By Garth Calitz The proposed development of Cape Winelands Airport has reached a major milestone after the Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (DEADP) officially concluded the appeals process relating to the project’s Environmental Authorisation. In a final ruling, the Minister for Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Anton Wilhelm Bredell, dismissed all remaining appeals lodged against the development, effect

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has called for an urgent parliamentary hearing into what it describes as growing aviation safety and regulatory oversight failures involving South African Airways, the South African Civil Aviation Authority, Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS) and South Africa’s Department of Transport. In a statement issued on 25 May, DA Transport Spokesperson Chris Hunsinger said the party would request that Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Transport s

Airbus has revealed new details about one of the most ambitious engineering features of its upcoming A350F freighter programme, the largest main deck cargo door ever fitted to a commercial aircraft. Designed to improve freight handling efficiency while supporting the aviation industry’s shift toward lower emissions, the innovative cargo door represents a major leap forward in widebody freighter design. At the heart of the A350F programme is a clear objective: create a next-ge

The appointment of a new board at Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) comes wrapped in optimism and ambitious promises, but the real challenge facing the state-owned airport operator may be far greater than the celebratory tone surrounding the announcement suggests. ACSA has unveiled a refreshed leadership team as it embarks on a R21 billion airport upgrade and innovation programme intended to modernise infrastructure, improve passenger experience, and strengthen operational

The Tanzanian government has announced a major financial commitment to support the continued expansion and modernisation of Air Tanzania, allocating TZS283.05 billion (approximately $109 million) to the state-owned carrier in the country’s 2025/26 transport budget. The funding package reflects the government’s determination to transform Air Tanzania into a stronger regional and intercontinental operator while improving operational efficiency, infrastructure, and long-term fin

Ethiopian Airlines has once again affirmed its leadership in African aviation after being named Best Airline in Africa at the APEX Passenger Choice Awards. The 2026 awards were announced on 4 May in Addis Ababa, recognising the airline’s continued commitment to customer satisfaction and operational excellence. The accolade is particularly significant as it is based entirely on independently verified passenger feedback, offering a direct measure of traveller experience. Drawin

The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) has issued a renewed warning over the growing dangers faced by civilian aircraft operating near or over conflict zones, calling on governments and industry stakeholders to strengthen measures designed to keep passengers, crews and aircraft safe. Speaking at the 2026 World Overflight Risk Conference in Valletta, Malta, ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar highlighted the increasing threat posed by modern military techn

By Garth Calitz South African Airways (SAA) has announced that its Group Chief Executive Officer, Professor John Lamola, will resign effective at the end of April 2026. This decision was confirmed after a Board meeting, with Barbara Creecy, acting as the shareholder representative, formally accepting Lamola’s resignation in conjunction with the airline’s Board. Professor Lamola will leave the airline after nearly four years, having initially joined SAA in July 2021 as a Non-E

Ethiopian Airlines has marked its 80th anniversary, commemorating eight decades of continuous operations and growth into one of Africa’s largest and most influential aviation groups. The milestone was formally announced at a press conference in Addis Ababa, where Group Chief Executive Officer Mesfin Tasew outlined the significance of the anniversary and the airline’s plans to celebrate the occasion throughout the year. The launch event, held at the Ethiopian Skylight Hotel, r

The Council of the International Civil Aviation Organisation has issued a strong rebuke of Iran over what it says were unlawful violations of sovereign airspace across the Middle East, warning that the actions posed a serious and ongoing threat to civil aviation safety in one of the world’s most heavily used air corridors. Adopted on 31 March 2026 at ICAO’s headquarters in Montréal, the decision marks a rare and pointed intervention by the UN aviation body into a matter that