Travel News

ABUJA (Reuters) – Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has agreed in principle to write off part of domestic airlines’ debts to aviation agencies following successful talks, after carriers threatened to halt operations over crippling fuel prices, Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo said on Wednesday.

Tinubu asked for a formal request to be submitted immediately, with the percentage of the write off to be determined by him, Keyamo said.

The government will also set up a committee to review taxes, levies and fees charged on domestic air tickets, to recommend cuts to ease pressure on airlines and passengers.

Fuel marketers will sit with officials on Thursday to try and quickly resolve the disputes over fuel pricing, oil ministry secretary Patience Oyekunle said after today’s round of talks.

NOTE: Soaring jet fuel prices have upended the global aviation industry as a consequence of the Iran war, forcing airlines to raise fares, curb growth plans and rethink forecasts.

The South African government has intensified moves to deepen energy collaboration with Nigeria as part of a broader push to strengthen energy security across Africa.

Speaking in Lagos on Wednesday at the South Africa Energy Collaboration Breakfast Roundtable held in partnership with the Africa Energy Chamber, South Africa’s Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Thandi Moraka, said both countries must leverage their strategic positions to build a resilient continental energy system.

Moraka said, “We can gain a resilient energy economy that is centred around the benefit of both our nations and ultimately the continent at large.

Energy diplomacy is an instrument of foreign policy because without a reliable energy source, there will not be any foreign direct investment that comes to any country.”

She added that Nigeria’s vast oil and gas reserves position it as a key partner in achieving Africa’s energy security goals.

“We are doing this deliberately because Nigeria is a country that has those resources available naturally to it in terms of oil and gas. So how do we then position Nigeria as a strategic partner of the continent in the space of energy security?” Moraka asked.

The Deputy Minister called for stronger institutional collaboration, noting that both countries must prioritise energy diplomacy within the African Union framework and scale up joint investments in modern energy infrastructure.

She said, “We must build on the process of modernising our energy sources because we continue to see innovation taking place even in the energy sector.”

Highlighting the role of the African Continental Free Trade Area, she urged stakeholders to reduce trade barriers and promote seamless market access for energy commodities and technologies across the continent.

Moraka said, “Let us work together between South Africa and Nigeria so that we can reduce the trade barriers that continue to affect our two nations and make it a point that we come up with regulations that can help us to harmonise all those frustrations.”

She stressed that deeper integration would unlock cross-border projects and accelerate investment flows, noting, “We must now look together towards fostering a seamless energy market access across the continent of Africa. It is an integration that can accelerate cross-border projects and enable the movement of renewable energy technologies and also attract regional investment opportunities.”

The Deputy Minister also pointed to Nigeria’s refinery capacity as a strategic asset for Africa’s energy independence amid global supply disruptions.

Moraka said, “As one of the largest oil refineries in the world, it is a pivotal player in the Nigerian oil and gas industry. It is not only a programme that benefits Nigeria by reducing dependence on imported petroleum products but also continues to position Africa as a significant role player in the global energy market.”

She added that current geopolitical tensions, including instability in the Middle East, have heightened the urgency for African countries to collaborate more closely on energy supply chains.

Moraka said, “The refinery offers a strategic advantage for the continent of Africa and Nigeria as a whole. It therefore enhances Africa’s energy security and also provides a buffer against global supply disruptions.”

She further called for improved logistics infrastructure between both countries to support energy trade, saying, “We need to take up the capacity of our roads and rail networks, including the port networks that we have between Nigeria and South Africa, and make it a way that we start to trade amongst each other, especially in the space of energy and gas sectors.”

The diplomat affirmed that enhanced collaboration between Africa’s two largest economies would drive industrialisation, job creation, and sustainable growth across the continent.

Moraka said, “When South Africa and Nigeria continue to collaborate, we need to be assured of meaningful and mutually beneficial programmes that can be both impactful to our individual economies. We can drive impactful change and also build a sustainable energy landscape that mutually benefits our people and our continent of Africa as a whole.”

