The airport was first established in 1946 as a military facility operated by the British Royal Air Force after World War II. It was later handed over to civilian authorities.

In 1956, under the leadership of Ghana’s first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, the facility underwent structural development to meet international air travel standards. By 1958, it was officially inaugurated as Accra International Airport.

In 1969, the military government renamed it Kotoka International Airport in memory of Lt. General E.K. Kotoka, a key figure in the 1966 coup that removed Nkrumah from office. Kotoka was later killed in 1967 during a failed coup attempt at a location that is now part of the airport’s forecourt.

The military government renamed the airport in his honour, portraying him as a “liberator” from what it described as Nkrumah’s authoritarian rule. 

The decision to rename the nation’s largest airport was first announced earlier on February 3, during a media briefing by the Majority Leader in Parliament, Mahama Ayariga. 

Where he stated that “a bill will be brought by the Minister for Transport to facilitate this change.”

However, Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe stated that the renaming process does not require any legislation, clarifying that airport renaming in Ghana has consistently been carried out through executive orders.

Bukari Nikpe said the government “considered it appropriate” to restore the earlier name. 

He told local media that the change was aimed at projecting a neutral national image and reflecting the name of the capital city, Accra.

Supporters of the move, including some civil society groups, argue that honouring Kotoka contradicts Ghana’s democratic values and glorifies an unconstitutional change of government.

Samia Nkrumah, daughter of the late president, has consistently advocated for restoring the airport’s original name.

Critics, including members of Kotoka’s family, said the decision erases his legacy and service. Some members of the public have also questioned the cost of the change and asked why issues such as unemployment and living conditions are not being prioritised.

However, Bukari Nikpe stated that the change will bear no high cost to the state, and it only involves removing 'Kotoka' and making a few adjustments.

Nkrumah led Ghana to independence in 1957 and was regarded as a leading figure in the pan-African liberation movement. After his overthrow, Ghana experienced several coups until the return to multiparty democracy in 1992. Since then, the country has held closely contested elections and witnessed peaceful transfers of power.

The announcement was made on Tuesday, February 3, by Mahama Ayariga, the Majority Leader in Parliament. Speaking at a media briefing, said, “We are changing the name of our airport from Kotoka International Airport to Accra International Airport. A bill will be brought by the Minister for Transport to facilitate this change.”

The airport was initially established in 1946 as a military facility operated by the British Royal Air Force following World War II. It was later handed over to civilian authorities. In 1956, under the leadership of Ghana’s first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, the facility underwent structural development to meet international air travel standards.

By 1958, it was officially inaugurated as Accra International Airport.

The name was changed in 1969 to Kotoka International Airport in memory of Lt. General E.K. Kotoka, a key figure in the 1966 coup that removed Nkrumah from office. General Kotoka was later killed in 1967 during a failed coup attempt at a location now part of the airport’s forecourt.

The renaming proposal reflects ongoing calls from civil society and public figures who argue that naming a national airport after a military coup leader is contrary to Ghana’s democratic values. Among these voices is Samia Nkrumah, daughter of the late Nkrumah, who has consistently advocated for restoring the airport’s original name.

Ayariga affirmed the legislative nature of the process, stating, “Such decisions must be grounded in law and guided by the will of the people.”

The body of 19-year-old Sneha Debnath from Tripura was discovered in the Yamuna River near Geeta Colony after she had been missing for six days . As reported by police, she had left a suicide note and was last seen on Signature Bridge. Technical surveillance led to the tracing of her movements, and local eyewitnesses reported her presence on the bridge shortly before her disappearance. A search operation involved the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and raised concerns about non-functional CCTV cameras in the area.

Fuel switch system declared safe by FAA and Boeing

After the fatal Air India Boeing 787-8 crash, both the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Boeing have stated that the fuel switch locking systems on their aircraft are safe , as reported by Reuters. Despite an AAIB investigation questioning the reliability of the switches, the FAA issued a notification concluding that no regulatory action is necessary, citing no unsafe condition. ALPA India has requested observer status in the ongoing crash investigation, amidst claims that pilot error is not to blame.

