#aviation

A Kenya Airways flight to New York experienced a malfunction mid-air over Chad, prompting the Dreamliner, registered as 5Y-KZH, to make an emergency return to Nairobi. The aircraft was traveling at a ground speed of 484 knots when the decision to turn back was made, according to Tanzania Times.

A Delta Air Lines flight, Delta 1076, reported a close encounter with a firework while descending towards Chicago Midway International Airport during the Fourth of July celebrations. The pilot informed air traffic controllers about the incident just before landing on Saturday night, indicating that the firework made contact with the aircraft.

Eight individuals were rescued from a Kodiak 100 seaplane that made a hard landing in New York's East River. Fire department units responded to the incident, and two of the passengers sustained minor injuries during the rescue operation.

Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc (NAHCO) has announced the strengthening of its board with the appointment of a new Vice Chairman and two Non-Executive Directors, according to Punch.

Cape Winelands Airport and Stellenbosch University have announced a partnership to develop an R8 billion aviation hub. This collaboration aims to integrate academic research, skills development, and smart infrastructure to support the long-term expansion of the airport.

Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc has announced the retirement of Akinwumi Godson Fanimokun, who served as Vice Chairman and Independent Non-Executive Director for eight years. Tajudeen Shobayo has been appointed as his successor, according to Nairametrics.

According to the aviation minister, Keyamo, preliminary findings indicate that an aircraft was cleared to land at Asaba Airport but mistakenly touched down on a nearby construction road, which the pilots confused for the runway. The incident is now being treated as a national security matter.

The Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) is preparing to host the International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers Association (IFATCA) Global Aviation Safety Conference, scheduled for January 20, 2027. This event aims to address key issues and advancements in aviation safety on a global scale.

The Uganda Civil Aviation Authority plans to separate its regulatory functions from airport operations, according to officials. This decision is aimed at improving efficiency and oversight within the aviation sector.

According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), African airlines experienced an 8.9% increase in passenger demand in May 2026, contrasting with a 2.2% decline in global market demand. This data highlights the resilience of the African aviation sector amid broader challenges faced by the global airline industry.

Kenya Airways is facing a federal lawsuit in New York from an aviation parts distributor over Sh129 million in unpaid debts. This lawsuit highlights the airline's financial struggles, which include Sh206.8 billion in accumulated losses and Sh131.4 billion in government debt that it cannot service. The situation has led to a lack of suppliers willing to continue business with the airline, which is also dealing with operational uncertainties flagged by its auditors.

Festus Keyamo, the current Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development in Nigeria, has pledged to review the more than 100 Bilateral Air Service Agreements (BASAs) that Nigeria has established with other countries. This initiative raises questions about reciprocity in these agreements, as highlighted in a recent article by Tribune Online.

Aviation stakeholders in Nigeria have expressed worries regarding the growing number of state-owned airlines, cautioning that many of these ventures could face economic unsustainability due to escalating operational costs and inadequate aviation infrastructure. The concerns highlight the challenges facing the aviation sector in the country.

United Nigeria Airlines has announced that it has named two newly acquired Boeing 737-800 Next Generation aircraft after the famous literary figure Chinua Achebe and the Obi of Onitsha, Nnaemeka Achebe. This decision is said to reflect the airline's commitment to promoting Nigeria's cultural heritage and national identity, according to the airline's representative Okonkwo.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has reported a shortage of 5,000 fuel-efficient replacement aircraft, alongside an order backlog of 18,000 planes for airlines. IATA emphasized the need for improved integration between airline maintenance systems and external market intelligence to enhance inventory management, identify material availability and scarcity, support repair-or-replace decisions, and strengthen warranty claims.

The Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc (nahco aviance) has extended its contracts with Qatar Airways, Saudia Airlines, and ASKY, reinforcing its position in the ground handling sector. Additionally, the company has signed a contract with FlyGabon and initiated exports of solar products to the United States.

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has mandated Airbus to inspect specific A380 jets due to the discovery of cracks in the wings, which could potentially compromise the structural integrity of the aircraft. This directive aims to ensure the safety and reliability of the A380 fleet.

The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) is advocating for a review of aviation taxes and an economic boycott of South Africa. This initiative arises amid increasing operational costs faced by Nigerian airlines and broader concerns regarding sustainability in the industry, alongside renewed xenophobic attacks in South Africa that have sparked criticism from Nigerians.

The BBC conducted a survey among Sydney residents regarding their willingness to take a newly announced 22-hour non-stop commercial flight from Sydney to London, which is set to be the longest flight of its kind.

Uganda Airlines has finalized a significant agreement with Boeing to purchase 10 new aircraft, valued at around $985 million. The deal, which includes eight passenger jets and two converted freighters, was signed on June 10, 2026, at State House Entebbe in the presence of President Yoweri Museveni. This acquisition marks the largest fleet expansion for the airline to date.