The roundtable formed part of the ongoing South Africa Focus Week in Lagos, which aims to deepen bilateral relations and expand economic cooperation between both countries, particularly in energy, infrastructure, and trade.

The South African Consulate General in Lagos organised the 4th edition of the South Africa Focus Week in Lagos in partnership with Brand South Africa and the Development Bank of Southern Africa.

Europe is facing a crisis over low jet fuel stocks due to the war in Iran, raising serious doubts over summer holiday plans.

EU energy commissioner Dan Jorgensen has told Sky News it's "very likely that many people's holidays will be affected, either by flight cancellations or very, very expensive tickets".

The International Energy Agency has warned that major supply issues could occur in the next five to six weeks and some airlines have already cancelled flights to reduce fuel demand.

It comes as most ships have been unable to pass through the Strait of Hormuz as war in the Middle East continues, meaning oil is not being distributed at the regular rate and prices are skyrocketing.

What are your rights if your flights are affected by the fuel shortages?

What if my flight is cancelled?

Your flight is covered by UK law if it was set to depart or arrive at a UK airport on a UK or EU airline, or arrive at an EU airport on a UK or EU airline.

You are not automatically covered if your airline is not an UK or EU carrier and was set to arrive in the UK from outside of Europe, so you will need to speak to your airline or check its website for more information about your rights.

If your flight is cancelled and you are covered, the airline must either give you a refund or book you on an alternative flight.

You can get your money back for all parts of a ticket you haven't used, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) says.

Iran war latest: Tehran makes 'eye for eye' warning

If you have booked a return flight and the outbound leg is cancelled, for example, you can get the full cost of the return ticket back from your airline.

"If you are a transfer passenger and you have already completed part of your journey, you are also entitled to a flight back to your original departure point when your connecting flight is cancelled and you decide not to continue your journey," it adds.

If you still want to travel, your airline must find you an alternative flight - whether it is the next available one, or a flight at an alternative, later date.

If another airline is flying significantly sooner than yours is able to offer, you may have the right to be booked onto a rival airline's flight, but this has to be negotiated with the company.

Lisa Brady, travel consultant at Travel Counsellors, told Sky News passengers "should not panic" over potential flight cancellations, as the company they've booked through should keep them informed if something changes and offer them alternatives.

She advises travellers to double check that the travel company has their correct contact details.

I haven't booked my holiday yet - should I wait?

If you are keen to get away this summer, Ms Brady suggests booking sooner rather than later.

"We are encouraging clients to book now to secure the best prices and ensure that any increase in fuel costs etc. are covered by the travel company," she says.

"Once your flight is confirmed and (e)tickets issued, the price quoted is the price you pay. If you wait, you may be subject to higher prices and if airlines consolidate schedules, then availability may also be far tighter."

She says there are ways to protect yourself, such as booking through an agency, so there is always a person you can speak to before, during and after your trip.

Booking a package holiday with a trusted provider also gives your trip a layer of added protection under Package and Linked Travel Arrangements regulations.

Ms Brady and other experts recommend this because if one element of your trip falls through, you're entitled to a full refund for all elements of your holiday.

1:01 Lufthansa airlines cuts 20,000 flights: Should we be worried?

By Folarin Kehinde

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has urged Nigerian citizens residing in South Africa to exercise caution and strictly adhere to safety advisories amid rising anti-foreigner protests in parts of the country.

The commission’s warning follows a circular issued by the Consulate General of Nigeria in Johannesburg on April 22, 2026, which reported that demonstrations in cities including East London, Cape Town, Durban, and parts of KwaZulu-Natal have turned violent, resulting in looting, destruction of property, and injuries.

According to the advisory, intelligence reports indicate that additional protests are scheduled to take place in Gauteng Province between April 27 and April 29, with demonstrators reportedly seeking to pressure the South African government over the presence of foreign nationals.

