FEBRUARY 03, 2025

By Abdullateef Aliyu

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released 2024 full-year and December 2024 passenger market performance showing record high demand.

Total full-year traffic in 2024 (measured in revenue passenger kilometers or RPKs) rose 10.4% compared to 2023. This was 3.8% above pre-pandemic (2019) levels. Total capacity, measured in available seat kilometers (ASK), was up 8.7% in 2024. The overall load factor reached 83.5%, a record for full-year traffic.

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According to the highlight, African airlines’ annual traffic rose 13.2% in 2024 versus the prior year. Full year 2024 capacity was up 9.5% and load factor climbed 2.5 percentage points to 74.5%, the lowest among regions but a record high for Africa. December 2024 traffic for African airlines rose 12.4% over December 2023.

International full-year traffic in 2024 increased 13.6% compared to 2023, and capacity rose 12.8% while domestic full-year traffic for 2024 rose 5.7% compared to the prior year, while capacity expanded by 2.5%.

December 2024 was a strong finish to the year with overall demand rising 8.6% year-on-year, and capacity grew by 5.6%. International demand rose by 10.6% and domestic demand by 5.5%. The December load factor reached 84%, a record for the month.

“2024 made it absolutely clear that people want to travel. With 10.4% demand growth, travel reached record numbers domestically and internationally. Airlines met that strong demand with record efficiency. On average, 83.5% of all seats on offer were filled—a new record high, partially attributable to the supply chain constraints that limited capacity growth. Aviation growth reverberates across societies and economies at all levels through jobs, market development, trade, innovation, exploration, and much more,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.

“Looking to 2025, there is every indication that demand for travel will continue to grow, albeit at a moderated pace of 8.0% that is more aligned with historical averages. The desire to partake in the freedom that flying makes possible brings some challenges into sharp focus.

“First, the tragic accident in Washington last night reminds us that safety needs our continuous efforts. Our thoughts are with all those affected. We will never cease our work to make aviation ever safer.”

FEBRUARY 04, 2025

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released data for the full year 2024 and December 2024 global air cargo market performance showing an 11.3 per cent (12.2 per cent for international operations) increase in cargo demand compared to 2023 figures.

Full-year capacity in 2024, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometres (ACTK), increased by 7.4 per cent compared to 2023 (9.6 per cent for international operations).

Full-year yields averaged 1.6 per cent lower than 2023 but 39 per cent higher than in 2019.
December 2024 brought the year to a close with continued strong performance. Global demand was 6.1 per cent above December 2023 levels (7.0 per cent for international operations). Global capacity was 3.7 per cent above December 2023 levels (5.2 per cent for international operations). Cargo yields were 6.6 per cent higher than December 2023 (and 53.4 per cent higher than in December 2019). IATA’s Director-General, Willie Walsh, said air cargo was the standout performer in 2024 with airlines moving more air cargo than ever before.

“Importantly, it was a year of profitable growth. Demand, up 11.3 per cent year-on-year, was boosted by particularly strong e-commerce and various ocean shipping restrictions. This combined with airspace restrictions which limited capacity on some key long-haul routes to Asia helped to keep yields at exceptionally high levels. While average yields continued to soften from peaks in 2021-2022 they averaged 39 per cent higher than 2019,” Walsh said.

Asia-Pacific airlines saw 14.5 per cent year-on-year demand growth for air cargo in 2024, the strongest among the regions. Capacity increased by 11.3 per cent year-on-year. December year-on-year demand increased 8.4 per cent and capacity increased 6.3 per cent.

North American carriers saw 6.6 per cent year-on-year demand growth for air cargo in 2024, the lowest of all regions. Capacity increased by 3.4 per cent year-on-year. December year-on-year demand increased 5.3 per cent and capacity increased 2.1 per cent.

European carriers saw 11.2 per cent year-on-year demand growth for air cargo in 2024. Capacity increased by 7.8 per cent year-on-year. December year-on-year demand increased 5.1 per cent and capacity increased 3.7 per cent.

Middle Eastern carriers saw 13 per cent year-on-year demand growth for air cargo in 2024. Capacity increased by 5.5 per cent year-on-year. December year-on-year demand increased 3.3 per cent and capacity increased 0.2 per cent.