Indian national arrested for cocaine at Kathmandu airport

Nepalese police arrested Abdus Samad Jamal Mansuri, a 49-year-old Indian national from Mumbai, after recovering approximately 3.4 kg of cocaine at Tribhuvan International Airport. Mansuri had arrived in Kathmandu from Azerbaijan on a Qatar Airways flight. The police confirmed his arrest occurred in the airport's arrival parking area, and an investigation is currently underway.

Punjab congress raises alarm over law and order crisis

Following the daylight murder of businessman Sanjay Verma, Congress leaders in Punjab have accused the state government of allowing drug cartels and extortionists to operate with impunity. Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa criticized Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's inaction, demanding accountability and immediate government reform to protect business interests. Amid escalating fears among the entrepreneurial community, calls for a high court-monitored investigation into Verma's murder and public discussion about law enforcement efforts have intensified.

No passengers were on board the vehicles at the time, and airport operations continued as normal.

The buses, which are used to transport airport staff, have been in operation since May 2023 and usually run for 12 hours a day.

The Airport Authority said the vehicles suffered only minor damage and confirmed that all driverless buses have been taken out of service while the cause of the incident is investigated.

Ringo Lee, an advisor to the Hong Kong, China Automobile Association, said the crash may point to faults in the vehicles' sensors or communication systems.

The Airport Authority plans to launch more autonomous vehicles by the end of the year to carry visitors between the airport’s Skycity development and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge.

The full system is expected to carry up to 2,000 passengers per hour once fully operational.

The airport will be built near Kidepo Valley National Park, a protected area known for its large populations of lions, giraffes, elephants, and zebras.

The park is home to more than 80 types of mammals and nearly 500 bird species, making it one of Uganda’s top wildlife destinations.

The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry from the United Arab Emirates has signed an agreement with the Ugandan government to build the airport.

It will have a 3.6-kilometre runway and a terminal that can handle up to 2 million passengers each year. Hotels are also expected to be developed as part of the wider plan to attract more visitors to the area.

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, who attended the signing of the agreement , said the project reflects growing ties with Gulf nations and will bring jobs, investment, and training opportunities to the local population.

Sheikh Sultan, the Ruler of Sharjah, also reviewed the airport’s engineering plans and was briefed on the services the new hub will provide.

At present, the only airport near Kidepo is a small airstrip managed by the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority.

The new international airport is seen as a major upgrade that could link the remote area to global cities and improve both passenger and cargo transport.

However, the region has faced security concerns.

The UK’s Foreign Office currently advises against all but essential travel to parts of northeast Uganda, including Kaabong District, where the airport is planned.

The warning is due to threats such as cattle theft, armed attacks, and seasonal flooding.

The Ugandan government, however, says the airport will play a key role in tapping into the economic potential of the northeast and bringing international attention to one of Africa’s lesser-known parks.

"A gust of wind and smoke just entered from the windows into the hall where we were eating. Everybody panicked, first of all, because of the 'boom' of the sound which we heard from the blast, and there was almost zero visibility. We were unable to see who was sitting beside us. So we just ran from there," Mohit said.

A devastating air disaster in India has caused the grief of families mourning the loss of at least 279 lives after a London-bound passenger jet crashed. The victims in Ahmedabad spanned a wide spectrum of society, from a prominent political figure to a teenage tea vendor.

Of the 242 people on board, only one survived: a British national who miraculously emerged from the wreckage of the blazing aircraft on Thursday afternoon. His escape stands as the sole story of survival.

Among the victims was 68-year-old Vijay Rupani, a prominent figure in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ruling party and the former Chief Minister of Gujarat.

Government spokesman Jirayu Huangsub said the prime minister made the decision after concerns that passengers were smoking in unauthorised areas due to the lack of proper facilities.

He added that the change would help airports manage crowds more effectively and reduce health risks for non-smokers through better ventilation systems.

