The corridor can process up to 10 passengers at once and removes the need for passport counters, smart gates or manual checks.
Dubai International Airport (DXB), the world’s busiest hub for international travel, has introduced a new upgrade that could change how passengers move through airports. An AI-powered passenger corridor now allows travellers to clear immigration within seconds, without presenting a passport or boarding pass. The project is part of Dubai’s “Travel Without Borders” programme, designed to combine speed, security and convenience.
AI Corridor At DXB Cuts Immigration Time To 14 Seconds
Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai, said the corridor can process up to 10 passengers at once. Travellers walk through a designated lane where facial recognition systems and pre-registered biometric data instantly verify identity.
The process takes as little as 14 seconds, removing the need for passport counters, smart gates or manual checks. Any anomalies are flagged for review by experts, ensuring security is maintained.
No Need For Traditional Passports In Future
The corridor builds on the “smart tunnel” technology first introduced at DXB in 2020. The new system, also part of the “Unlimited Smart Travel” initiative, is aimed at eventually replacing traditional passport control.
Lieutenant General Al Marri said the project reflects Dubai’s long-term vision of frictionless travel, while setting a global benchmark for airports.
Dubai Leads Global Airport Innovation With Paperless Travel
First rolled out in Terminal 3’s First and Business Class lounges, the technology will expand across more terminals in the coming years. With DXB marking its 11th straight year as the world’s busiest airport for international traffic, the launch underlines Dubai’s position at the forefront of aviation technology.
The AI-powered corridor could become a model for airports worldwide, pointing to a future where flying is faster, smoother and paperless.
The Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) Coast Chapter joined key tourism stakeholders at the recent Tourism Police Unit (TPU) Coast Stakeholders Meeting, convened to address emerging challenges affecting the region’s tourism sector. The forum, hosted by Coast Sector Commander Madam Patricia Buore, brought together representatives from the hospitality, travel, and security sectors to discuss issues and explore joint solutions.
Among the concerns raised by stakeholders were the presence of rogue tour operators and agents, unlicensed beach operators, harassment from traffic police, and increasing cases of juvenile gangs and street families around beach areas. Other critical issues included cybercrime, gaps in security coverage due to limited TPU officers, and the need for more vehicles to enhance TPU mobility.
In her inaugural visit to the Coast, TPU Commandant Madam Lydia A. Ligami—who assumed office just two months ago—outlined the Unit’s commitment to stakeholders. She announced the establishment of a TPU Cybersecurity Unit to curb online-related crimes and emphasized greater coordination between different security units in addressing tourism-related crimes.
Madam Ligami also highlighted the importance of compliance among tour operators and agents, stressing the need to regulate and professionalize services. She urged hoteliers to enhance security measures within their facilities by installing effective CCTV systems, improving lighting, vetting staff, and upgrading locks and other technology. Compliance requirements would also extend to Airbnbs and private homes offering accommodation to ensure visitor safety.
A strong message of partnership resonated throughout her address, with the TPU pledging to work closely with industry stakeholders and form a multi-agency team to monitor progress on the agreed work plan.
KATA Coast was represented at the meeting by Joan Wande (KATA), Zeinab from Mantra Marketing, and Mohammed from Blueways Travels. Their participation underscored KATA’s commitment to collaborating with the TPU and other partners in strengthening the safety, compliance, and overall integrity of the tourism industry at the Coast.
This engagement marked a critical step in enhancing stakeholder confidence, safeguarding Kenya’s coastal tourism assets, and ensuring visitors enjoy secure and memorable experiences.
Africa’s aviation sector is at a critical juncture. While the challenges – fragmented airspace, high fares, and limited connectivity – are well known, the path forward is now clearer.
Several African countries have already demonstrated how the right policies, partnerships, and investments can create robust aviation sectors that drive economic growth and regional integration.
This article builds on the earlier exploration of Africa’s self-imposed air travel crisis and moves beyond outlining the problems to focus on actionable solutions. As Africa struggles with its aviation blues, strategic reforms in policy, infrastructure, and partnerships offer a way to unlock its full aviation potential.
From the success of Ethiopian Airlines to the Cape Town Air Access initiative, there are real-world lessons that African governments can learn from to finally soar above the obstacles that have long constrained their aviation sector.
The Problem: Missed Opportunities and Protectionism
Protectionist policies, crippling costs, and inefficient regulations bog down African airlines. Intra-African flights are some of the most expensive in the world, a major hindrance to trade, business, and travel. Despite being home to 18% of the world’s population, Africa accounts for just 2% of global air passenger traffic.
This is not inevitable – it is self-imposed. The continent’s leaders must act decisively to liberalize air service agreements and break free from protectionism because, so far, intra-African trade, tourism, and investment that could be catalyzed by robust air connectivity have stagnated.