Latin American carriers saw 12.6 per cent year-on-year demand growth for air cargo in 2024. Capacity increased by 7.9 per cent year-on-year. December year-on-year demand increased 10.9 per cent, the highest of all regions and capacity increased 8.4 per cent.

African airlines saw 8.5 per cent year-on-year demand growth for air cargo in 2024. Capacity increased by 13.6 per cent year-on-year. December year-on-year demand decreased by -0.9 per cent, the lowest of all regions and capacity increased 1.8 per cent.

Trade Lane Growth: International routes experienced exceptional traffic levels for the 17th consecutive month with a 7 per cent year-on-year increase in December. Airlines are benefiting from rising e-commerce demand in the US and Europe amid ongoing capacity limits in ocean shipping. Looking to 2025, IATA estimates growth to moderate to 5.8 per cent, aligned with historical performance.

“Economic fundamentals point to another good year for air cargo—with oil prices on a downward trajectory and trade continuing to grow. There is no doubt, however, that the air cargo industry will be challenged to adapt to unfolding geopolitical shifts. The first week of the Trump administration demonstrated its strong interest in using tariffs as a policy tool that could bring a double whammy for air cargo—boosting inflation and deflating trade,” said Walsh.

FEBRUARY 05, 2025

By Nathan Risser, Bloomberg News

(Bloomberg) -- American drivers may see fuel prices jump by around 15 cents a gallon from Donald Trump’s move to impose tariffs on Canadian and Mexican supplies, according to one oil analyst.

The US is set to impose a 10% tariff on imports of oil and refined products from Canada, threatening to upend American refining and fuel markets accustomed to importing about 4 million barrels a day of Canadian crude. Mexico has also been under the threat of US trade restrictions, though Trump on Monday delayed a 25% tariff on Mexico for a month.

“A 10% tariff passed through to the consumer will raise gasoline and diesel prices about 15 cents per gallon,” Andy Lipow of Lipow Oil Associates said Sunday in an emailed note. “The extent to which the consumer is affected depends on where the consumer lives.”

The West Coast — already the most expensive gasoline market in the US — could see prices rise 20 cents a gallon, Lipow said. If Canadian oil producers divert supplies from the Midwest and create localized shortages, “prices could spike well over 30 cents a gallon.”

The tariffs come as US refiners are cutting output for maintenance, which means less domestic product is available to replace any curtailed Canadian supply.

Massachusetts, Vermont and New Hampshire rely on Canadian gasoline and diesel imports, while western Pennsylvania, Montana and Washington state rely on Canadian crude oil supplies, Lipow said. A major supplier to those Northeast markets, Irving Oil Ltd., has already told customers in New Hampshire that it will raise propane prices by the cost of Trump’s tariffs.

Gasoline prices at US pumps averaged $3.10 a gallon last weekend while diesel was $3.70 a gallon, according to data from the American Automobile Association.

Most US price increases are unlikely to be immediate, according to Pavel Molchanov, a managing director for energy research at Raymond James in Houston.

“The rule of thumb is that it takes three to four weeks between an oil price movement and a corresponding change in prices at the pump,” he said. “That means drivers should notice it toward the end of February.”

Retail prices in regions that rely more on Canadian oil supply could see fuel price spikes sooner. In northeast states like Maine, the majority of fuel retailers buy their product on spot markets priced at the New York Harbor. If tariffs raise prices on that key pricing hub, gas stations would almost immediately pass the cost through to consumers, according to a retailer in the region.

The tariff effect is already showing up in futures markets. NYMEX gasoline futures rose as much as 13.2 cents on Monday, the largest intraday move since March, to touch almost $2.17 a gallon. 

FEBRUARY 05, 2025

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), on Tuesday, said that Kenya Airways has apologised for mistreating a Nigerian Passenger in Nairobi, Kenya.

LEADERSHIP reports that a Nigerian passenger, Gloria Omisore, was denied boarding on the second leg of her connecting flight in Nairobi over her inability to provide a Schengen visa. She was then accused of throwing used sanitary pads on the airline’s employee.

