Travel & Business News

Ethiopian Airlines (ET) is set to increase its flight frequency from Lagos to Addis Ababa, effective July 1. The airline will introduce a second daily flight, providing passengers with more options and enhanced benefits. The additional flights will offer seamless connections to numerous African and Asian destinations, reducing overall flight times for travelers. The new flights will feature increased baggage allowances for passengers traveling to Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Dubai. Moreover, passengers will earn double miles when flying with the airline, as part of its loyalty program. According to Mrs. Firiehiwot Mekonnen, Area Manager of ET in Nigeria, "You can also get double double miles if you fly with us." She added, "We are offering these extra benefits to reward our loyal passengers as we offer more flights and options out of Lagos. These extra flights help us improve service delivery and reduce costs for travelers. Most of our passengers wi...

The Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) in Zaria, Kaduna, has kicked off the League of Airports and Aviation Correspondence (LAAC) training, with the Rector and CEO, Dr. Danjuma Adamu Ismaila highlighting the institution's efforts to address gaps in aviation training. In his opening remarks, Dr. Ismaila revealed that upon assuming office, he identified significant gaps in infrastructure preventing the college from meeting the training needs of aviation professionals, which often necessitated students seeking training abroad. To bridge this gap, the college has embarked on an ambitious expansion program, including the construction of 150 additional rooms to accommodate the growing demand for training. The Rector also disclosed plans to enhance the college's equipment, citing requests from airlines for more flight simulators. "We have acquired the equipment for carrying out a B737 full flight simulation," he said. "We will put it to use in th...

GMD/CEO NAHCO Plc, Olumuyiwa Olumekun The Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) is gearing up for its 44th Annual General Meeting (AGM), scheduled to hold on Friday, May 23, 2025. According to sources, NAHCO's profit before tax soared from 115.4% to N18.70 billion in 2024, up from N8.68 billion in 2023. The company's total revenue has also experienced a significant surge, rising by 88.5% from N28.40 billion in 2023 to N53.54 billion in 2024. This growth has led to a 120.53% increase in gross profit, which stood at N33.08 billion in 2024, compared to N15 billion in 2023. Operating profit has also jumped by 123.93% from N8.86 billion to N19.84 billion, underscoring the fact that the group's performance was driven mainly by core business operations. Based on these results, the Dr. Seinde Fadeni-led board of directors has recommended the distribution of N11.58 billion as cash dividends to shareholders for the 2024 business year, more than double the N4.95 billi...

Overland Airways has resumed flight services to Warri's Osubi Airport from Lagos and Abuja, effective May 20, 2025. This development marks a significant expansion of the airline's route network, enhancing connectivity between Delta State and Nigeria's key hubs. The airline will operate thrice-weekly flights on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, utilizing its brand-new Embraer E-175 jet aircraft, which features Premium and Economy Class cabins. The flight schedule includes morning arrivals and departures, facilitating seamless connections to destinations in Northern and Southwestern Nigeria. Chief Operating Officer (COO), Mrs. Aderonke Emmanuel-James, stated, "Overland Airways' resumption of flight services to Warri is in response to the yearnings of our customers for reliable air transport to connect the city and its environs with Abuja and Lagos. This flight will support important economic and social linkages between the people of Delta State and othe...

The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has commenced a two-week on-the-job training (OJT) for Air Traffic Safety Electronics Personnel (ATSEPS) of the Department of Communication, Navigation and Surveillance Power Systems. The training, which is being held simultaneously in Lagos, Abuja, and Kano, aims to equip participants with practical skills in maintaining and installing critical facilities. The training covers various facilities, including Automatic Mains Failure (AMF), Automatic Voltage Regulator (AVR), Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS), Solar Power Systems, Electrical Installations, Cooling Systems, and Generating Sets. Participants will gain hands-on experience in welding, installing air-conditioning compressors, and maintaining solar power systems, among other skills. NAMA's Managing Director, Engr Farouk Ahmed Umar, noted that the training is part of the agency's commitment to enhancing the capacity of its technical and operational staff. He empha...

Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO) PLC has been recognized by British Airways for its performance in safety and punctuality, winning the prestigious Safety and Punctuality Bronze Awards for both its Lagos and Abuja stations for the first quarter of 2025. According to Hellen O’Connor, Regional General Manager for British Airways, Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific, "Safety and punctuality are pillars of the aviation industry. We congratulate SAHCO in Lagos and Abuja for their outstanding contributions in achieving our Q1 punctuality goals", she said, adding that both stations achieved the airline's Adjusted Departure Closure (aDC) target of 96% each month during the period. The recognition adds to an already impressive record, as SAHCO has been a consistent winner of the British Airways Safety and Punctuality Awards since it's inception. In 2024, the company's Lagos station received Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum awards, while the Abuja sta...

L-R: Mrs. Aanu Benson, Chief Administration Officer, Landover Company Limited, presenting the Best Performer Award to Ms. Shakira Olagunju Landover Aviation Business School (LABS) has announced that one of its students, Ms. Shakira Olagunju, has achieved the distinction of being the Overall Best Performer in Nigeria for the March 2025 Diet of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Foundation in Travel and Tourism with Amadeus Course. This marks the 10th time a LABS student has been recognized as an IATA Best Performer since 2012. Mrs. Aanu Benson, Chief Administrative Officer of Landover Company, expressed her delight at the achievement, stating, "We are ecstatic to see our student's hard work and dedication pay off. This excellent result is a testament to our team's dedication to nurturing talent and our commitment to excellence in aviation training." She added, "We extend our heartfelt congratulations to our star student Ms. Shakira Olag...

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has responded to recent concerns regarding the safety of Nigerian airports, following a statement from the US State Department suggesting that Nigerian airports are generally unsafe. According to Captain Alex Bade Jr., Director General (DG) of the NSIB, while there is always room for improvement, the NSIB disagrees with the assessment, emphasizing that challenges such as perimeter fencing and wildlife intrusion are not unique to Nigeria and occur at airports globally. "We recognise the need for continuous improvement, and we commend the efforts of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) in implementing upgrades," Captain Bade Jr. said during an interview on Arise TV. He highlighted that generalizing Nigerian airports as "totally unsafe" is unfair, noting that such issues are prevalent worldwide, including in the United States. Regarding a recent incident in Asaba where an aircraft encountered anima...

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has taken a significant step towards enhancing the country's cargo handling capabilities with the commissioning of its first-ever purpose-built domestic cargo wing in Lagos. The event marks a major milestone in Nigeria's aviation industry, with the facility set to improve efficiency, capacity, and logistics for businesses of all sizes. According to Lekan Thomas, Director of Cargo Development & Services at FAAN, "Today is about more than just policies and aspirations - it is about tangible growth and new opportunities." Thomas highlighted the importance of the facility, citing statistics from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) that Nigeria handled approximately 174,000 metric tonnes of air freight in 2023. The Managing Director & Chief Executive of FAAN, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, has been instrumental in driving reforms and positioning Nigeria's aviation and cargo sectors for internation...

The Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2), operated by Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), marked its 18th anniversary of uninterrupted service in Nigeria's aviation landscape. To commemorate the milestone, BASL unveiled a newly installed 3D exterior signage, enhancing the terminal's visual identity and improving access and orientation for passengers. "The new 3D signage not only enhances the visual identity of the terminal but also improves access and orientation for terminal users," said Ajoke Yinka-Olawuyi, Head Corporate Communications, BASL. "Eighteen years on, MMA2 remains a symbol of innovation and private sector excellence in Nigeria's aviation sector." As part of its corporate social responsibility efforts, BASL visited the Bethesda Home and School for the Blind on the second day of the anniversary activities. Kola Bamigboye, Ag. COO and Head, Space and Premises, BASL, expressed the company's commitment to suppor...

The Future African Space Explorer's STEM Academy (FASESA) and Boeing have announced the launch of the second edition of the "Pathways to Space" program, a collaborative educational initiative aimed at inspiring the next generation of African space professionals. The program, which debuted in 2024, will reach up to 300 students aged 13-18 from state schools in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Nigeria. According to Kuljit Ghata-Aura, president of Boeing Middle East, Türkiye, Africa, and Central Asia, "The 'Pathways to Space' program leverages Boeing's extensive experience in space, combined with FASESA's proven educational methodologies and deep understanding of the African educational landscape, to inspire the next generation to reach for the stars." Sean Jacobs, executive director at FASESA, echoed this sentiment, stating, "We are proud to continue our partnership with Boeing. This program reflects our shared dedication to building Africa’s ...