Thailand had previously removed smoking rooms from its major airports as part of efforts to enforce anti-smoking laws.

But officials say the absence of designated spaces has led to unintended problems, with some travellers lighting up in open areas, near restrooms or even outside terminal entrances.

This has increased clean-up costs and caused discomfort to other passengers.

Earlier this year, a smoking room was reinstated at Suvarnabhumi Airport’s new terminal, Satellite 1.

The Airports of Thailand (AoT) has proposed similar rooms at five other international airports, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Hat Yai and Chiang Rai, but the Ministry of Public Health is still reviewing the plan.

While Thailand remains committed to reducing tobacco use, the government says designated smoking areas at airports reflect a more practical approach to managing public spaces used by travellers from all over the world .

By creating proper smoking zones, officials hope to align with practices seen in other global airports and ease pressure on staff, while also protecting the rights of non-smokers.

“We are aware that one of the aircraft’s tires burst upon landing, prompting a precautionary stop on the runway. Preliminary investigations suggest that the poor state of the runway, specifically the presence of potholes, may have contributed to the malfunction,” RIA management is quoted.

Major carriers, including Kenya Airways and Air Peace canceled scheduled landings in Monrovia due to the blocked runway. As of Thursday night, airport authorities had yet to provide a timeline for clearing the immobilised jet, leaving hundreds of travellers stranded.

An anonymous airport source told the  Daily Observer , “The aircraft came to a complete stop and could not move any further. It caused a scare among passengers, including the president’s team.”

Emergency response teams evacuated President Boakai via motorcade, while other officials were transported off the runway using airport vehicles.

However, the Liberia Airport Authority later disputed that operations had fully ceased or that infrastructure issues were to blame.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) said airlines must now offer food, drinks, and communication access, such as phones and emails, if international flights are delayed by more than two hours.

For delays longer than five hours, passengers are entitled to additional support, including at least 1,500 baht ($40.50) in cash or an equivalent in vouchers, credit, or flyer miles. They can also cancel their trip and ask for a refund.

Airlines must provide accommodation and transport if needed.

For delays over 10 hours, passengers will receive between 2,000 baht ($54.00) and 4,500 baht ($121.50), depending on the flight distance. These rules also apply if a flight is cancelled without at least seven days' notice.

Domestic travel lers will now receive 1,200 baht ($32.40) for delays over five hours, an increase from 600 ($16.20) and 1,500 baht ($40.50) for cancellations. Other forms of compensation, such as travel credits or vouchers, can also be offered.

Tarmac delays, where passengers wait on the plane before take-off, are also covered.

Per the new rules, airlines must ensure air circulation, working toilets, and medical help if needed and if a flight does not take off within three hours, passengers must be allowed to leave the plane unless it risks safety or disrupts air traffic control.

The CAAT said the updates are meant to improve fairness and support for travellers.

Thailand’s Civil Aviation Authority says passengers must follow strict limits on liquids, gels, and sprays.

These include things like shampoo, toothpaste, drinks, sauces, perfumes, creams, deodorant, and even lip balm. Anything that is partly liquid or comes in a spray can also count.

Each item must be in a container that holds no more than 100 millilitres. These containers must then be placed inside a single clear, resealable plastic bag.

The bag must not hold more than one litre in total. Each person can carry only one such bag.

The bag will be checked separately at security and does not count as part of your carry-on baggage.

If the airport has special machines that can scan liquids, the rules might be slightly different, but most people will have to follow the basic limits.

Airport staff, flight crew, and all travellers must follow these new rules. They are part of efforts to keep flights safe and to make sure dangerous items do not get on board.

The new rules replace old ones that were set back in 2019.

“Passengers should plan ahead and pack liquids properly to avoid delays at the airport,” Air Chief Marshal Manat Chavanaprayoon, head of the Civil Aviation Authority, was quoted by The Nation .

Authorities hope the new system will make airport checks faster and safer for everyone. 

The airline confirmed his death the same day.

A senior government official said that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) could soon review the rules about pilot health checks, medical help at airports, and emergency plans.