The social media video showing a verbal exchange between the passenger and a Kenya Airways agent at the transfer desk in Nairobi (NBO) has since generated comments.

However, the director of Public Affairs & Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, on his X account, shared pictures and the outcome of the meeting.

According to him, the airline has apologised for the ill-treatment of the Nigerian passenger during a meeting with the airline.

“In respect of the now viral case between a Nigerian passenger, Gloria Omisore, and Kenyan Airways, I summoned the airline to my Abuja office today, Tuesday, February 4, 2025. 

In attendance were the airline’s country manager, James Nganga; Station Manager, Eric Mukira; and duty manager, Ezenwa Ehumadu.

“We informed the airline that the passenger had called Kenya Airways…on December 7, 2025, to inquire if she was qualified to fly the Manchester-Paris-Nairobi-Lagos (inbound) and Lagos-Nairobi-Paris-Manchester route. According to the passenger, the airline told her that she was qualified, despite her informing them that she is Nigerian, who holds a British resident permit, but no Shenghen visa,” Achimugu said.

The NCAA director said it was based on this information from Kenya Airways that the passenger proceeded to purchase the ticket, adding that she flew the first leg into Nigeria via Paris and Nairobi with no incidence.

“The airline has asked for time to check their recorded call log and confirm if that call happened. They have been granted 48 hours to do so,” he said.

“For her outbound flight, the airline boarded and flew the passenger out of Lagos despite knowing that she needed a transit visa for the Paris leg. This fault was that of the airline, and it was only discovered in Nairobi.”

He noted that upon discovery, the airline then offered the passenger a direct flight to London at no extra cost to her, on the condition that she’d wait another 10 hours in addition to the 17-hour layover she had just endured. Since she was bleeding and exhausted, the passenger demanded accommodation and care because the error was that of the airline. It was when she was denied care that an argument ensued between her and the airline counter staff,” he added.

Achimugu said this is contrary to the intentionally misleading official statement by Kenya Airways claiming that the lady simply refused to re-route directly to London and started to throw pads around.

He said the Kenya Airways team has apologised for the obfuscation of facts in that statement and has also admitted that phone call or not, it was the fault of the airline not to have discovered the problem before airlifting the passenger from Lagos.

“I expressed deep disappointment about the unruly Kenya Airways staff who insulted the office of the President of Nigeria, insinuating that the airline could do anything to Nigerians and nothing would happen. I asked if this manner of addressing customer complaints was the airline’s standard protocol.

“The country manager stated in very clear terms that the staff was out of order and apologised for the outburst. When asked what disciplinary measures will be taken against their personnel, he said that his bosses in Nairobi would decide,” he added.

FEBRUARY 06, 2025

Story by Michael Knowles

 

Unemployed migrants will have their visas revoked, under tough new Tory plans.

The Conservatives declared "people who come here to work should actually do that" as they signalled a fresh crackdown if they win the next General Election.

Immigrants who have claimed benefits or lived in social housing will be barred from applying for the right to remain indefinitely.

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said: "Recent numbers have been far too high.

"That's why we will introduce a binding annual cap on visa numbers, at far lower levels.

"People who come here to work should actually do that, or see their visa revoked. And we should only be granting Indefinite Leave to Remain to people who are making a net contribution to the economy - paying more in tax than they take out in services."

The Office for National Statistics said net migration to the UK hit 906,000 in the year to June 2023, amid an influx of foreign students, a spike in non-EU workers, particularly in the health and social care sectors and the introduction of the Ukraine and Hong Kong refugee visa schemes.

It fell to 728,000 last year as reforms to the immigration system began to bite.

Research by the Centre for Policy Studies revealed low-skilled migrants are costing taxpayers "more than they contribute at every stage of their time in the UK".

Analysis of a new Office for Budget Responsibility report found that the amount they cost the state - through benefits, healthcare and pensions - dwarfs the amount they pay in tax.

The Centre for Policy Studies warned that the Government must "rebalance our migration policy" towards high-skilled workers.

And the Tories insisted new restrictions should be placed on migrants.

Only foreign workers who have not claimed benefits or relied on social housing whilst living in the UK on work visas will be given the right to remain indefinitely.