The 1999 Yamoussoukro Decision (YD), while initially promising, has not been fully realized. The African Union’s Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), launched in 2018, offers renewed hope, but implementation has been slow.
Protectionist policies, deeply ingrained in many national governments, continue to hinder the open skies framework, resulting in missed economic opportunities.
However, African countries need not be held back by these systemic barriers. If nations can unlock their skies, they could immediately benefit from increased routes, reduced costs, and expanded job opportunities.
The question is not whether the potential is there, but how to systematically address the structural problems holding Africa back from realizing this potential.
The Myth of National Carriers
Across the continent, national airlines are often portrayed as symbols of sovereignty and national pride. Yet, often, they turn into overpriced PR stunts, saddling governments with debt, corruption scandals, and stranded passengers.
The Ethiopian Airlines model provides a stark contrast. While many national carriers have struggled under the weight of mismanagement and political interference, Ethiopian Airlines stands out as a paragon of how a state-owned airline can thrive when driven by commercial discipline, rather than political motives.
ET’s success isn’t because it’s a national carrier, it’s because it’s not run like one. Despite being fully state-owned, its focus on commercial viability and operational independence over symbolic nationalism has been instrumental to its success today. Second, the seeds of today’s success were planted in 1946, when Ethiopia inked a deal with Trans World Airlines (TWA) to manage the airline.
TWA’s role was more than technical; it was strategic — training pilots, setting standards, and building systems. Crucially, there was a clear Ethiopianisation plan. Within 30 years, locals were running the show, and today, it serves over 130 destinations worldwide with over 13 million passengers.
Ethiopian Airlines was one of the few global carriers to maintain profitability during the COVID-19 crisis, innovating by converting passenger aircraft into freighters to stay operational while others grounded fleets.
Ethiopian Airlines’ cost-conscious culture has been one of its most powerful shields against the turbulence that has grounded many of its peers. While many national carriers collapsed trying to look the part – buying wide-body jets before building a market – ET ensured every dollar spent returned value.
In a 2020 interview, then-CEO Tewolde Gebremariam put it plainly: “Cost is critical for the airline business since it is very difficult to make profits. We are very prudent and very frugal”. He wasn’t exaggerating. Gebremariam drove a 15-year-old Honda, and the airline’s headquarters near Addis Ababa’s Bole Airport was functional and modest. “You cannot,” the CEO warned, “be as lavish as South African Airways, and expect to survive.”
That’s the difference. ET was insulated largely from political egos and vanity spending. Its leadership didn’t answer to feel-good political whims. It answered to the balance sheet. ET stayed grounded – figuratively and financially – by making commercial viability, not national vanity, its north star.
And it didn’t stop there. ET now runs an entire aviation value chain – cargo, catering, ground handling, aircraft maintenance (MRO), and even the airport terminal – a strategy of backward integration that boosts efficiency and margins. Most African national carrier projects ignore this holistic model, expecting a standalone airline to survive in a brutally competitive global market.
Ethiopian Airlines proves that when discipline meets commercial clarity, state-owned enterprises can thrive. The real question for governments is this: Are you building real businesses or expensive distractions disguised as national pride?
It’s not merely about the flag on the tailfin. It’s about leadership, accountability, and the courage to run an airline like a business, not a billboard.
Cape Town’s Air Access: How to Build a Hub Without a Flag Carrier
Now let’s fly 5,000 kilometers south to Cape Town, where they built a booming international air hub without a functioning national carrier. In South Africa’s Western Cape, a more localized story of success has unfolded with Cape Town Air Access (CTAA).
This public-private initiative was born out of crisis in 2015, when South African Airways cut its direct London–Cape Town flight and international connectivity to Cape Town hung in the balance; many feared the city would slip off the global aviation map.
Rather than accept decline, the Western Cape’s government, tourism board, and business community launched the Cape Town Air Access initiative – a data-driven, multi-agency partnership to attract airlines, boost routes, and increase tourism and cargo flows.
The initiative functioned as a one-stop route development team, effectively doing what a forward-looking national aviation policy should do, but at a city level. The payoff has been significant.
Over just a few years, Cape Town secured new non-stop flights to hubs in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. By the end of 2019, the initiative had resulted in 18 new routes and 23 expanded connections, contributing an estimated R5.3 billion in direct tourism spending and creating more than 10,000 jobs.
A key to this success was data-driven market research used to identify high-potential routes, paired with financial incentives such as subsidies on landing fees. This pragmatic approach not only attracted airlines but also boosted air cargo by 52% in 2017, enhancing trade and export opportunities for local businesses.
This wasn’t luck. It was strategy. They used market research to identify demand. They offered landing fee subsidies.
