Kenya Airways says it is strengthening its commitment to Nigeria with increased investment in capacity and connectivity to Kenya and other destinations through its Nairobi hub. Speaking at an appreciation dinner for travel trade partners in Lagos, the airline’s Country Manager, James Nganga, said Nigeria remains a strategic market, noting that the airline is “enhancing connectivity out of Lagos,” while promoting Kenya as both a holiday and medical tourism destination through a partnership with Aga Khan University Hospital. General Manager for West Africa and the Americas, Stephen Ngamau, announced that from next week, Kenya Airways will operate its Dreamliner service to Lagos six times weekly. He added that the airline also plans to launch Abuja flights and is exploring partnerships with Nigerian carriers to improve connectivity across the country. Chief Commercial and Customer Officer, Julius Thairu, described Nigerian travel agents as vital to the airline’s growth, saying, “A significant part of our business is done through our trade partners. They are a critical part of the ecosystem.” Also speaking, Kenya’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Isaac Keen Parashina, described Nigeria as a key market, saying Kenya Airways is “the bridge between Kenya and Nigeria.” He attributed the increase in Nigerian visitors to Kenya to the country’s visa-free policy and said seamless air connectivity is essential to Africa’s integration. The event also featured awards for outstanding travel agencies and tour operators, with Wakanow emerging as one of the top winners for its exceptional sales and revenue performance across multiple categories.

Air Peace has suffered a major operational setback after one of its Airbus A320 aircraft was severely damaged on the ground at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, when a baggage conveyor belt vehicle operated by the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) crashed into one of the aircraft’s engines shortly after passengers from Flight P47427 from Kano had safely disembarked. The airline said the impact left the aircraft completely unserviceable, forcing it out of operation and disrupting scheduled flights across its network. Air Peace apologised to passengers for the delays and possible cancellations, assuring them that alternative arrangements were being made while investigations into the incident continue. The carrier reaffirmed that safety remains its highest priority and pledged full cooperation with aviation authorities to determine the cause of the accident and prevent a recurrence. Reacting to the incident, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) said it had already intensified oversight of ramp and ground handling operations through the establishment of a dedicated Ground Handling Safety Oversight Department. Director of Aerodrome and Airspace Standards, Ahmed Abba, described the occurrence as a stark reminder that safety begins on the ground, not just in the air. He disclosed that the Authority will next week convene a stakeholders’ harmonisation meeting to strengthen regulations, improve ramp safety standards and align Nigeria’s ground handling operations with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) best practices.

ValueJet is preparing to introduce Boeing 737 aircraft into its fleet as part of plans to expand capacity, strengthen its regional network and improve passenger services across Africa. The airline said the move marks a major step in its growth, building on the success of its CRJ fleet, which has supported its domestic and West African operations since commercial services began. To prepare for the fleet expansion, ValueJet’s aircraft maintenance engineers are undergoing Boeing technical training in Lagos under a partnership between Boeing and Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development. The programme covers maintenance, safety and operational procedures for the Boeing 737 Next Generation in line with European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) standards. Managing Director and Accountable Officer of ValueJet, Captain Omololu Majekodunmi, described the development as “an exciting new chapter” for the airline, noting that alongside the new aircraft, the airline is investing in world-class training for its engineers to maintain the highest standards of safety, reliability and operational excellence. Chairman of ValueJet, Honourable Adekunle Soname, said the Boeing aircraft represent “a strategic investment in the future of ValueJet,” adding that the expanded fleet will boost capacity and range, enabling the airline to connect more African cities while supporting trade, tourism and economic integration across the continent. With the Boeing aircraft, ValueJet plans to launch new services to Abidjan, Libreville, Douala, Kenya and South Africa, further expanding its growing domestic, regional and international network. The airline says the expansion reinforces its ambition to become one of Africa’s leading regional carriers.

The National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA), in partnership with Ghana’s Safari Valley Resort and supported by Ibom Air, is set to hold a four-day retreat in Ghana. This is aimed at promoting intra-African tourism, strengthening regional cooperation and addressing xenophobia and other barriers limiting travel across the continent. The retreat has the theme: “Africa for Africa: Tourism, Unity and Shared Growth,” and will bring together travel industry leaders, tourism stakeholders and policy advocates to explore practical ways of making travel within Africa easier while fostering stronger cultural and economic ties. NANTA President, Yinka Folami, said the initiative reflects the long standing relationship between Nigeria and Ghana and their shared commitment to the ideals of Pan-Africanism, cooperation and regional integration. “From the intellectual foundations laid by our leaders during the independence movements to decades of cultural exchange, trade and commerce, Nigeria and Ghana have repeatedly chosen partnership and collaboration over division,” Folami said. According to him, the retreat goes beyond tourism promotion, describing it as “a historic handshake” that reinforces the idea of Africa as one interconnected community united by shared history, culture, enterprise and people rather than colonial-era borders. Folami said the NANTA Executive Council will also use the gathering to map out the association’s future direction following its recent Golden Jubilee celebrations in Ibadan. Discussions will focus on advocating easier movement of people across Africa, stronger tourism partnerships and policies that encourage Africans to explore the continent as a single tourism destination. The NANTA President in a lighter note revealed that the Nigerian delegation would also participate in a friendly Jollof Rice contest with their Ghanaian hosts. “I have informed our Ghanaian brothers and sisters at Safari Valley that our NANTA delegation has a very capable chef, and therefore they should prepare for a spirited and friendly Jollof Rice competition,” he joked. The retreat is expected to reinforce Nigeria-Ghana tourism collaboration while advancing efforts to break down travel barriers, deepen cultural exchange and unlock new opportunities for sustainable tourism growth across Africa.

The Director General, Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Chris Najomo, has announced sweeping sanctions against the flight crew involved in the recent Asaba airport incident, confirming that the pilot-in-command has been removed and banned from operating in Nigerian airspace. While the First Officer has also been suspended pending the outcome of ongoing investigations. Speaking with journalists on the sidelines of the Airport Business Summit in Lagos, Captain Najomo disclosed that the aircraft involved has been grounded and its Permit to Fly (PNCF) suspended. He explained that although the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) handled the initial safety investigation, the regulatory aspect of the case has now been handed over to the NCAA, which is conducting its own independent probe. He also revealed that the Department of State Services (DSS) has joined the investigation. The NCAA Director General, a pilot with more than 45 years of flying experience, described the incident as highly unusual, saying he could not comprehend how an aircraft could mistake a road for a runway. He stressed that the authority would leave no stone unturned in uncovering the circumstances surrounding the occurrence before taking final regulatory action. On the Airport Business Summit, Captain Najomo praised the gathering as a valuable platform for industry stakeholders to address pressing challenges facing Nigeria’s aviation sector. He assured operators that the NCAA would carefully examine concerns over monopoly and anti-competitive practices, reiterating the regulator’s commitment to promoting fair competition, ensuring airlines remain commercially viable, protecting passengers’ interests, and preventing excessive charges across the industry.