Those with criminal records would also be barred, the Conservatives said.

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch called for migrants to face a 10-year wait before they can apply for indefinite leave to remain.

This is double the current five years and would signal "our country is not a dormitory", Mrs Badenoch declared.

Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said: "Our country is not a dormitory, it's our home. The right to citizenship and permanent residency should only go to those who have demonstrated a real commitment to the UK.

"That's why we should double the length of time before people can qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain from five to ten years.

"The Conservative Party is under new leadership. We're going to tell the hard truths about immigration. The pace of immigration has been too quick and the numbers coming too high for meaningful integration. We need to slow down the track for citizenship. A UK passport should be a privilege not an automatic right.

"Far from reducing the number of people coming into Britain, the Labour Government is presiding over an incoming disaster. The Border Security Bill will actually make it easier for illegal immigrants to stay in the UK, let alone legal migrants. No one can trust Labour on immigration."

Former Home Secretary James Cleverly banned overseas care workers and foreign students from bringing their family members with them to the UK.

The salary threshold for skilled workers was also increased to £38,700.

The previous government aimed to slash the number of people arriving in Britain by 300,000 a year with the measures.

But Home Secretary Yvette Cooper paused a planned increase in the salary threshold on those hoping to bring their family members to the UK.

This means foreign nationals will only need to earn £28,000 to bring their families to the UK.

Mr Philp is urging Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper to allow this to increase to £38,700.

It comes after criticism mounted over Labour's plan to end the small boats crisis.

Mr Philp slammed Labour's new Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill, claiming it creates a "pathway to citizenship" which will convince migrants to cross the Channel.

He said it is a "slap in the face" to law-abiding families, adding the Home Office's new plan "sells our country out".

Ms Cooper on Thursday outlined Labour's plan to end the small boats crisis, insisting giving Border Force counter-terrorism-style powers will allow the UK to "identify, disrupt and smash people smuggling gangs" faster.

But it also repeals large swathes of the Illegal Migration Act, which denied illegal migrants the right to claim asylum or stay in the UK.

Mr Philp told the Daily Express: "Labour's new Border Bill has nothing to do with securing our borders - it's about surrendering them.

"It is a total capitulation to people smugglers and is a charter for illegal immigrants.

"The Labour Bill now offers illegal immigrants a pathway to citizenship, rewarding those who flout our laws with the ultimate prize: a British passport.

"We will fight this tooth and nail.

"While hard-working, law-abiding families play by the rules, Labour wants to fast-track criminals so the Home Secretary can pretend to be taking action.

"Let me be clear. Incentivising illegal crossings like this will only serve to fuel the human trafficking gangs that profit from human misery."

FEBRUARY 08, 2025

The dropbox visa processing option has been discontinued for United States visa applicants in Nigeria, marking a significant change in the US visa renewal procedure.

Though the US Embassy in Nigeria was yet to issue an official statement on the change, sources have confirmed that the service, which previously allowed eligible applicants to renew their visas without an in-person interview, has been quietly removed from the appointment booking system.

Applicants attempting to schedule visa renewals have reported that the Dropbox feature was no longer an option on the appointment booking platform, suggesting that it may be due to a slew of executive orders from President Donald Trump.

The development came amid a backlog of visa applications, with many applicants waiting for months to secure dropbox appointments before the removal.

Applicants have expressed frustration over the lengthy wait for physical appointments, which has reportedly taken nearly a year.

With the Dropbox option removed and unavailable slots in Lagos since January, applicants may now be required to travel to Abuja for in-person interviews, reverting to the pre-2020 process.

FEBRUARY 08, 2025

by Adejayan Gbenga Gsong

The drop box visa processing option is no longer available for US visa applicants in Nigeria, marking a significant shift in the visa renewal process.

Blueprint gathered that the service, which previously allowed eligible applicants to renew their visas without an in-person interview, has been quietly removed from the appointment booking system.

Applicants attempting to schedule visa renewals have reported that the drop box feature is no longer an option on the appointment booking platform.

Meanwhile, the US Embassy in Nigeria has yet to issue an official statement on the change.

