Aviation News

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has placed airlines and airport authorities on high alert following the fresh outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease in parts of East and Central Africa. The aviation regulatory agency has therefore directed operators – aviation agencies and airlines to immediately strengthen health surveillance procedures at all international airports across the country. The directive followed the formal declaration by the World Health Organisation (WHO) of the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). In a regulatory circular issued to domestic and international carriers operating into Nigeria, the NCAA said the move became necessary following the growing concerns over the possible cross-border spread of the disease through international air travel. The outbreak is linked to the rare Bundibugyo ebola virus species, described by health authorities as a highly severe strain for which there are currently no widely licensed vaccines or specific therapeutics. The WHO and regional health agencies had raised concerns after more than 300 suspected cases and dozens of deaths were reported within the East and Central African region. Although no confirmed Ebola case linked to the outbreak has been reported in Nigeria, the NCAA said it was already collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Health, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Port Health Services, and other international health organisations to intensify monitoring and preventive measures. According to the NCAA, health officials in the DRC recently identified a cluster of severe illnesses among healthcare workers in the Bunia Health Zone in the northeastern part of the country. The circular read in part: “There is currently no licensed vaccine specifically approved for the Bundibugyo strain, while treatment remains largely supportive and symptom-based. “Symptoms associated with Ebola Virus Disease include sudden fever, severe fatigue, persistent headache, vomiting, abdominal pain and bleeding manifestations such as nosebleeds or vomiting blood.” The agency insisted that aviation sector was critical in preventing the international spread of communicable diseases, stressing that early detection and immediate reporting were essential in containing the outbreak. As part of the emergency measures, the NCAA directed all airlines to strengthen onboard disease surveillance and ensure full compliance with international public health protocols. Pilots were further instructed to immediately notify Air Traffic Control (ATC) of any suspected communicable disease case onboard aircraft in line with the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (NCARs). Flight crew members were also directed to complete Aircraft General Declaration forms for suspected cases, while airlines must ensure that passenger locator forms are properly filled and submitted to Port Health Services upon arrival. The NCAA further ordered airlines to ensure that aircraft are adequately equipped with first-aid kits, universal precaution kits, and emergency medical kits.

Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals has reduced the price of aviation fuel, also known as Jet A1, to N1,650 per litre from N1,750 per litre in a move expected to ease pressure on domestic airlines struggling with rising operating costs. The refinery disclosed the reduction in a statement issued on Tuesday, saying the intervention was aimed at supporting airline operations and ensuring stable fuel supply across the country. The company also announced a 30-day interest-free credit facility for marketers and airline operators backed by bank guarantees, alongside its transition from dollar-based pricing to a naira-denominated structure. “These interventions come amid growing concerns over the rising operational costs faced by domestic carriers, with aviation fuel accounting for a significant portion of airline expenses,” the refinery said. Airline operators have repeatedly warned that rising Jet A1 prices were pushing airlines deeper into financial strain and threatening the sustainability of flight operations. At the peak of the crisis from April and May, some airlines reduced flight frequencies while operators raised concerns after Jet A1 prices climbed above N2,500 per litre in parts of the country. The situation also triggered warnings from the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) in April, which threatened to suspend operations over the escalating cost of aviation fuel and other operational challenges confronting carriers. Passengers across the country were affected by the disruptions, with many travellers increasingly questioning recurring schedule changes, delays and sudden cancellations by airlines already struggling with high fuel and maintenance costs. The refinery said the latest reduction is expected to lower fuel procurement costs for airlines, improve operational stability and support efforts to moderate airfares. The intervention comes as the Federal Government continues efforts to stabilise the aviation fuel market through the naira-for-crude initiative and other policy measures aimed at reducing pressure on operators. A government technical committee earlier recommended the inclusion of aviation fuel under the naira-for-crude arrangement as part of measures to address persistent supply and pricing challenges within the sector. The committee also projected indicative Jet A1 prices ranging between N1,760 and N1,988 per litre in Lagos, and between N1,809 and N2,037 per litre in Abuja. Aviation fuel remains one of the largest cost components for airlines in Nigeria, alongside aircraft maintenance, insurance, foreign exchange and leasing expenses.