In response, NiDCOM in a press release by its Head, Media, a public Relations and Protocols Unit, Abdur-Rahman Balogun advised Nigerians to avoid engaging with protest groups, steer clear of confrontation, and closely monitor local media for updates on the security situation.

The commission also stressed the importance of remaining law-abiding at all times.
Nigerian business owners were specifically cautioned to take preventive measures, including shutting down operations on Freedom Day, April 27, and possibly extending closures through April 28 and 29, noting that foreign-owned businesses are often targets during such unrest.

NiDCOM reaffirmed its support for the position of the Consul-General in Johannesburg, Ambassador Ninikanwa O. Okey-Uche, stating that the consulate remains operational and is working closely with South African security agencies to safeguard Nigerian nationals.

The commission further disclosed that Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Onoh, is actively engaging with her South African counterpart as part of diplomatic efforts to address the situation.

Addis Ababa|| Global aviation bodies are hailing Nigeria’s record-breaking performance in the recent International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) safety audit. With a score of 91.4 percent — the highest in the country’s history — Nigeria is being positioned as a catalyst for elevating the continent’s overall aviation standing.

The commendation was a focal point at the ongoing International Air Transport Association (IATA) Focus Africa Conference in Addis Ababa. Stakeholders gathered there to discuss the continent’s path toward safety, connectivity and efficiency.

Safety missions drive continental progress

African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) Secretary-General Adefunke Adeyemi said in her speech that countries like Nigeria are currently “leading the charts” globally. She emphasised that this progress is part of a broader, coordinated effort across the continent.

”Thirty-six safety missions have been conducted across 14 African countries, directly targeting issues and deficiencies,” Adeyemi explained. As a result, the average effective implementation score for the continent improved from 56 percent to 62 percent. This proves that safety is a joint effort.

Adeyemi further highlighted security improvements, with 22 missions across 14 countries pushing security ratings to nearly 65%. She also revealed that AFCAC is moving forward with initiatives focused on seamless security and facilitation across key African hubs.

Addressing accessibility, Adeyemi pointed to a significant easing of travel restrictions. Currently, 28% of African states offer no visa or visa-on-arrival for fellow Africans, while more than 20% utilise e-visas. Connectivity data showed even more aggressive growth: 188 air service agreements have been aligned with the Yamoussoukro Decision over the past four years.

Connectivity and the middle class opportunity

According to Adeyemi, intra-African connectivity rose from 14.5% in 2022 to 23% as of December 2025. The number of intra-African routes more than doubled, growing from 59 in 2023 to 124 as of March 2026, including 22 new “fifth freedom” routes.

Festus Keyamo, Aviation and Aerospace Development Minister l, spoke on the theme of the conference: “Elevating Aviation Safety, Connectivity, and Operational Efficiency in Africa”. He stressed that Africa’s population of 1.4-billion and its rising middle class represent a “tremendous opportunity” for growth, despite the continent currently accounting for only a small fraction of global traffic.

”Just last week, we achieved 91.4 percent — the highest in our history,” Keyamo said. “We recognise that a safe aviation system is the foundation upon which trust and growth are built. We must continue to dismantle barriers and fully embrace initiatives like the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) to promote open skies.”

While celebrating Nigeria’s success, ICAO Regional Director Lucy Mbugua reminded the delegation that disparities still exist across the continent. “While Nigeria performed very well, some states are not doing so well,” Mbugua noted.

Through the “No Country Left Behind” initiative, ICAO is working to harmonise regulatory frameworks and enhance compliance across all African civil aviation authorities. Mbugua concluded with a forward-looking warning: global passenger demand is expected to double by 2050.

”This growth will not be evenly distributed. Emerging markets in Africa are projected to grow faster than the rest of the world, underscoring the urgency of preparing our air transport systems now,” Mbugua said.