They collaborated across tourism, trade, and transport. And critically, they embraced the fifth freedom rights that allowed non-South African airlines to serve the city and connect it to regional markets.
The result? A connected Cape Town that became a preferred regional headquarters for multinationals and a springboard for tourism, tech, and trade.
Cape Town’s experience proved that demand grows with connectivity, as many of the passengers on the new routes were first-time visitors who would not have traveled without a convenient flight option.
Essentially, if you establish the route in African aviation, the passengers (and economic benefits) follow. CTAA’s success, achieved in the absence of full national open skies, hints at what could be achieved if our leaders were serious.
When the Sky’s Not the Limit but a Strategy: Morocco’s Playbook
Then there is Morocco’s bold experiment with opening the skies. In 2006, Morocco became the first African country to sign an Open Skies agreement with the European Union, essentially throwing open its aviation market to competition from Europe.
Skeptics feared the onslaught of European low-cost carriers would kill the national airline, Royal Air Maroc (RAM); it did not.
Air traffic soared. In the four years after the deal, passenger volumes between Morocco and Europe grew about 18% annually, injecting an extra €1 billion into Morocco’s GDP by 2009 and creating an estimated 24,000 jobs.
Tourist arrivals climbed steadily at ~6% per year. Average fares dropped by roughly 7%, saving consumers money. Significantly, Royal Air Maroc adapted and held its own – it remains the largest player in the market, even as it now competes with a dozen European carriers (including Ryanair and easyJet) that operate frequent-to-daily flights into Morocco.
The Open Skies deal also catalyzed new local ventures, like the launch of Air Arabia Maroc in 2009 to tap into the budget travel segment.
For all its success, Morocco’s story is also a cautionary tale.
Liberalization is not a one-and-done event; it requires continuous management. After the initial honeymoon of booming traffic, Moroccan and EU officials have had to navigate ongoing negotiations, from security standards to airport slot allocations, to fine-tune the agreement as market conditions evolved.
RAM CEO, Abdelhamid Addou, in November 2024, highlighted the seemingly lopsided nature of the agreement: European airlines gained unfettered access to Moroccan and African markets, but when Morocco’s Royal Air Maroc sought to expand into Europe, “open skies and closed airports” became their reality.
According to Addou, securing landing slots at major European airports is a constant struggle, as airlines like RAM face immense challenges in gaining equal access to European hubs. This asymmetry in access poses a significant obstacle, and for those looking to replicate similar models, this real-time example serves as a crucial point of caution.
In essence, Morocco learned that opening the skies is a journey of constant adjustment. Still, the overarching lesson is clear: thoughtful liberalization and competitive readiness can yield dramatic benefits for African aviation. Morocco quite literally opened the door for its aviation sector, and the country is reaping the rewards in jobs, GDP, and global connectivity.
These case studies – an agile pan-African airline, a subnational route initiative, and a country embracing open skies – dispel the myth that African aviation cannot be easier to navigate or globally competitive. On the contrary, they show that when African leaders remove the shackles and embrace competition and collaboration, the industry can thrive.
Fortunately, the economic case for action has been made in Africa’s own context. After years of advocacy, there is now hard African data to persuade the holdouts. An African Union study in 2022 projected that full implementation of SAATM (i.e. truly open African skies) would boost the continent’s GDP by $4.2 billion, create almost 600,000 new jobs, and reduce average airfares by 27%.
IATA’s earlier analysis similarly found that just a subset of 12 African countries opening up would add $1.3 billion to GDP and 155,000 jobs. We have already seen real-world validation: when Kenya and South Africa liberalized flights between them in the early 2000s, passenger traffic surged 69%.
When South Africa allowed low-cost carriers into the South Africa–Zambia market, fares also fell and traffic jumped 38%. These are huge gains that directly translate into economic activity on the ground. The demand to travel within Africa is there, suppressed by decades of constraints. Unleashing that demand is akin to opening the floodgates of opportunity.
The Case for Open Skies: Global Lessons for Africa
Africa is not the first region to grapple with aviation protectionism, and it can draw on rich lessons from abroad. Perhaps the most striking example is Europe, which transformed its aviation landscape in the 1990s. Before liberalization, Europe’s skies were dominated by national carriers and restrictive bilateral agreements, not unlike Africa today.
However, three packages of European Union aviation reforms created a single market where any EU airline could fly anywhere in the EU without restrictions. The impact was explosive.
Between 1992 and 2000, the number of routes between EU countries jumped by ~75%, flights increased 88%, and seats more than doubled. Fares fell over 15% on average, in real terms, as competition intensified.