FEBRUARY 08, 2025

The Federal Government, through the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, has initiated maximum enforcement action against Kenya Airways for many consumer protection infractions.

DAILY POST reports that among the infractions is the airline’s refusal to tender an official apology, refund and compensate a Nigerian traveller, Gloria Omisore, within 48 hours.

The NCAA said while the airline requested an extension of one hour after 48 hours elapsed, it failed to comply with the agency’s demand.

The Director of Public Affairs & Consumer Protection at NCAA, Michael Achimugu, while disclosing this in a post on X on Saturday, also noted that on Thursday, Kenya Airways failed to send in a compliance report about a scheduled flight that was delayed for seven hours with no compensation for the passengers.

Achimugu further revealed that when the airline was confronted over the phone, its team claimed ignorance of the NCAA Regulations, wondering how a company would operate in a foreign country with no recourse to the relevant laws.

“To this end, we are organising a retreat for all airlines operating in Nigeria to learn and relearn Part 19 of the NCAA Regulations 2023.

“The Country Manager in Nigeria apologised for the Gloria Omisore incident. The airline admits that they should never have boarded the passenger from Lagos.

“The airline failed to discover the lack of a France transit visa and flew this passenger to Nairobi where she had a 17-hour layover, only to be told that she would have to endure a further 10-hour wait if she must be flown to the UK,” the NCAA spokesman said.

FEBRUARY 10, 2025

Saudi Arabia has introduced new visa regulations that will impact travelers from 14 countries, restricting them to single-entry visas valid for 30 days with no option for extension.

The changes apply to tourists, business travelers, and those visiting family members, while excluding applicants for Hajj, Umrah, diplomatic, or residency visas.

The new regulations target travellers from the following nations: Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sudan, Tunisia, and Yemen.

Saudi authorities have cited the misuse of multiple-entry visas as a key reason for the policy shift, noting that some travelers used long-term visas to stay in the country illegally or participate in Hajj without proper authorization.

The Saudi government regulates Hajj attendance through a fixed quota per country, and unauthorized pilgrims have contributed to overcrowding issues.

The situation became particularly severe in 2024, when over 1,200 pilgrims lost their lives due to extreme heat and congestion, a crisis authorities believe was exacerbated by unregistered attendees.

Officials have described the suspension of multiple-entry visas as a temporary measure but have not provided a specific timeline for its review.

The government plans to assess the impact of the new regulations before making further decisions.

Travelers from affected nations are advised to apply for their single-entry visas well in advance of their trips and to comply strictly with the new regulations to avoid penalties or travel disruptions.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reiterated the importance of adherence to these new guidelines and urged travelers to stay updated through official government channels.

FEBRUARY 10, 2025

By Princess Etuk

Five airlines sanctioned by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority have officially received their sanction letters for various infractions, with further penalties under consideration.

The Director for Consumer Protection and Public Affairs at the NCAA, Michael Achimugu, confirmed the development to our correspondent.

“Yesterday, the five airlines received their letters of sanctions. The five airlines mentioned in that case have received their letters of sanctions officially,” Achimugu stated.

The affected airlines are Royal Air Maroc, Arik Air, Ethiopian Airlines, Aero Contractors, and Air Peace.

Achimugu said the NCAA is continuing its investigation into the airlines’ operations and could impose additional penalties.

“Apart from this first set of sanctions, we are still gathering evidence and monitoring the officials to be able to come down harder on them in view to fine them a record N200m for their chronic infractions of the resolution. The matter is still in progress,” Achimugu said.

Weeks ago, the NCAA cautioned that airlines failing to process passenger refunds within the time frame specified in Part 19 of the NCAA Regulations 2023 would face sanctions.

In response, the regulatory agency took enforcement actions against Royal Air Maroc, Ethiopian Airways, Air Peace, Arik Air, and Aero Contractors following a surge in passenger complaints.

As part of these measures, the NCAA announced plans to fine Royal Air Maroc up to N300m for alleged unprofessional conduct and failure to comply with regulatory standards.

The agency also hinted at imposing what could be the largest sanction in Nigeria’s aviation history against the airline.

Meanwhile, multiple attempts to contact the affected airlines were unsuccessful as they failed to respond to enquiries.