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Airports

Union Strike Disrupts Kenya’s Main Airport For Two Days Before Return-To-Work Deal

Nairobi, Kenya: A strike by aviation workers at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), Kenya’s largest and busiest aviation hub that

February 18, 2026 No Comments

Airports

Cuba Halts Jet Fuel Supply at All International Airports Until March Amid US Sanctions

Havana, Cuba: Cuba is confronting an unprecedented aviation fuel crisis that threatens to disrupt civil aviation, international tourism and foreign

February 9, 2026 No Comments

Sakaka, Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia has officially inaugurated the New Al‑Jouf International Airport in Sakaka, a strategic development aimed at expanding air connectivity in the Kingdom’s northern region. The ceremony was led by Prince Faisal bin Nawaf, Emir of Al‑Jouf, alongside Transport Minister Saleh bin Nasser Al‑Jasser, GACA President Abdulaziz Al‑Duailej, and other senior officials. The inauguration signals a significant step forward in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 ambitions to modernize transport infrastructure and promote regional economic development. The new facility expands passenger capacity from 175,000 to 1.6 million annually, addressing growing demand for both domestic and international travel in the northern region. The airport’s 24,000-square-meter terminal is equipped with advanced passenger processing facilities, including two boarding bridges, seven departure gates, four arrival gates, 16 check-in counters, and modern automated passport control systems. Additional amenities include seven smart gates, a 470-meter baggage conveyor system, commercial and retail zones totaling 1,700 sqm, children’s play areas, and parking for 648 vehicles. At launch, the airport is served by three domestic Saudi airlines and four international carriers, connecting Al‑Jouf to destinations such as Riyadh, Jeddah, Sharjah, Dubai, Cairo, and Assiut. Domestic operations constitute the majority of flights, with Riyadh emerging as the busiest route, offering 38 weekly flights. Officials highlighted that the new airport will significantly improve travel convenience and reduce transit times for passengers in northern Saudi Arabia. Beyond passenger services, the airport is expected to stimulate tourism, trade, and local business development. The modern infrastructure will facilitate increased regional economic activity, create new employment opportunities, and serve as a gateway for international travelers exploring northern Saudi Arabia. GACA confirmed that full flight operations are scheduled to commence in February 2026, following final operational testing. Minister Al‑Jasser lauded the project as a reflection of Saudi Arabia’s strategic investment in modern transportation and logistics, stating that the airport “represents a strategic gateway for the northern region and a key enabler of tourism, commerce, and regional connectivity.” The airport also aligns with broader national objectives to diversify the economy, expand the tourism sector, and integrate Saudi Arabia more fully into global aviation networks. The inauguration of Al‑Jouf International Airport marks a transformative moment for northern Saudi Arabia, combining modern passenger facilities, expanded flight connectivity, and economic development potential. With its capacity to handle over 1.6 million passengers annually, the airport is expected to become a central hub for both domestic and international travel, strengthening the Kingdom’s position as a regional aviation and tourism leader.

Airports

Saudi Arabia Inaugurates Al-Jouf International Airport With 1.6 Million Capacity

Sakaka, Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia has officially inaugurated the New Al‑Jouf International Airport in Sakaka, a strategic development aimed at