“We are exploring whether to set up a protocol on how to respond in such situations,” the official was quoted by the Business Standard.

After the pilot’s death, some Air India Express pilots said they were worried about the speed of the emergency response. They claimed that it took about 45 minutes for an ambulance to reach the scene.

However, Delhi airport’s chief executive, Videh Kumar Jaipuriar, said that a doctor was sent within eight minutes after the airport team was informed.

According to him, the pilot was quickly moved to a top hospital and medical help was given on time.

The government is now studying whether stronger rules are needed to ensure help is faster and more effective when someone falls seriously ill at an airport.

Air Botswana’s Sales and Marketing Manager, Mogolo Mokgosi, expressed satisfaction with the passenger turnout, stating that new routes often take time to gain traction.

“These numbers show that the introduction of the route was necessary and has great potential. Normally, it takes time for a new route to gain traction, but we are seeing promising results,” Mmegi quotes Mokgosi.

The airline currently operates three direct flights per week on Sundays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. On other days, passengers can connect to Durban via Air Botswana’s flights to Windhoek, Lusaka, and Harare, offering greater travel flexibility within the region.

To ensure the long-term success of the route, Air Botswana has partnered with Durban Tourism and the South African film industry, recognising Durban’s appeal as a vibrant tourist destination.

Speaking at the launch event held at Sheraton Hotel in Kampala, Uganda Airlines CEO Jenifer Bamuturaki emphasised the strategic importance of the new route, the New Vision reports.

"Uganda's exports to the United Kingdom in the last year were worth $22.6 million. We are confident that our cargo capacity, along with our plans to expand and enhance cargo operations with a freighter later this year, will support the rapid growth of Ugandan exports to the UK," Bamuturaki stated.

She further highlighted that the route would boost Uganda Airlines' international profile and position it more competitively in global aviation markets.

The new route will be serviced by Uganda Airlines’ Airbus A330-800 Neo, which features economy, premium economy, and business class seating. Initial operations will include four flights per week to London Gatwick Airport, marking Uganda Airlines’ third intercontinental destination, following Dubai and Mumbai.

Uganda has lacked direct flight access to the UK since British Airways suspended services nearly a decade ago.

According to court documents, Nduta was apprehended while in transit to Laos. In her statement, she claimed that she had been hired by a Kenyan man named John, who instructed her to deliver a suitcase to another woman and return with more goods, the Nation Africa reports.

She passed undetected through three major international airports—Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Kenya, Bole International Airport in Ethiopia , and Hamad International Airport in Qatar—before being caught in Vietnam.

Vietnam enforces some of the world's strictest drug laws, with severe penalties for drug-related offences. Under Vietnamese law , anyone found guilty of smuggling or possessing more than 600 grams of heroin or cocaine faces the death penalty.

As it stands, it remains unclear whether she will appeal the verdict or seek diplomatic intervention from Kenyan authorities.

The airport is expected to welcome up to 110 million passengers every year.

The project, led by Ethiopian Airlines in partnership with Dar Al-Handasah Consultants, includes a state-of-the-art terminal and four runways.

Construction is expected to be completed by 2029.

According to Ethiopian Airlines’ chief executive, Mesfin Tasew, the airport will “enhance connectivity” and “drive economic growth” while focusing on environmental sustainability.

Addis Ababa’s current airport, Bole International, is one of the highest in the world, situated 2,334 meters above sea level.

The new facility aims to ease congestion at Bole and support Ethiopia’s growing role in global aviation.

The "Mega Airport City" project is part of Ethiopia’s broader plans to boost its economy and position itself as a key hub for air travel in Africa. The airport will also help the country attract more international business and tourism.

The airport could rival major global hubs like Dubai and Heathrow once it begins operations.

The six airports set to implement the biometric system include Suvarnabhumi International Airport, Don Mueang International Airport, Chiang Mai International Airport, Mae Fah Luang/Chiang Rai International Airport, Phuket International Airport, and Hat Yai International Airport. as reported by the Bangkok Post .

