Africa Weekly Aviation Trails: Week 30, 2025.

Introduction.

On Thursday, July 25, 2025, Senegal officially joined the Artemis Accords, becoming the 56th nation to commit to peaceful, transparent, and cooperative space exploration. The signing ceremony was hosted at NASA – National Aeronautics and Space Administration headquarters in Washington, following a recent meeting between Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and former U.S. President Donald Trump. Maram Kairé, Director General of Senegal’s space agency (ASES), signed on behalf of Senegal, emphasizing the country’s dedication to multilateral space diplomacy. Senegalese astronomers have previously collaborated with NASA, including on a 2021 campaign to observe asteroid Orus. The Artemis Accords, first introduced in 2020, outline principles for responsible exploration of the Moon, Mars, and beyond.

AOCs/ASLs/Regulations.

Arusha Airport in Tanzania is set to commence night operations starting January 2026 as part of major infrastructure upgrades ahead of the country’s co-hosting of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2027. The Tanzania Airports Authority (TAA) has enhanced the airport’s facilities with extended runways, new lighting systems, improved aprons, and upgraded terminals to enable 24-hour operations. These developments aim to boost Arusha’s capacity to handle increased air traffic, particularly related to sports tourism and international visitors during AFCON 2027. The move positions Arusha as a critical gateway for regional connectivity and economic growth.

Qatar’s Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA) has launched the second phase of its airspace optimization initiative in collaboration with Egypt, aimed at shortening flight paths through Egyptian airspace to enhance regional aviation efficiency. Announced on Monday, July 22, 2025, during a joint press conference in Cairo, the initiative follows the success of the first phase, which involved airspace assessments and training of 35 Egyptian air traffic controllers by QCAA. Phase two will implement revised flight trajectories and expand training on the Free Route Airspace (FRA) system, aiming to reduce flight times, fuel consumption, and emissions. Backed by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the project highlights Qatar’s commitment to safe, efficient, and sustainable air navigation, with plans to extend such collaborations globally.