The route had been part of the airline's schedule for many years until the pandemic but has not been operated since then.

The airline will operate the route twice a week using a Boeing 737-800 aircraft.

The airline is the first in South Africa to trial a free AI-powered travel assistant, designed to transform the customer experience through technology.

At this stage in development, Lindi’s capabilities include being able to book flights for a single passenger, change a name or seat, and provide certain travel information. Customers can access Lindi 24 hours a day, seven days a week via WhatsApp, ensuring more convenient, faster, and simpler assistance with their travel requirements,” said Kirby Gordon, chief marketing officer at FlySafair.

“Our ambition at FlySafair has always been to provide an affordable, hassle-free, and punctual flying experience,” said Gordon. “AI and Lindi provide an opportunity to offer what is effectively a free private travel assistant to each customer at scale. We are excited about building on her potential to enhance our customer services.”

“There are a number of AI assistants that have been created by airlines to help with general information about flying and destinations, but Lindi is the first that can assist customers with their bookings. As AI is increasingly integrated into our everyday life, we felt it was a good time to bring this innovative technology to our customers and enable them to benefit from AI practically. Lindi offers a seamless, efficient and human-like service that I am confident will set a new standard in the airline industry,” concludes Gordon.

As part of the agreement, Etihad Cargo will strengthen its strategic presence at Ezhou Huahu Airport, which will serve as a key gateway within its broader China network. This complements the carrier’s ongoing operations in Shanghai and Shenzhen, ensuring nationwide access and greater flexibility for customers.

“Ezhou Huahu Airport is already recognised across China for its outstanding capabilities and world-class logistics infrastructure,” said Stanislas Brun, Chief Cargo Officer at Etihad Airways.

“This partnership will amplify Ezhou Huahu Airport’s strengths across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. It represents an exciting opportunity to accelerate the development of more connected, efficient logistics solutions and those not yet engaging with this corridor risk being left behind.”

The partnership will focus on increasing flight frequencies, opening new routes and building joint solutions for cross-border e-commerce, cold chain logistics and high-value manufacturing. The integration of Ezhou’s hub warehouse with Etihad Cargo’s global network will create a seamless two-way trade channel, strengthening market access for Chinese exports while enhancing inbound logistics flows.

Etihad Cargo currently operates four Boeing 777 freighters per week to Ezhou Huahu Airport. The airport, which opened in 2022, is Asia’s first dedicated cargo airport and includes 135 aircraft stands, dual 3,600-metre runways and the capacity to handle 3.3 million tonnes of cargo annually. Located in Hubei Province, it offers unrivalled domestic reach and growing international connectivity.

Kant is a renowned governance reformer and geo-political strategist who has been a key driver of several nation-building initiatives like Make in India, Startup India, Incredible India, and God's Own Country.

Kant said: “I am delighted to join the Board of InterGlobe Aviation Ltd (IndiGo). In under two decades, IndiGo has transformed air travel in India, emerging as a global benchmark for operational excellence and customer experience. With its scale, efficiency, and international ambition, IndiGo will open up new markets for India, and transform our airports into global hubs of connectivity and commerce—driving tourism, trade, and investment, while linking people, markets, and opportunities across borders. I look forward to contributing to IndiGo’s, and India's, next chapter of trade, tourism, and economic growth.”

Vikram Singh Mehta, chairman of the Board of Directors of IndiGo, said: “IndiGo is delighted to welcome Mr. Amitabh Kant as a Board member. Mr. Kant is a distinguished personality with rich administrative experience at the national and global level. His leadership qualities developed over the years by managing and delivering successful projects of global scale will benefit IndiGo immensely, especially in its fast-paced international expansion. IndiGo’s team can leverage his broadbased experience and knowledge in achieving its vision of becoming a global player by 2030.”

Air Algérie, ATR’s largest customer in Africa, has been operating ATR aircraft since 2003, with previous acquisitions in 2008 and 2014 and currently operates 12 ATR 72-500s and 3 ATR 72-600s. As the airline gradually commits to reducing its carbon footprint, this new order highlights Air Algérie’s continued confidence in ATR’s efficient aircraft and proven technology.  