With tourism on a strong recovery trajectory, Airport Authority of Thailand (AOT) director Kirati Kitmanawat shared that passenger numbers using the airports in September and October have risen almost 20% from the same period last year, and are expected to be still higher next year.

Thailand has seen a resurgence in tourism since the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2023, the country welcomed about 28.15 million tourists—a significant increase compared to the roughly 11 million tourists in preceding years. This recovery has been fuelled by loosened travel restrictions and new visa waiver programmes introduced in 2024 for citizens of countries like China and India.

Leading the list is the United States which boasts 15,873 airports. Following the U.S. is Brazil, with 4,919 airports.

Here is the full list of the top 10 countries with the largest number of airports:

USA - 15,873

Brazil - 4,919

Australia - 2,180

Mexico - 1,485

Canada - 1,425

UK - 1,043

Russia - 904

Germany - 838

Argentina - 756

France - 689

The diplomatic crisis between Somalia and Ethiopia is escalating, primarily triggered by a memorandum signed by Ethiopia with Somaliland for access to the Red Sea. Tensions intensified following a cooperation agreement between Somalia and Egypt, which involved the deployment of Egyptian soldiers to Somalia. Ethiopian officials have accused Somalia of collaborating with external threats, particularly Egypt, while Somalia claims the Egyptian troops are for defensive purposes. Nova.news reports Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre defended the troop deployment, asserting Somalia's right to seek security assistance while condemning Ethiopia's actions as violations of Somali sovereignty. Diplomatic relations are strained further, with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud repeatedly refusing to meet Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed during a recent forum in Beijing.

Construction boom

Mogadishu is experiencing a construction boom, transforming its skyline but exacerbating inequality for the urban poor, including many displaced by war and climate shocks. Over 700,000 displaced individuals have settled in overcrowded informal settlements, facing forced evictions as land values rise due to gentrification fueled by wealthy investors. Some local authorities have cleared government lands to accommodate property development, further marginalising vulnerable communities. According to The New Humanitarian , The Somali government aims to address the needs of displaced communities through a National Durable Solution Strategy, but faces challenges due to inadequate funding, land ownership issues, and ongoing humanitarian crises. Activists emphasize the need for improved governance and inclusive urban planning to ensure that all residents have a voice in Mogadishu’s development.

Laboratory strategic plan

Somalia has developed its first-ever laboratory strategic plan, aimed at enhancing diagnostic capabilities and laboratory services in the country. Finalised through collaboration between Africa CDC and Somalia’s Federal Ministry of Health, the plan addresses critical gaps in lab infrastructure, personnel training, and supply management, while aligning with global standards like the International Health Regulations. The initiative is crucial for strengthening public health responses in Somalia, which has a history of health challenges due to resource limitations and a fragile health system. Africa CDC provided technical assistance and support from various specialists to create a costed implementation plan and identify funding sources for execution. This effort is seen as a significant milestone in building a resilient public health system in Somalia.

Missile and space rocket testing facility

Turkey is in discussions with Somalia to construct a missile and space rocket testing facility in the Horn of Africa, due to Somalia's strategic location for launches over the Indian Ocean. The country's proximity to the equator makes it an ideal candidate for a spaceport, enhancing the range and effectiveness of rocket launches. Turkey aims to bolster its ballistic missile program and enter the global space race. Turkish officials are hopeful for Somali approval, although the defence ministry declined to comment. News Central reports Turkey has been increasing its presence in Somalia through defence cooperation and infrastructure projects, as Somalia seeks to rebuild following years of conflict.

Ethiopian troops seize airports

Ethiopian troops have captured key airports in Somalia’s Gedo region—Luq, Dolow, and Bardere—to prevent the potential airlifting of Egyptian troops intended to replace Ethiopian forces in Jubaland and Hirshabelle. This strategic move aims to disrupt a deployment tied to a recent defence agreement between Somalia and Egypt. Relations between Ethiopia and Somalia have deteriorated further due to this and a controversial memorandum regarding Red Sea access. As reported by Nova.news , tensions are also fueled by the ongoing dispute over Ethiopia's Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, which Egypt opposes. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has notably refused to meet with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed during recent events, reflecting heightened diplomatic strains.