Low-cost carriers like Ryanair and easyJet emerged, bringing air travel to the masses. Importantly, even as some legacy airlines struggled, Europe overall saw net job creation and tourism growth from its open skies. The policy insight is that giving carriers freedom to compete across borders unlocks innovation – new business models, new routes, and lower prices.
Other regions have followed suit. In Southeast Asia, the ten-member ASEAN bloc pursued a phased Open Skies approach. In 2009, ASEAN states first removed capacity limits on flights between their capital cities; by 2011, they agreed (at least on paper) to unlimited third, fourth, and fifth freedom flights among all capitals.
The implementation wasn’t perfect – major players like Indonesia and the Philippines held back on fully opening certain airports – but even partial liberalization yielded gains. Between 2005 and 2012, origin-destination passenger traffic within ASEAN more than doubled (up 116%) as restrictions eased. Low-cost carriers led the charge, growing at 20%+ annually and capturing over 50% of the intra-ASEAN market by the early 2010s.
ASEAN’s experience shows the value of a stepwise liberalization: build confidence with initial opening (e.g. on major routes), then expand to full open skies over time. It also highlights the need for complementary measures, like allowing some foreign ownership and aligning safety standards, to make open skies truly effective across multiple countries.
What all these examples underline is that aviation liberalization tends to be a net positive. When markets open, traffic grows dramatically – often far beyond initial forecasts – and that brings jobs, tourism, trade, and better choices for consumers.
Yes, national airlines may face stiffer competition, but those that innovate survive and even strengthen. Crucially, governments must shift their mindset: treat aviation as a strategic economic asset, not a tool of narrow nationalism.
As one analysis succinctly put it, Africa needs to stop treating its airlines as merely extensions of foreign policy and start seeing air connectivity as essential infrastructure for development.
The evidence is overwhelming that open skies could be a game-changer for Africa. In a decade, Africa should aim to have a fully operational single aviation market that is integrated into the global network on its own terms, with African carriers playing prominent roles.
In this envisioned future, an African traveler might seamlessly fly from, say, Lagos to Lusaka on a regional airline without needing to spend the equivalent of two-thirds of their GDP per capita, and then onward to Bangkok or London via a partnership – all under an umbrella of competitive fares, safety, and choice that equal the world’s best.
Conclusion: Cleared for Take-Off
African aviation stands at a crossroads. The problems – stagnant connectivity, high costs, struggling airlines – are well documented, but so are the solutions.
The experiences of Ethiopian Airlines, Cape Town’s Air Access initiative, and Morocco’s open skies leap show that when Africa embraces openness and collaboration, the results are transformative. The policy frameworks to enable change (from Yamoussoukro to SAATM) are already in place; it is the implementation that has lagged.
By learning from global peers and from its own pioneers, African countries can craft a tailored path to liberalization that addresses legitimate concerns while unleashing the tremendous pent-up demand for air travel.
The benefits will extend far beyond the aviation sector, fostering African integration, economic resilience, and global competitiveness.
The vision of a connected Africa, where an entrepreneur in Accra can easily hop a flight to meet a client in Lusaka, or a family in Dakar can vacation affordably in Cape Town, is within reach.
Achieving it will require bold leadership, relentless technical work, and yes, tough negotiations to reconcile interests. But every indicator – economic models, case studies, international precedents – signals that the payoff is worth it.
It’s time to dispel the aviation blues with the clear skies of reform. Africa’s people, businesses, and ideas are ready to take wing.
The remaining question is: can African policymakers overcome the political hurdles to make continental open skies a reality? That’s the real challenge.
RwandAir has fortified its regional and continental position through the recent incorporation of two Boeing 737-800 jets. Renowned for its proactive approach to fleet modernisation, the carrier formally inducted the first of the pair at the commencement of the month, with the second delivered late last evening. This strategic expansion stands as a pivotal component of the airline’s overarching vision, which seeks to bolster intra-Africa and intercontinental linkages while elevating overall passenger convenience.
Configured to accommodate 174 travellers, the 737-800s are expressly calibrated to supplement short- to medium-haul operations. Deployment of the new aircraft will amplify frequency and augment capacity along critical regional corridors, the scope of which extends to nodes across Africa, the Middle East, and selected European cities. By integrating these technologically advanced airframes, RwandAir aspires to satisfy rising passenger volumes while simultaneously refining the journey for corporate and leisure clientele alike.
Enhancement of Passenger Experience and Route Accessibility
RwandAir’s integration of the Boeing 737–800 into its fleet represents a considered initiative aimed at elevating both comfort and procedural reliability for its customer base. The aircraft is configured with a balanced cabin of business and economy class seats, delivering increased adaptability for passengers engaged in transit across short to medium sectors. The refurbished interior—among the first to feature the Boeing Sky Interior—improves the journey environment through soft, variable illumination, expanded cabin stowage, and configuration choices that maximise accessible leg and shoulder room.