Deliveries of the new aircraft are scheduled between 2026 and 2028. Equipped with latest generation PW127XT engines, the 72-seats ATR 72-600s will be operated by a newly created regional subsidiary of Air Algérie – Domestic Airlines. It will be focused on enhancing connectivity across the nation, especially in the southern regions of the country – areas where air travel is essential for economic and social growth. This further sets ATR as the leader of regional connections and a powerful asset to bring people, businesses, and communities together.  

Hamza Benhamouda, chief executive officer of Air Algérie, commented: “The ATR 72-600 is the right aircraft to help us connect all regions of our country and support national development through reliable and efficient air transport. Its performance on short and thin routes makes it an essential part of our strategy while its fuel efficiency also supports our goal of reducing emissions and building more sustainable operations. By investing in this new fleet and the first ATR 72-600 simulator in Africa, we are also reinforcing our commitment to regional connectivity, operational excellence, and the future of regional aviation in Algeria.”  

Nathalie Tarnaud Laude, chief executive officer of ATR, added: “This order is a powerful endorsement of the ATR 72-600’s capabilities and the value it brings to foster regional connectivity. With its exceptionally low operating costs, fuel efficiency, and ability to perform reliably in diverse and demanding environments like the Algerian climate, the ATR 72-600 is uniquely suited for low-density routes and remote regions. These advantages are precisely why Air Algérie continues to place its trust in ATR after more than 20 years of partnership – our aircraft consistently delivers the performance and adaptability needed to connect communities and support sustainable regional growth.”  

In addition to the aircraft, the acquisition of the ATR 72-600 simulator – to be installed in Air Algérie’s existing training centre – will enhance pilot training capabilities and support the airline’s high standards in operational safety and maintenance excellence.

The continent has long been known for high ticket prices, with observers noting a significant part of the problem is the additional costs imposed by governments, which often regard air travellers as being, by definition, well-off and thus able to bear the cost.

Proceeds from taxes and charges disappear into national treasuries, despite longstanding efforts by organisations such as AFRAA and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to persuade governments that they would gain more in the long term by reducing costs imposed on passengers.

Kamil Al-Awadhi, IATA’s vice president for Africa and the Middle East, has spoken in the past of the frustration of spending considerable time reversing ingrained attitudes in individual countries and reaching agreements to reduce charges, only for changes of government to occur and having to start the process over once again. Similarly, AFRAA engages with government stakeholders, ‘drawing attention to the negative effect of high taxes and charges and their negative implications on travel, tourism, job creation and the economy at large,” the group states.

The AFRAA Taxes and Charges Study Review 2024 looks in de- tail at the level of taxes, charges and fees collected on air tickets and paid by passengers in each African country.

In 2024, the report states, “As the aviation market recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic, many countries have reintroduced and even raised taxes to offset fiscal deficits, leading to higher operating costs for airlines. Additionally, environmental taxes have gained prominence as part of broader global efforts to address climate change.” The report says high taxes, inconsistent policies, and reliance on aviation revenues can stifle the development of a competitive and sustainable aviation sector.

“To foster greater air connectivity, economic growth, and regional integration, it is critical for African governments to consider harmonising tax structures, reducing excessive charges, and pursuing alternative funding methods for aviation infrastructure,” the association says. “Regional cooperation will be key to addressing these issues and ensuring the continued development of Africa’s aviation industry.” The figures featured in the report were collected in September 2024.

Western Africa is the most expensive region, with an average amount of $110 in taxes, charges and fees paid per passenger for international departures compared to $97 in 2022. Central Africa follows, with $107 on average, an increase of $10 com- pared to 2022. Eastern and Southern Africa remain more expensive than neighbouring non-African regions, charging $63 and $35 per passenger, respectively.

Northern Africa is where passengers pay the lowest amount of taxes, an average of $25 per passenger.

According to AFRAA, Gabon leads African nations for total international departure taxes at $298, followed closely by Sierra Leone at $294. Nigeria ($180), Djibouti ($169) and Niger ($131) round out the top five. The least expensive countries in the continent are Libya ($1 per passenger), Malawi ($5), Lesotho ($6), Algeria ($10) and Eswatini ($14).

