Africa Weekly Aviation Trails: Week 28, 2025.

Introduction.

ACI World – Airports Council International has voiced strong opposition to a proposed international tax on premium air passengers, backed by countries including France, Kenya, and Barbados ahead of COP30. ACI argues the levy would undermine aviation’s role in global connectivity, particularly harming regions in the Global South that rely heavily on air transport for trade and tourism. Joining ACI in opposition are the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the Air Transport Action Group (ATAG), and Airlines for Europe (A4E), all warning that the tax could divert funding from vital climate initiatives like CORSIA and sustainable aviation fuels.

AOCs/ASLs/Regulations.

The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) has approved the Konza National Drone Corridor, the country’s first designated airspace for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone operations. Developed by the Konza Technopolis Development Authority (KoTDA), the corridor aims to boost Kenya’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) ecosystem and position Konza as a leading tech innovation hub in Africa. The corridor, located within the Konza Smart City, was approved following a thorough review by the UAS Multi-Agency Route Committee.

On July 11, 2025, Zimbabwe imposed an immediate ban on night flights by private aircraft, effective daily from 6 pm to 6 am, as announced in a government gazette by the Minister of Transport. Citing security concerns, a ministry spokesman stated the government needed better oversight of who was flying in and out of the country during nighttime hours. The ban applies to private aircraft under 20,000 kg, regardless of registration origin, but excludes state-owned aircraft and those used for public transport or aerial work. Exemptions may be granted by provincial police commanders in emergencies or for pilot night-flying experience.