Central to the aircraft’s customer enrichment strategy is a state-of-the-art cabin connectivity system, responding directly to the surging expectation for robust, uninterrupted, high-speed data service. By provisioning comprehensive, flight-long internet coverage, RwandAir acknowledges the modern traveller’s need to remain digitally present, and its corresponding capital deployment acknowledges and in fact capitalises on prevailing international operational benchmarks. Equally, the carrier’s commitment to contemporary service provisioning affirms the broader ambition of establishing reliable service characterised by both passenger comfort and high procedural effectiveness.
The projected expansion of the RwandAir fleet is anticipated to create substantial favourable externalities for regional tourism, particularly within the East African corridor and the continent at large. By augmenting the frequency and seat availability on strategically selected routes, the carrier enables travellers to avail themselves of more adaptable itineraries and to gain seamless entry to regional nodes. Such enhancements are projected to catalyse an upsurge in visitor arrivals, thereby underpinning tourism-sector growth in Rwanda while simultaneously cascading benefits to bordering destinations.
The country, celebrated for its striking topographies, diverse fauna, and rich cultural patrimony, is thereby poised to achieve higher visitor counts facilitated by simplified access. Kigali, the nation’s administrative and commercial capital, is systematically evolving into an East African aviation hub; the anticipated connections will further entrench its position as an indispensable entry and transitory gateway for both regional and intercontinental travellers. Guests will be able to proceed from the capital to Rwanda’s signature attractions, particularly the Volcanoes National Park, which secures the largest remaining population of the endangered mountain gorilla, as well as to the country’s other notable ecological and cultural jewels.
RwandAir’s network currently includes 28 destinations across 22 countries—extending from Africa through Europe and into the Middle East and Asia. The airline’s systematic fleet expansion is a deliberate component of a wider initiative designed to broaden operational coverage and enhance the passenger journey. As RwandAir incorporates additional Boeing 737-800s into service, passengers can anticipate a more varied choice of flights and schedules that align more closely with their preferences.
These aircraft will focus principally on regional and intra-continental services. RwandAir plans to reinforce its frequencies on strategically identified markets—Nairobi, Johannesburg, Dubai, and Addis Ababa—where demand is strongest. Enhanced capacity promised by the 737-800 will furnish both corporate and leisure clientele with dependable and expedient air service across the African landscape.
RwandAir’s measured growth is occurring at a watershed juncture for African aviation, as the continent methodically rebounds from the disruptive effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The integration of new-generation aircraft within its fleet is both an emblematic and a functional endorsement of revitalising regional demand. It underscores the escalating role that safe, dependable air links play in catalysing intra-continental and global tourism, thereby contributing to broader recovery and growth imperatives across the sector.
Conclusion
RwandAir’s ongoing modernisation of its fleet exemplifies a deliberate strategic alignment of the airlines within the African continent, which is directing capital towards the acquisition of advanced, fuel-efficient models that deliver both sustainability dividends and elevated passenger comfort. This forward-looking procurement program is indelibly linked to the carrier’s wider imperatives of bolstering tourist appeal, reinforcing intra-African linkages, and providing a clear catalyst for the systemic development of the continent’s aviation landscape.
Against a backdrop of rapidly rising demand for seamless connectivity across Africa and globally, the anticipated expansion of RwandAir’s operating capacity—coupled with the introduction of cutting-edge Boeing 737-800 aircraft—positions the carrier to respond effectively to the diverse demands of the contemporary traveller. Whether the journey is for corporate purposes, leisure exploration, or organised tourism, modern jets are specifically configured to elevate cabin service, extend geographic reach, and underpin the long-term value proposition that the airline seeks to establish within an emerging yet increasingly competitive African air transport arena.
Africa is fast emerging as the world’s leading luxury travel hotspot, with Kenya, Rwanda, Botswana, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Seychelles topping the list of the most exclusive—and unforgettable—destinations. These countries, celebrated for their stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich cultures, are attracting discerning travelers willing to invest in extraordinary, all-inclusive experiences.
Why Luxury Travel Costs Are Rising
The surge in costs is a reflection of growing demand. Travelers are seeking remote, one-of-a-kind adventures that go beyond the ordinary. From private safaris in Kenya’s Maasai Mara to gorilla trekking in Rwanda, or secluded island escapes in Seychelles, the focus is on curated itineraries that offer privacy, exclusivity, and world-class service.
All-inclusive packages often feature luxury lodges, private guides, chartered flights, fine dining, and tailor-made tours, ensuring every detail is personalized. The remoteness of these destinations—paired with limited flight options and high-quality services—naturally drives prices higher, making them among the most coveted travel experiences in the world.