January 23, 2026 No Comments

Athens, Greece: A government-appointed investigation has concluded that last week’s eight-hour communications blackout in Greek airspace at Athens International Airport was caused by outdated and unsynchronised systems, not a cyberattack, exposing critical infrastructure vulnerabilities in one of Europe’s busiest flight regions. On January 4, radio communications across the Athens Flight Information Region (FIR) collapsed in a “blackout” that forced authorities to clear the airspace, ground departures and divert incoming flights for several hours. The incident left thousands of passengers stranded and triggered delays that rippled through European air traffic networks. According to the official report submitted to Infrastructure and Transport Minister Christos Dimas, the root cause was desynchronisation and “digital noise” in legacy telecommunications hardware supporting the Greek Civil Aviation Authority’s (HCAA) voice communication system. The systems rely on Synchronous Digital Hierarchy (SDH) technology no longer supported by manufacturers, leaving them vulnerable to failures without modern operational guarantees. The expert panel, which included representatives from the HCAA, national cybersecurity authority, telecom regulator and EUROCONTROL, confirmed there were no indications of a cyberattack or external interference. Full restoration occurred after telecommunications circuits were resynchronised and rerouted, with services returning to normal by approximately 16:53 local time. The incident was classified as “low risk” under aviation safety reporting criteria, with no breaches of minimum separation standards or evidence that aircraft were exposed to direct threat, according to the report. In the wake of the findings, HCAA governor Giorgos Saounatsos resigned at the request of Minister Dimas, who said the report underscored serious weaknesses in air traffic management infrastructure. Deputy governor Giorgos Vagenas will serve as interim head while the process to appoint a new administrator begins. The investigative committee recommended a rapid transition to Voice over IP (VoIP) communications, acquisition of nearly 500 new transceivers, and the establishment of a permanent joint crisis-response mechanism between the HCAA and national telecom provider OTE. It also called for improved remote monitoring, stronger spectrum oversight and relocation of critical facilities to reduce systemic risk. A ministry statement said plans to modernise Greece’s air traffic communications are underway but not expected to be complete before 2028, leaving systemic vulnerabilities in place as the nation prepares for its peak summer travel season. Air traffic controllers’ unions and aviation safety experts have long warned that ageing infrastructure and equipment obsolescence posed escalating operational risks. Following release of the committee’s findings, controllers stressed that safety on January 4 was maintained chiefly through manual procedures and emergency protocols, not because of robust systems. They have urged immediate action to align Greece’s air navigation capabilities with modern European standards.

Airports

Greek Government Report Links Jan 4 Athens Blackout To Outdated Systems, No Cyberattack

Athens, Greece: A government-appointed investigation has concluded that last week’s eight-hour communications blackout in Greek airspace at Athens International Airport

January 21, 2026 No Comments

Delhi, India: Air traffic in and out of Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) is facing significant disruption this week as temporary airspace closures come into force ahead of the 77th Republic Day celebrations. Authorities have issued formal restrictions that are expected to affect hundreds of scheduled flights between January 21 and January 26. Under Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) issued by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and associated civil aviation agencies, the airspace over Delhi will be closed to commercial departures and arrivals daily between 10:20 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. (IST) for a duration of 2 hours 25 minutes. The restrictions are designed to facilitate military flypast rehearsals, parade drills and associated aerial security procedures ahead of the Republic Day parade. According to aviation analytics firm Cirium, more than 600 flights are likely to be delayed, rescheduled or cancelled over the six-day period due to the closure coinciding with one of IGIA’s busiest scheduling windows. Airlines have warned of unpredictable movement patterns throughout the affected window, with adjustments to flight departures and arrivals increasingly likely during the restricted hours. Passengers travelling to or from Delhi are being urged to check flight status updates directly with carriers before their scheduled departure. On January 19, well ahead of the formal restriction dates, three Srinagar–Delhi flights were cancelled as preliminary rehearsals triggered temporary shutdowns of critical airspace corridors, highlighting the cascading impacts of the restrictions. Regional disruptions are also emerging. On the Delhi–Pantnagar route, early-morning services were cancelled due to the imposed no-fly zone, with airlines offering rebooking or refunds to affected passengers. Similarly, two Air India flights operating between Nagpur and Delhi have been cancelled through January 26 as operators adjust schedules in light of the closure. The closures coincide with peak winter weather conditions in the national capital region. Dense fog and poor visibility have already contributed to flight delays and cancellations at IGIA and other airports in northern India in recent days. A travel advisory issued on January 17 by Delhi Airport officials highlighted that persistent fog coupled with heightened Republic Day security measures could create compounded challenges for passengers and airlines. The airspace restrictions form part of an integrated national security plan for Republic Day, which also includes extensive no-fly zones and road traffic curbs in central Delhi on rehearsal and parade days. Delhi Police and civil aviation authorities have coordinated the measures to balance security needs with transport continuity.