Ethiopian Aviation University recently celebrated a significant milestone with the graduation of 974 students in various aviation and hospitality fields. The  ceremony, held on May 3, 2025, at the university's premises, was attended by distinguished guests, ambassadors, airline executives, and the graduates' families. The students specialized in several fields, including aircraft maintenance, pilot training, cabin crew, commercial operations, and hotel operations. The graduates represented diverse nationalities, including various African countries and international students from China, Congo, Mozambique, Cameroon, Gabon, Zambia, South Sudan, Uganda, and Sierra Leone. Notably, 614 of them were female, while 360 were male. This diversity highlights the university's ability to attract students from across the continent and beyond, and its commitment to promoting inclusivity and diversity in the aviation industry. Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO, Mr. Mesfin Tasew, cong...

The Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc (NAHCO Aviance) has signed a series of new contracts with five airlines, solidifying its position among ground handling service providers in Nigeria. According to a statement released by NAHCO, the new contracts include: - A five-year agreement with Royal Air Maroc for cargo freighter and cargo warehousing services in Lagos and Abuja, in addition to their existing handling contract. - A five-year renewal contract with Kenya Airways for passenger and cargo operations in Nigeria. - A three-year contract with Dornier Aviation for passenger flight handling operations in Lagos, Port Harcourt, Abuja, Osubi, and other Nigerian airports. -  A five-year contract with Enugu Air, a new entrant, for passenger flight operations in all locations in Nigeria. - A three-year renewal contract with Cronos Airline for passenger flight operations in Lagos and Port Harcourt. This comes after the company announced new contracts, earlier this year, wi...

Mrs. Firiehiwot Mekonnen, Area Manager of Ethiopian Airlines in Nigeria Ethiopian Airlines has announced a significant enhancement to its services in Nigeria. Starting July 1st, the carrier will operate two daily flights to Lagos, providing passengers with increased options and faster connections to various destinations. The additional flights are expected to facilitate seamless connections to numerous African and Asian cities, reducing overall travel time. The flight schedule includes four evening departures at 10 pm and three early morning departures at 5:40 am. The evening flight, ET 902, will depart Lagos at 10 pm and arrive in Addis Ababa at 5:20 am, connecting passengers to various African destinations, Dubai, Sao Paulo, Tel Aviv, and others. The morning flight, ET 904, will depart Lagos at 5:40 am and arrive in Addis Ababa at 1 pm, linking passengers to afternoon departures to destinations such as Mumbai, Delhi, Istanbul, Rome, and Zanzibar. According to Mrs. Firiehi...

From L–R: Group Managing Director, Finchglow Holdings, Mr. Bankole Bernard, and Vice President, National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA), Mr. Yinka Olapade, at the recently held NANTA Lagos Zone workshop. The National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA) Lagos Zone recently convened a Business Workshop for travel professionals, aimed at equipping agencies with the necessary tools to thrive in today's dynamic market. The session featured a keynote presentation by Mr. Bankole Bernard, Group Managing Director (MD) of Finchglow Holdings, who delivered a practical and insightful session on "Strategic Business Development for Travel Agencies." Drawing from over two decades of experience, Mr. Bernard emphasized the imperative need for structure, digitization, and long-term thinking in the travel sector. He stressed that digital transformation is the backbone of growth for modern travel businesses, stating, "Intuition has limits. Growth ...

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Engr. Farouk Ahmed Umar, has been honoured with a prestigious fellowship award by Better Nigeria in Practice of Good Conduct, a forum dedicated to promoting ethical conduct in public service and the private sector. The award recognizes his "exceptional leadership, integrity, and commitment to ethical governance in public service." The award ceremony, held at the Shehu Musa Yar'Adua Centre in Abuja, was attended by government officials, eminent Nigerians, and the general public. The event was part of the activities marking the 2025 International Workers Day, where individuals and institutions who have demonstrated dedication to transparency, accountability, and national development ideals were recognized. In his citation, the group commended Engr. Farouk for his transformative leadership at NAMA, citing significant operational improvements, enhanced safety protocols, and the implementation...