Africa Leads the Luxury Market
Recent data places Africa at the forefront of luxury tourism. Rwanda tops the global list with average trip costs exceeding $18,000, largely due to its exclusive gorilla trekking expeditions. Botswana follows closely with its renowned safari lodges averaging $15,619 per trip.
Kenya, long considered the heartbeat of safari travel, stands proudly among the leaders with an average luxury trip costing $15,251. Namibia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and the Seychelles also feature prominently, showcasing Africa’s dominance with eight out of the world’s ten most expensive destinations.
Beyond Africa: The Global Picture
Other remote locations, such as Antarctica and the Falkland Islands, also command high price tags due to their inaccessibility and specialized tours. However, no region combines remoteness, natural beauty, and cultural richness quite like Africa.
By contrast, Europe offers more budget-friendly travel, with France, Italy, and Spain averaging $5,832 per trip. While culturally vibrant, these destinations do not carry the same sense of exclusivity or adventure as Africa’s wilderness experiences.
Growing Accessibility Fuels Demand
Despite high costs, African luxury travel is booming. Expanded airline routes, including new long-haul and low-cost options, are making destinations like Kenya, South Africa, and Ghana more accessible. This has sparked rising interest not just from ultra-luxury travelers, but also from a growing middle class eager for authentic, once-in-a-lifetime adventures.
The Future of Travel: Authentic, Remote, and Exclusive
Industry experts agree: the future of travel lies in immersive, nature-driven, and culturally rich experiences. Africa is uniquely positioned to lead this trend. Whether it’s witnessing the Great Migration in Kenya, exploring Namibia’s vast deserts, or relaxing on a private beach in Seychelles, the continent offers adventures that blend luxury with authenticity.
For travelers seeking the extraordinary, Africa—and especially Kenya—remains the ultimate destination where exclusivity, adventure, and world-class service meet.
In exciting Somalia travel news, the government is preparing to introduce a new e-Visa system, scheduled to go live on September 1, 2025. This initiative aims to simplify travel, boost security, and modernize the immigration process for visitors. With the launch of the Electronic Visa and Travel Authorisation System (e-Visa/ETAS), Somalia is taking a major step toward digitizing its immigration system, creating a smoother experience for international travelers while ensuring secure entry procedures.
A Digital Shift in Somalia’s Immigration Process
The introduction of the e-Visa system is a significant move in Somalia’s digital transformation. The new system will require all foreign nationals to apply for a visa online before arriving in the country, which represents a modern approach to managing the immigration process. This change will not only streamline procedures but also improve efficiency and security. By moving the process online, the government hopes to eliminate unnecessary delays and enhance the overall experience for travelers.
As part of this shift, the Somali government has set up a dedicated online portal, making it easy for travelers around the world to apply for their visas. The system is designed to be user-friendly and efficient, ensuring a seamless process from start to finish. By digitizing this aspect of immigration, Somalia is positioning itself as a country committed to modernizing its systems and improving service delivery.
Strengthening Security and Efficiency
According to Isxaaq Hassan Taakow, Director of the Department of Foreigners and Entry Permits, the e-Visa system includes built-in security checks to ensure only eligible individuals are allowed entry. These checks are part of a larger effort to enhance the country’s border security while facilitating smoother travel. Taakow emphasized that a trained team will oversee the operation of the system to ensure that it runs smoothly and securely, thus safeguarding national interests.
In addition to streamlining the visa approval process, the e-Visa system will also provide a more efficient way to process travel authorizations. With everything managed online, the system eliminates the need for paper-based applications, reducing both administrative burden and potential errors.
A Step Toward Economic Growth
The launch of the e-Visa system is not just about improving the immigration process; it also plays a crucial role in Somalia’s broader economic and development goals. Director General Mustafa Sheikh Ali Dhuxulow of the Somali Immigration and Citizenship Agency described the new system as a major part of Somalia’s digital transformation. By simplifying the immigration process and improving border security, Somalia aims to boost tourism, attract investment, and increase international trade.
The system will help generate revenue for the government by ensuring that all visa fees are paid directly into government accounts. This will further strengthen the country’s financial institutions and support national development. Additionally, as Somalia becomes more integrated into the global economy, this shift toward digital systems is expected to support growth in multiple sectors.
Key Details about the New e-Visa System
Travelers to Somalia will need to apply for their e-Visa online using a dedicated platform. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know:
Online Application: The system allows travelers from around the world to apply for their visas before arriving in Somalia.
Improved Efficiency: The e-Visa system is designed to reduce delays, improve approval times, and ensure smoother travel experiences.
Security Measures: Built-in security checks will help ensure that only eligible travelers gain entry into the country.