Moss Ndiema, the secretary-general of KAWU, confirmed that the strike was in protest against the planned takeover of JKIA by Adani Airport Holdings, an Indian company.

"We have an ongoing strike action in protest against the intended takeover of JKIA by Adani Airport Holdings," Ndiema told AFP. "We expressed reservations about this issue and issued a strike notice on the 12th of August. Despite attempts to engage in dialogue with the Kenya Airports Authority and the government, the discussions did not bear fruit, leading us to declare this strike."

The industrial action has led to long lines of passengers and vehicles trying to access the airport, with protestors shouting "Adani must go." Some travellers, visibly frustrated, were seen sitting on their luggage as they waited for updates.

Elvis Mushengu, a stranded passenger, expressed his frustration, saying, "Yesterday they closed the doors at around 12, so we've not slept, and apparently, they're not working. I don't know who's screening people. So as much as they are letting guys proceed or the guys who are leaving, we don't know who's doing the screening or what the procedure is."

The strike has brought JKIA, one of East Africa's busiest airports, to a standstill, raising concerns about security procedures and the overall management of the airport during the strike. While some passengers were still being processed for flights, there were widespread complaints about the lack of communication and clarity from airport authorities.

  What they said

In its proposal to the Kenyan government, Adani Group argued that a Public-Private Partnership (PIP) offers distinct advantages over competitive bidding. “PIP allows the government to secure terms beyond purely financial considerations, ensuring the welfare of citizens,” Adani wrote. They suggested that competitive bidding risks making the deal purely transactional, without room for mutual considerations, whereas a PIP creates a win-win scenario for the people of Kenya, the Government of Kenya (GOK), and private investors. Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi had emphasized that “JKIA is not on sale. It is a strategic asset and if it was going to be sold, it can only be done after a full public process that Parliament endorses.”

The outage grounded flights from major airlines, including Delta, American, and United, causing chaos at airports. Passengers have faced long queues, delayed check-ins, and uncertainty about their travel plans. High-density airports such as those in Delhi, Mumbai, and Berlin have been particularly hard hit.

The disruption is not limited to a single region but has affected airports and airlines globally. In Spain, all airports reported issues, while in Germany, Berlin airport experienced significant delays. The British National Health Service also reported disruptions in their systems, highlighting the widespread impact of the outage.

CrowdStrike has identified the issue as a defect in a content update for Windows hosts and has deployed a fix. However, the resolution process is ongoing, and many systems are still experiencing problems. Microsoft has acknowledged the issue and is working with affected parties to restore normal operations.

A visa is an official authorisation that permits the holder to enter a foreign nation legally.

Typically, it is stamped or affixed to the holder's passport. There are various types of visas, each granting the holder specific rights and privileges in the host country.

The strength of a passport is a reflection of a country's global standing and its citizens' ability to travel freely.

Here are the top 10 countries with the strongest passports according to VisaGuide :

Singapore

Singapore leads the ranking with a passport score of 91.15. Singaporean passport holders can travel to 159 countries visa-free, with an additional 9 countries offering eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) and 27 countries providing visa-on-arrival.

Italy

Italy's passport ranks second with a score of 90.49. Italian citizens enjoy visa-free access to 107 countries, eTA access to 10 countries, and visa-on-arrival in 28 countries.

Spain

Spain shares the second spot with Italy, also scoring 90.48. Spanish passport holders have similar travel privileges, with visa-free access to 106 countries, eTA access to 11 countries, and visa-on-arrival in 29 countries.

France

France ranks fourth with a passport score of 90.45. French citizens can travel visa-free to 104 countries, with eTA access to 12 countries and visa-on-arrival in 27 countries.

Hungary

Hungary's passport is fifth, scoring 90.25. Hungarian passport holders can visit 100 countries visa-free, with eTA access to 11 countries and visa-on-arrival in 31 countries.