West Africa’s largest airline, Air Peace, has disclosed that its scheduled Lagos–London Gatwick service of May 13 experienced an operational disruption. The airline said the development followed enroute access issues involving the airspace authorities of an African country. A statement by its management, however, said the aircraft safely returned to Lagos in accordance with established international aviation procedures. The statement reads: “Air Peace wishes to inform the flying public that its scheduled Lagos–London Gatwick service of May 13, 2026, experienced an operational disruption following enroute access issues involving the airspace authorities of an African country. “As a result of the development and the need for immediate operational clarification with the relevant authorities, the aircraft safely returned to Lagos in accordance with established international aviation procedures. “Consequently, the London Gatwick service was rescheduled while the matter was being resolved. Affected passengers were promptly informed of the situation, while care arrangements, including communication updates, support services, and necessary assistance, were provided for their convenience. “Air Peace sincerely apologises to all affected passengers for the inconvenience caused by the unforeseen disruption which was beyond our control. The airline remains committed to maintaining operational integrity, regulatory compliance, and the highest standards of passenger service across its network.”

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has expressed readiness to strengthen collaboration with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) on aviation safety guidelines. The Director-General, Civil Aviation (DGCA), Capt. Chris Najomo, gave this assurance when a team from the company, led by the Manager, Environmental Strategy, Policy & Standards, Dr. Edwin Aboh, paid him a courtesy visit at the Authority’s Headquarters in Abuja on Friday, May 15, 2026, The DGCA, represented by the Director of Airworthiness Standards and Chairman, Flight Standards Group (FSG), Engr. Godwin Balang, highlighted the Authority’s regulatory responsibilities, including the success recorded in the recent ICAO Coordinated Validation Mission (ICVM) where Nigeria achieved a record-breaking 91.4 per cent aviation safety rating. In his response, Dr Aboh thanked the DGCA and the management of the NCAA for the opportunity to interface and collaborate, stressing that the NNPCL recognizes the strategic importance of the NCAA and the critical role it is playing in ensuring safety in aviation-related activities. Dr Aboh hinted that NNPCL is currently drafting its aviation safety guidelines and expressed strong optimism that the Authority will provide necessary technical guidance and support. Senior NCAA officials present at the meeting included the Director, Legal Services/Company Secretary, Barr. (Mrs.) Mary Tufano-Eche; the Director, Air Transport Regulation, Mrs. Olayinka Babaoye-Iriobe; a host of staff members.

IN a bid to galvanize air transport services, BINANI AIR, Monday, said its successful first commercial flight to Lagos signals economic growth, business mobility and national integration through efficient air transport services. In a statement issued by the Airline, it also explained that the milestone achieved will further expand its route network to strengthen connectivity between major cities across the country in order to attract investors to different sectors by enabling their movement and business. Meanwhile, the flight, which departed Abuja amid excitement from passengers and aviation stakeholders, arrived in Lagos smoothly, with travellers commending the airline’s punctuality, professionalism and onboard experience. Speaking shortly before departure, the Group President of Binani Air, Aminatu Dahiru Chiroma, described the Lagos operation as a major step in the airline’s vision of building a dependable and customer-focused indigenous carrier capable of serving the needs of Nigerians. According to her, the successful commencement of flights to Lagos reflects the “airline’s determination to contribute meaningfully to economic growth, business mobility and national integration through efficient air transport services.” Chiroma said: “Today’s flight to Lagos represents more than an expansion of routes; it reflects our commitment to connecting people, businesses and opportunities across Nigeria. “We are building an airline founded on safety, discipline, professionalism and service excellence. Our goal is to continually earn the trust of Nigerians through consistency and reliability.” She also appreciated passengers for the confidence shown in the airline within the first days of operation, assuring them that customer satisfaction and operational safety would remain top priorities.