viability and impact that electrified Caravans will have on the industry.

Safarilink, an airline connecting domestic scheduled flights to destinations within Kenya and Tanzania, and Yellow Wings Air Services, a Kenyan air operator that serves over 500 airfields throughout the East Africa region, are to upgrade their Cessna Grand Caravan aircraft with Surf Air Mobility’s proprietary electrified powertrain technology, once certified.

The two companies are pioneering the adoption of technologies necessary for a greener and quieter (crucial for Kenyan wildlife) future in transportation, and the agreement also aligns with the Kenyan government’s recent announcement to completely move away from fossil fuels and toward renewable energy sources by 2030. Both Safarilink and Yellow Wings are already focused on sustainability and wildlife conservation efforts, however the companies believe.

the move to electrified aircraft will drive sustainability even further while setting the stage for global transformation.

“We at Safarilink are committed to doing everything possible to preserve the natural beauty of the countries we operate in,” says CEO Alex Avedi. “Implementing Surf Air Mobility’s electric powertrain technology will help us reduce the noise and minimize the climate impact of our flights as we help people from all over the world to experience our region’s incredible ecosystem.”

“We strongly believe in alternative propulsion for air travel. We have always been the frontrunners in adopting new systems and innovations. Kenya, with 91 per cent carbon free power generation, is the ideal country to spearhead this movement,” adds Yellow Wings CEO Christian Strebel.

This partnership marks another milestone as Surf Air Mobility seeks to expand its global footprint. As the exclusive partner to Textron to electrify the Caravan, it is focused on building its business in regions around the world, such as Africa, that are already significant markets for that airframe and where transportation providers are quickly adopting innovative mobility solutions.

Surf Air is developing the supplemental type certification for both hybrid and fully electric variants of the Cessna Grand Caravan.

“The Caravan is an amazing aircraft on which to develop our electrified powertrain, and we believe Safarilink’s and Yellow Wings’ operations are perfectly suited to demonstrate the benefits of our technology,” says CEO Stan Little. “We believe Africa is at the cutting edge of regional air mobility. Surf Air is excited to work with innovative, pioneering companies like Safarilink and Yellow Wings.”

“Our goal is to deploy our proprietary electrification technology on a global scale, in addition to our own network,” adds Fred Reid, global head of business development. “Upgrading Safarilink’s unlocklow Wings’ Caravan fleet with our electrified powertrains unlocks new possibilities. As air travel economics change with electrification, we believe Safarilink and Yellow Wings can improve current services, launch new viable routes and reduce environmental impact.”

 Source: ATTA Travel.

Sabre and IAG expand partnership with multi-year distribution agreement including NDC content.

Sabre Corporation (NASDAQ: SABR), a leading software and technology provider to the global travel industry, has entered into a multi-year distribution agreement with International Airlines Group (IAG) that will expand their existing partnership and further promote modern travel retailing practices.

The agreement will allow Sabre-connected travel buyers and agencies to sell traditional EDIFACT content as well as having competitive access to NDC offers from British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus and Vueling – including Additional Price Points and ancillaries – through the Sabre travel marketplace globally. This enhanced content will provide travel agencies with a wider range of options to compare and shop for, while travelers will benefit from an improved experience with more choice and transparency. Sabre and IAG’s airlines are working closely together and will communicate as NDC content is rolled out to Sabre-connected travel agencies on a carrier-by-carrier basis.

The agreement between Sabre and IAG underscores the industry’s shift towards modern travel retailing, where airlines can differentiate their offerings and provide more personalized experiences to travelers. Both Sabre and IAG are committed to advancing the NDC standard as a key component in the industry’s evolution towards modern airline retailing enabled by offers and orders.

Colm Lacy, British Airways’ Chief Commercial Officer, said: “We are on a journey to A Better BA and we continue to invest across the business as part of that commitment. Not only are we improving the experience of those customers who fly with us, but also the way we work with our valued travel agent and travel buyer partners. We understand how valuable retailing is to them, and IAG’s partnership with Sabre allows us to make a wide range of attractable offers available even further across the globe.”

This agreement is another milestone in the IAG strategy to embrace digital retailing practices and offer more opportunities for customers to access NDC content. The partnership with IAG demonstrates Sabre’s continued commitment to driving value and serving the diverse interests of the global travel ecosystem.

“We are very excited about what’s ahead. The travel industry is entering a new era of personalized retailing that will bring better experiences for travelers and new revenue opportunities for airlines and travel agencies,” said Roshan Mendis, Chief Commercial Officer, Sabre Travel Solutions. “It’s fantastic to work with a strong, forward-thinking partner like IAG that is just as committed as we are to driving the industry forward.”

Source: Sabre.