Germany

Germany ranks sixth with a score of 90.18. German citizens have visa-free access to 105 countries, eTA access to 12 countries, and visa-on-arrival in 29 countries.

Austria

Austria's passport is seventh, scoring 90.17. Austrian passport holders can travel visa-free to 104 countries, with eTA access to 10 countries and visa-on-arrival in 31 countries.

Ireland

Ireland ranks eighth with a passport score of 90.10. Irish citizens enjoy visa-free access to 114 countries, eTA access to 10 countries, and visa-on-arrival in 32 countries.

Netherlands

The Netherlands is ninth with a score of 90.07. Dutch passport holders can visit 107 countries visa-free, with eTA access to 10 countries and visa-on-arrival in 28 countries.

Belgium

Belgium rounds out the top ten with a passport score of 90.02. Belgian citizens have visa-free access to 108 countries, eTA access to 10 countries, and visa-on-arrival in 26 countries.

The director-general of the Zanzibar Airports Authority (ZAA), Mr Seif Abdalla Juma, attributed the achievement to various efforts by the government to attract significant investment in the sector.

"Services are excellent from reception to boarding the plane.  They deserve the award,” local media The Citizen quoted Jasmin Mzee, a passenger using the airport.   

The Airport Council International (ACI) recognises airport excellence by evaluating passenger feedback from daily surveys conducted in departure and arrival zones worldwide. The awards cover several categories, including Most Dedicated Staff, Easiest Airport Journey, Most Enjoyable Airport, and Cleanest Airport.

Mr Seif Abdalla attributed the award to the government's strategic initiatives to attract substantial investment in the aviation sector. He said that following staff training initiatives, the airport began to witness substantial improvements in service delivery, contributing to ZAA’s fifth-place ranking out of 17 African airports in the first quarter of 2023.

According to reports from local media agency The Citizen , the Zanzibar government initiated partnerships with private companies on November 24, 2021, to manage airport operations, intending to improve passenger and cargo services while prioritising safety.

Subsequently, in April 2022, new projects were introduced at the airport, including the adoption of Passenger Boarding Bridges (PBB) for passengers which enable them to move seamlessly from terminal to aircraft, alongside the deployment of Visual Docking Guidance Systems (VDGS) to aid pilots in aircraft parking without the need for ground marshals

The authority expects to formally receive the award during the annual Customer Service Conference and Exhibition in Atlanta, USA, on September 25, 2024.

The airport which was previously named after the late Nigerian literary icon less than a year ago in June 2023 was commissioned by President Tinubu on March 11.

The governor after the airport name change decided to rename the Niger State Polytechnic, Zungeru, after Abubakar Imam.

In a live interview with TVC News Nigeria , he stated that naming the State Polytechnic Zungeru after the late Abubakar Imam is more fitting and it ensures that "we are putting a square peg in a square hole."

"Bola Ahmed Tinubu being a father of the nation, being a very astute politician who has paid his price needs to be celebrated," he said

"He has been so magnanimous to us and he gave us the first agro-processing free zone airport in Nigeria... I sat down with my stakeholders and we thought it was wise for us to do that immediately, we got his approval," he added.

The Tinubu-led government in June 2023 instructed Nigerian aviation officials to rename fifteen federal airports in honour of notable Nigerians, including former presidents which included the renaming of the Niger state airport (then Minna Airport) to Abubakar Imam airport.

This comes after a meeting on March 3 under the leadership of Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly to review the executive procedures proposed by the Ministry of Civil Aviation.

The official spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, Mohamed El-Homsani, revealed that the meeting deliberated on several aspects of the execution of the strategy for the advancement of Egyptian airports, Daily News Egypt reports.

The meeting deliberated on a tentative schedule for the outsourcing procedure. The initial phase involves releasing a tender to choose the international consultant. This consultant is then expected to present a detailed plan for the outsourcing process within six months. The completion of the bidding process is anticipated to take place within a year, he added.