Direct Financial Benefits: Visa fees will be directed into government accounts, benefiting Somalia’s financial sector.
Exemptions: Certain categories of travelers, such as those with multiple-entry visas, diplomatic passports, and UNLP passports, will not need to apply for an e-Visa. Additionally, residents of countries with visa-free agreements with Somalia are also exempt.
This transformation is part of a larger vision to bring Somalia’s systems into the digital age, making services more efficient and accessible for both citizens and international visitors.
Enhancing Regional Integration
As Somalia becomes part of the East African Community (EAC), this new e-Visa system will play a role in supporting regional integration. EAC members benefit from free movement of goods and people, and the e-Visa system is expected to help facilitate this process. For travelers coming from other EAC member countries, the system will provide an easier way to apply for and receive approval for their visas.
Additionally, Somalia hopes that the e-Visa system will make the country more attractive as a destination for business and tourism. By reducing barriers to entry, the government aims to open up new opportunities for international cooperation and economic growth.
Responding to Security Challenges
While Somalia faces security challenges, especially from Al-Shabaab, the government remains focused on improving border security. The e-Visa system is seen as a critical component of this effort. With digital systems in place to manage entry, the government can more effectively monitor who is entering the country. This system not only protects national security but also fosters a safer environment for travelers.
Despite these challenges, Somalia’s commitment to improving its immigration process and enhancing security is clear. The launch of the e-Visa system demonstrates the country’s dedication to integrating global systems while keeping safety and security at the forefront of its priorities.
Looking Forward: A More Secure and Efficient Future
In conclusion, the e-Visa system is a significant step forward in Somalia’s efforts to modernize its immigration process. This new system will improve the efficiency of travel, enhance security, and create a smoother experience for visitors. As part of Somalia’s digital transformation, the e-Visa system is an essential tool in fostering economic growth and strengthening the country’s global position.
For those interested in visiting Somalia, this new system will offer a more efficient and secure process for obtaining travel authorization. As Somalia continues to evolve digitally, the e-Visa system will support its efforts to become a key player in regional and global affairs.
Qatar Airways is strengthening its presence in East Africa with an extended schedule on the Doha–Nairobi route, carrying the expanded service into the Northern Winter 2025/26 season.
Starting 15 September 2025, the airline will operate a third daily flight, with bookings now open for travel from 26 October 2025.
Looking ahead, for the Northern Summer 2026 season beginning 29 March 2026, flights QR1341/1342 are tentatively scheduled to be upgraded to the Boeing 777-300ER, marking a further capacity boost on the route.
This move highlights Nairobi’s growing importance as a strategic hub in Qatar Airways’ African network, enhancing connectivity for both business and leisure travelers.
Safarilink, Kenya’s leading regional airline, has announced a limited-time promotional offer that is set to excite travelers across East Africa. From now until August 25, passengers can enjoy 10% off flights to twelve of the region’s most sought-after destinations, ranging from sun-drenched coastal retreats to world-renowned safari parks.
The campaign, aptly named AUGUST25, is designed to encourage both domestic and international tourism by making travel more accessible during the peak holiday season. With destinations spanning Kenya and Tanzania, Safarilink is offering discounted fares to Diani, Lamu, Malindi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nairobi, Maasai Mara, Tsavo West, Lewa Downs, Samburu, Amboseli, and Zanzibar.
“This promotion is about celebrating the diversity of East Africa’s landscapes and cultures,” said a spokesperson from Safarilink. “Whether you are looking to unwind on the beaches of Diani, explore the spice markets of Zanzibar, or witness the Great Migration in the Maasai Mara, we are making it easier and more affordable for travelers to experience it all.”
Each destination offers a distinct experience. Diani, Malindi, Lamu, Mombasa, and Zanzibar promise idyllic coastal escapes with white sands, coral reefs, and rich Swahili heritage. Maasai Mara, Tsavo West, Amboseli, Lewa Downs, and Samburu cater to wildlife enthusiasts and safari lovers, showcasing Kenya’s iconic big game and dramatic landscapes. Kisumu and Nairobi offer vibrant urban experiences, cultural attractions, and serve as key hubs for business and leisure travel.
Safarilink’s fleet of modern aircraft and its commitment to safety and service have made it a preferred choice for regional travel. The airline operates scheduled flights from Wilson Airport in Nairobi to all featured destinations, with flexible booking options available online and through its call centers.
To take advantage of the offer, travelers must book by August 25 using the promo code AUGUST25. Bookings can be made through www.flysafarilink.com or by calling the airline’s customer service lines.
As East Africa continues to position itself as a leading tourism destination, Safarilink’s promotion provides a timely boost for local economies, hospitality providers, and adventure seekers alike.
