Africa Weekly Aviation Trails: Week 40, 2025.

Introduction.

The International Civil Aviation Organization Assembly has established a solid foundation to achieve universal access to air transport by 2050, in alignment with its long-term Strategic Plan. The decisions made focus on ensuring every nation develops both the infrastructure and regulatory capacity necessary for sustainable air connectivity. Advancing its No Country Left Behind initiative, ICAO approved 25 new capacity development agreements and expanded the TRAINAIR PLUS program to enhance global access to standardized aviation training. Strengthened mandates for the Next Generation of Aviation Professionals (NGAP) and Gender Equality programmes will help build a skilled and inclusive workforce. The Assembly also endorsed a facilitation strategy aligned with the Doha Declaration, promoting the rollout of Digital Travel Credentials and biometric solutions to achieve seamless travel, alongside improved standards for accessibility, crew management, and humanitarian response. Human rights and dignity were prioritized through enhanced protections for accident victims and stronger measures against human trafficking. On the economic front, the Assembly encouraged air transport liberalization via the Template Air Services Agreement (TASA), modernization of airport slot management, reaffirmation of principles against double taxation, and a review of ICAO’s Core Principles on Consumer Protection. Legally, delegates adopted a resolution commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Chicago Convention and emphasized the urgency of completing key treaty ratifications. Collectively, these outcomes provide the ICAO Council with a clear mandate to advance global progress toward sustainable, inclusive, and universally accessible air transport by 2050.

AOCs/ASLs/Regulations.

Libya’s Civil Aviation Authority has directed all airlines operating flights to the country not to allow any foreign worker entry without a health certificate approved by the National Center for Disease Control. The directive, issued following guidance from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, holds airlines responsible for returning any passengers who fail to comply. The measure stems from a September 21 letter by the National Programme for Expatriate Health under the Ministry of Health, aiming to strengthen health security and prevent potential health risks posed by incoming workers.

Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority‘s is exploring the certification of China’s COMAC C919 aircraft for local carriers as the country’s aviation sector expands and ties with Beijing deepen. Director General Capt. Chris Ona Najomo confirmed that the certification process—expected to take several months—is being considered despite the aircraft lacking validation from Western regulators. COMAC, which aims to penetrate the African market, has offered Nigeria maintenance and training support, along with potential dry-lease arrangements for airlines. Nigerian carrier NG Eagle expressed interest in the C919, contingent on proper certification and support. This move comes as Nigeria’s improved Aviation Working Group rating boosts leasing confidence, allowing its 13 airlines better access to modern aircraft.