The participation of the private sector in running and managing Egyptian airports could lead to enhanced passenger services and a rise in revenue, He further mentioned.

In November 2023, Prime Minister Madbouly met in Cairo with over 20 international firms in the transport, logistics, and shipping sectors, local media Ahram Online reported.

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development in July 2023, extended a support of $533.7 million to Egypt, according to Arab News . This funding is aimed at strengthening the private sector and boosting small and medium enterprises, as the country embarks on extensive privatisation and overhauls its public sector.

The first group of travellers arrived from Addis Ababa on Ethiopian Airlines, local media Citizen TV reported.

Over 5,000 ETA applications have been received, and at least 2,100 of them have been approved, according to Kenya's Immigration Principal Secretary Julius Bitok.

According to the official, the approval process for applications takes at least 72 hours.

“It’s very easy to apply and get an ETA. You just need to fill in your personal data in ten minutes and you should be able to get approval in 72 hours. We have made sure that travelling to Kenya is going to be an easy and pleasant experience,” Bitok told reporters.

“ETA is a much superior system as we’re able to foretell persons who are coming to our country in advance and ensuring the necessary precautions are in place so that only the right people are welcomed,” he added.

The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) on January 2 announced that the implementation of the visa-free policy had been delayed after Kenyan President William Ruto announced that the initiative was to commence on January 1.

On January 3, 2024, a criminal complaint for robbery was filed against five individuals accused of stealing approximately P35 million (around $62,966) worth of jewellery and money from a jewellery store and an automated teller machine (ATM) in a mall in Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental. The suspects who were arrested, gained access to the mall by digging a hole underneath the sewer network and proceeded to forcibly open an ATM, stealing cash, and looting jewellery from Oro Italia Fine Jewelry Shop and another store, local media Sunstar reported.

American child molesters barred

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has barred entry to two American citizens, Zachary Tyler Thompson and Paul Neal Coltharp, both registered sex offenders (RSOs). BI Commissioner Normann Tansingco said that the individuals have been barred from entering the Philippines because they have been convicted of crimes involving moral turpitude, local media Philstar reported. Both individuals have been barred and flown to their countries and their names added to BI's blacklist of undesirable aliens.

Most wanted fugitive arrested

Quezon City Police announced on January 3 the successful arrest of the most wanted fugitive in the area, Marlon Maestre, in Barangay Bahay Toro on January 1. Police officers apprehended the 32-year-old fugitive along Shorthorn Street around 4:30 p.m. According to local media Philstar , the arrest was made due to a court-issued warrant for homicide. Following his capture, Maestre was taken to the Quezon City Police District's district special operations unit for documentation.

Airport Development

A House Committee on Appropriations, vice chairperson revealed on January 3 that 22 airports, including the Pag-Asa Island Airport, are set to receive fresh funding under the national government's 2024 Aviation Transport Infrastructure Program, local media Business Mirror reported. The specific funding allocations for each airport are outlined in the 2024 General Appropriations Law, amounting to a total of P7.5 billion (about $1 34,918,775.00 ). These funds are designated for the construction, rehabilitation, and improvement of airports and navigational facilities, as well as equipment procurement.

New adoption rule

The Supreme Court recently ruled that petitions for adoption must obtain the consent of adopters' children aged 10 or older for the adoption to be deemed valid. The court emphasized that securing the consent of the adopter's other children is important for maintaining harmony among prospective siblings, ensuring that existing children are aware they will be sharing their parents' love and care with another individual, local media Manila Standard reported. The decision was promulgated on August 7 and made public on December 28.

What they said

Salvadorean airport authorities in a statement said, “The Government of President Nayib Bukele is working hard on modernization and expansion projects at the El Salvador International Airport, in order to provide a first-class service to all users and passengers who circulate through the air terminal”. However, a senior policy analyst at the Migration Policy Institute, Ariel Ruiz Soto says, “This could be an attempt to reduce secondary travel of travelers coming to El Salvador who then could potentially try to make it to the United States.”