For regional flights within Africa, AFRAA notes that the average amount of taxes, charges and fees paid by passengers in Africa is $68, compared to $34 in the Middle East and $32
in Europe. Nine of the 10 most expensive African countries for regional flights are in West Africa.

This strategic addition increases Kenya Airways' London frequency to 10 weekly flights.

Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, Rebecca Miano, said that the Nairobi-Gatwick service will enable Kenya to significantly grow visitor numbers, diversify its tourism products, and scale up multi-destination travel across the country.

“These developments will deliver tangible benefits to our hoteliers, tour operators, and entrepreneurs in the broader travel ecosystem across the country. The ripple effects will be felt in employment, income generation, and in the continued diversification of our tourism economy.” She said.

“More importantly, it breathes life into the Kenya-UK Economic Partnership Agreement by enhancing the mobility of goods, services, investments, and people, thereby fostering stronger diplomatic ties between our nations,” she added.

Speaking at the launch event, Allan Kilavuka, Kenya Airways Group Managing Director and CEO, expressed his enthusiasm for the new route. "This inaugural flight to Gatwick is not just about adding a new destination; it's about opening more doors for trade, tourism, education, and strengthening the vital connections between Kenya and the UK." 

The new service is operated using Etihad’s next-generation Airbus A350-1000, a fuel-efficient, environmentally advanced aircraft offering a quieter ride, and the airline’s latest onboard product on key long-haul routes.

The Atlanta route launched with four flights per week, but high load factors and early bookings have prompted Etihad to fast-track expansion, with daily flights set to commence from November 2025. 

Antonoaldo Neves, chief executive officer at Etihad Airways, said: “Atlanta is a dynamic city with deep cultural, economic and aviation significance. This new service enhances access to the southeastern United States while offering seamless connections across the Middle East, Indian Subcontinent, and Asia.

“With U.S. Preclearance at Zayed International Airport, guests can enjoy the convenience of arriving in Atlanta as domestic travellers. We’re delighted to bring our award-winning experience to guests travelling to and from Atlanta. 

“It also means we’re excited to welcome even more guests to our amazing home in Abu Dhabi. U.S. travellers are already curious about what the city has to offer: from beautiful beaches and fantastic theme parks to world-class cultural experiences and mouthwatering cuisine. The response to this route has been phenomenal – the strength of early bookings has been so impressive that we’ve already announced daily flights starting later this year. It’s a clear sign that travellers are eager to discover everything Abu Dhabi has to offer.” 

I-ASC Light is a support tool for airlines to improve safety performance by strengthening safety culture. The new module of I-ASC is an automated survey that evaluates nine key safety culture drivers, provides detailed quantitative and qualitative results by function and organisational level, as well as expert analysis to guide improvements.

Safety culture is the key focus of the IATA Safety Leadership Charter, to which Kenya Airways and 150 other airlines have made a formal commitment. A positive safety culture leads to better safety performance by supporting open reporting and learning, facilitating the effective management of safety risks and creating employee engagement based on trust.

“Safety is our priority. It is ingrained in everything we do and is fostered through a culture of continuous improvement. This is where I-ASC Light is such a valuable tool. We were able to pinpoint key areas for improvement in a clear and structured way. During World Safety Day in April, we shared the results of the I-ASC survey across the airline, with each member of the senior management team signing their own safety charters committing to safety initiatives in the IATA Safety Leadership Charter, which we signed in 2024,” said Allan Kilavuka, group managing director and CEO Kenya Airways.

“The accessibility of I-ASC Light helps airline management teams quickly identify where they should focus in fostering a robust safety culture. As the global pioneer in using the new version of I-ASC, Kenya Airways is enabling concrete actions to meet their commitment to the IATA Safety Leadership Charter and to build a stronger safety culture across the airline,” said Kamil Al-Awadhi, IATA’s Regional Vice President Africa and Middle East.

The deployment of the next-generation aircraft, originally slated for 1 July, was brought forward by a week.

Muscat is among the first few cities in the region to receive Emirates’ next-generation A350, joining a growing network that includes destinations like Kuwait, Bahrain, Dammam and Amman as well as other points like Edinburgh, Mumbai, Tunis, Colombo and Ahmedabad.

The airline has so far welcomed seven A350s to its fleet and is expected to serve 17 destinations across its global network by the end of this year.