Harare, Zimbabwe, is set to host the 2025 AESATA Travel Agents’ Conference from October 2 to 3, 2025, at the Rainbow Towers Hotel and Conference Centre. The event, themed “Connect, Collaborate, Co-create,” will bring together around 250 delegates, including travel agents, industry leaders, and tourism stakeholders from across Eastern and Southern Africa.
Organised by the Association of Eastern and Southern Africa Travel Agents (AESATA), the conference serves as a premier platform for regional engagement, providing an opportunity to address shared challenges and build stronger intra-African tourism networks. AESATA unites national associations from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Somalia, Malawi, Rwanda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Mauritius, and Botswana. Collectively, these member states work to address pressing issues such as regulatory changes, technology disruptions, and the need for harmonised service standards across borders.
The two-day program will feature panel discussions and interactive sessions focused on innovation, regional collaboration, and the evolving role of travel agents in shaping Africa’s tourism industry. Delegates will exchange insights on building resilient travel businesses, adapting to digital transformation, and unlocking opportunities for cross-border partnerships.
In addition to the formal discussions, delegates will enjoy a variety of cultural and networking activities. Packages include a welcoming cocktail, a two-day B2B-focused conference, and a Black Tie Gala Dinner. For those seeking an extended experience, a Victoria Falls excursion package will be offered, including return flights from Harare, airport transfers, accommodation at the Victoria Falls Rainbow Hotel, a guided excursion of the iconic falls, and a cultural dinner at the Boma.
AESATA leaders note that the conference is more than just a gathering, it is a space for building trust and creating practical solutions for the future of travel in Africa. By promoting regional collaboration, the association hopes to strengthen intra-Africa travel, develop co-created tourism products, and enhance the global competitiveness of member states.
The 2025 edition in Harare promises to blend business with leisure, ensuring delegates leave not only with valuable industry connections but also memorable cultural experiences. With its focus on collaboration and co-creation, the conference is expected to further solidify AESATA’s role as a unifying voice for travel agents in Eastern and Southern Africa.
The debate over Africa’s aviation future is heating up as calls for an Open Skies Policy gain momentum. Advocates of liberalised air access argue that opening the continent’s skies to more foreign carriers would lower ticket prices, boost tourism, and make Africa more competitive globally. Yet industry experts caution that without proper safeguards, such policies risk undermining local airlines and deepening Africa’s dependence on international operators.
Africa’s aviation industry already struggles with structural inefficiencies. High operating costs, driven by expensive fuel, leasing charges and financing rates, make it difficult for local carriers to compete with international counterparts. Unlike airlines in Europe, the Middle East or Asia, African operators function in fragmented markets where protectionism and underinvestment restrict growth. Opening the skies without first strengthening local carriers would leave them exposed to stronger foreign airlines capable of dominating the market.
One solution under discussion is the consolidation of African airlines. By pooling resources, harmonising operations and building joint route networks, African carriers could achieve the economies of scale required to expand direct intra-regional services. This would make flights more affordable and reliable for African travellers while also reducing the revenue outflow currently captured by international airlines.
Africa has attempted airline unity before. Air Afrique, established in 1961 by eleven West African nations, once symbolised pan-African cooperation. Based in Abidjan, it carried hundreds of thousands of passengers annually and served as a tool of economic development. However, Air Afrique collapsed in 2002 following financial mismanagement and conflicting shareholder interests. Its routes were subsequently taken over by foreign carriers, underscoring both the potential and the risks of multinational airline ventures.
Recent efforts demonstrate a renewed willingness to explore collaboration. The Strategic Partnership Framework signed between Kenya Airways and South African Airways in 2021 offered a promising model for pan-African consolidation. Supported by both governments, the partnership sought to share services, coordinate fleet deployment and integrate route networks to achieve cost savings. While progress has been slow, the framework remains a viable example of how African carriers could build strength through partnership.
Consolidation should therefore be prioritised before full-scale liberalisation. Open Skies can only deliver lasting benefits if African airlines are empowered to compete on equal terms. Aviation is both an economic driver and a strategic sector tied to national pride, connectivity and trade. Over-reliance on foreign carriers for intra-African connectivity could erode sovereignty and limit the continent’s ability to control its own development path.
With Africa’s population projected to double by 2050, demand for affordable and efficient air travel is expected to grow rapidly. The critical question is whether African airlines will be strong enough to meet this demand, or whether liberalisation without safeguards will leave the skies dominated by foreign operators.
The future of Open Skies in Africa lies in balance. Protecting African airlines while encouraging partnerships that build capacity is essential. Consolidation, innovation and stronger governance will determine whether the policy becomes a tool for shared growth or a missed opportunity that benefits external players more than Africa itself.