Airports

Republic Day Airspace Closures May Affect 600+ Flights At Delhi IGIA For 6 Days

Delhi, India: Air traffic in and out of Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) is facing significant disruption this week as

January 21, 2026 No Comments

Bishoftu, Ethiopia: Ethiopia has formally launched construction of what is set to become Africa’s largest and most ambitious airport project, with the groundbreaking of the $12.5 billion Bishoftu International Airport, led by Ethiopian Airlines in partnership with the Ethiopian government. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed presided over the groundbreaking ceremony earlier this month near Bishoftu, around 45 kilometres southeast of Addis Ababa, marking a major milestone in the country’s long-term aviation and economic development strategy. Ethiopian Airlines Group executives and senior government officials were also present at the event. Once completed, Bishoftu International Airport is expected to handle up to 110 million passengers annually, far surpassing the current capacity of Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, which is nearing saturation at roughly 25 million passengers per year. The project is designed to position Ethiopia as a global aviation and logistics hub, strengthening its role as a key connector between Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas. The airport will be developed in phases. Phase One, targeted for completion around 2030, aims to accommodate approximately 60 million passengers annually with two runways, while the final master plan envisions four runways, expanded passenger terminals, and large-scale cargo facilities. The total cost of the project has been revised to $12.5 billion, reflecting expanded capacity and infrastructure scope. Ethiopian Airlines is expected to finance around 30 percent of the investment, with the remainder being mobilised through international lenders and development partners. The African Development Bank (AfDB) has already committed $500 million and is coordinating additional financing from global partners across the Middle East, Europe, China, and the United States. Bishoftu International Airport is being planned as a fully integrated “Airport City”, incorporating cargo hubs, logistics parks, maintenance facilities, hotels, and commercial zones. To support seamless access, the project includes a 38-kilometre high-speed rail link connecting the airport to Addis Ababa in approximately 20–25 minutes, along with new multi-lane highway infrastructure. The airport is also expected to provide parking capacity for around 270 aircraft, supporting Ethiopian Airlines’ rapidly expanding fleet and growing long-haul network. Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest and most profitable carrier, has described the project as essential to sustaining its long-term growth and maintaining Addis Ababa’s position as the continent’s leading aviation hub. Once operational, Bishoftu International Airport is expected to gradually replace Bole International Airport as Ethiopia’s primary international gateway. Government officials have highlighted the airport’s broader economic impact, citing job creation, increased tourism, enhanced cargo and trade capacity, and improved regional connectivity as key benefits. With construction now underway, Bishoftu International Airport stands as one of the most significant aviation infrastructure projects ever undertaken in Africa, reflecting Ethiopia’s ambition to anchor the future of global air connectivity on the continent.

Airports

Ethiopia Launches Construction Of Africa’s Largest $12.5Bn Airport At Bishoftu

Bishoftu, Ethiopia: Ethiopia has formally launched construction of what is set to become Africa’s largest and most ambitious airport project,

January 16, 2026 No Comments

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Airports

Union Strike Disrupts Kenya’s Main Airport For Two Days Before Return-To-Work Deal

Cuba Halts Jet Fuel Supply at All International Airports Until March Amid US Sanctions

Saudi Arabia Inaugurates Al-Jouf International Airport With 1.6 Million Capacity

Greek Government Report Links Jan 4 Athens Blackout To Outdated Systems, No Cyberattack

Republic Day Airspace Closures May Affect 600+ Flights At Delhi IGIA For 6 Days

Ethiopia Launches Construction Of Africa’s Largest $12.5Bn Airport At Bishoftu

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