Aviation

BSP Has Restored Confidence Of Airlines – NCAA

Published

15 years ago

May 6, 2011

The Director-General, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Dr Harold Demuren, says the Billing and Settlement Payment (BSP) has restored confidence and mutual trust between members of the powerful airline cartel and local travel management firms.

BSP is a system designed to simplify selling, reporting and remitting procedures of International Air Transport Association (IATA) accredited passenger sales agents as well as well as improve financial control and cash flow for BSP airlines.

The NCCA boss told The Tide that the system had brought tremendous progress into the aviation sector since its introduction in 2008, saying that the travel agencies were almost dead as the foreign airlines were killing them.

According to him, the BSP has restored confidence in local travel firms and created more job opportunities in the country’s aviation industry.

He said: “we fought that battle and we won. Today, we have the strongest downstream in the aviation sector and the travel agency system”.

Before the introduction of the BSP in Nigeria, major airlines required each travel management firm to produce bank guarantees and performance bonds for as much as N30 million, forcing many to close shop.

Demuren, who worked with IATA and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) to introduce the BSP system in Nigeria, noted that it was good for the country.

He disclosed that globally, 400 airlines are in the BSP system in 160 countries with sales in $2010 exceeding about 200 billion, adding that more than 26 airlines operating in Nigeria, including Air Nigeria and Arik Air were also members of the BSP.

Damuren stated that the BSP had also brought integrity into travel management business by protecting airlines against loss of revenue.

Meanwhile, Southwest Airlines won United States of America’s government approval to buy out Air Tran Holdings in a deal that will add East Coast muscle to Southwest’s operations as it takes on bigger rivals.

Antitrust enforcers at the Justice Department signed off on the $1.04 billion deal on conditions, concluding it would not hurt competition or raise fares. “The merged firm will be able to offer new services on routes that neither serves today”, the agency said in a statement.

Government approval come hours after a South-west Boeing 737-700 with 134 passengers ran off the runway at a rainy period Midway airport in Chicago, though no one was hurt.

Southwest is also in the midst of a federal safety investigation of older 737s after a hole opened up in one of its aircraft on April 1, forcing an emergency landing in Arizona. No one was hurt in that incident either and investigators are focusing on fuseless cracks.

Aviation

Togo Govt Scraps It’s Visa Requirements For All African Countries

Published

3 weeks ago

May 27, 2026

The Tide

The Togolese government has scrapped visa requirements for nationals of all African countries, effective May 18, 2026, meaning Nigerians with valid passports can now enter the country without applying for visa in advance.

African travellers can now stay in Togo visa-free for up to 30 days counting from May 18, 2026.

Visitors must still complete an online pre-arrival registration before entering the country.

The announcement came via the official X handle of Togo’s Ministry of Security, signed by the ministry’s head, Colonel Calixte Batossie Madjoulba.

Under the new policy, eligible African travellers can stay in Togo for up to 30 days without a visa, with the government describing the move as a commitment to Pan-African ideals and regional integration.

Government based the decision within a wider Pan-African agenda, stating that it reaffirms Togo’s attachment to “Pan-African ideals, continental solidarity, and community and African commitments, relating to mobility and regional integration.”

Togo also positioned the move as part of an agenda of “openness, modernisation, and attractiveness” aimed at making the country “a regional hub for services, business, culture, and human exchanges at the heart of Africa.”

There is, however, one step travellers cannot skip. Before arrival, visitors must register on the Togolese government’s official travel portal at voyage.gouv.tg at least 24 hours before reaching the border.

Nigerians can now travel to Togo without applying for a visa in advance.

The registration generates a travel slip that must be presented at entry points across land, air, and sea. The government has been clear that this pre-arrival formality remains mandatory regardless of the visa exemption.

Beyond the registration requirement, standard entry conditions still apply. Security checks, immigration screening, and public health requirements remain in place, and the waiver does not protect travellers who overstay or enter irregularly.

All border agencies have been directed to implement the new policy immediately.

Togo’s decision is part of a broader continental shift. Across Africa, more governments are moving to ease intra-African travel in alignment with the African Continental Free Trade Area’s vision of freer movement of people and goods.

Togo is now among the more accessible West African destinations for Nigerian travellers, a short trip that previously required advance visa processing and now requires nothing more than a passport and a quick online registration the day before you fly.

Aviation

Egypt Flight Moves To Prevent Explosion —- Diverts London Flight To Rome

Published

3 weeks ago

May 27, 2026

The Tide

An EasyJet flight from Egypt to London was diverted to Rome after a passenger was found with a power bank in checked luggage.

The airline said the diversion was made as a safety precaution due to regulations surrounding lithium-ion batteries.

Passengers landed safely in Rome and were provided accommodation and refreshments after the delay.

The aircraft, operating flight EZY2618 from Hurghada to London Luton, made an unscheduled landing at Rome Fiumicino Airport last Tuesday evening as a precautionary safety measure.

According to the airline, the decision to divert was taken after a passenger informed cabin crew that the portable charger was inside luggage stored in the aircraft’s hold.

Although no fire or malfunction was reported, lithium-ion batteries found in power banks are considered a significant safety risk on aircraft due to the possibility of overheating or catching fire.

Flight tracking data showed the plane cruising at approximately 36,000 feet over the Adriatic Sea before suddenly changing course and heading towards Rome, where it landed safely about 20 minutes later.

Passengers reportedly disembarked without incident, while the flight was rescheduled for the following day.

In a statement, EasyJet apologised for the disruption and said the diversion was carried out in accordance with aviation safety regulations.

“The safety of passengers and crew is our highest priority,” the airline said, adding that hotel accommodation, meals, and refreshments were provided for affected travellers.

“EasyJet’s policies state that power banks are only permitted in cabin baggage and must not be stored in checked luggage.

The airline also prohibits passengers from using power banks to charge devices during flights.

The incident comes as airlines around the world continue tightening restrictions on portable chargers and lithium battery devices amid growing concerns over onboard fire hazards linked to overheating batteries.

Aviation

Delta At 20: Delta Airline Expands Travel Access Ahead 2026 World Cup

Published

3 weeks ago

May 27, 2026

The Tide

Delta Air Lines has announced a range of travel solutions aimed at easing the journey for Ghanaian football fans planning to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup across the United States and North America.

The announcement was made during an event in Accra marking the airline’s 20th anniversary in Ghana, as company officials highlighted plans to work closely with local travel agencies to ensure that fans can access tickets and travel packages well in advance for the global tournament.

According to Delta’s Managing Director for International and Specialty Sales, Rob LeBel, the airline is introducing flexible options tailored to different travel needs.

These include individual ticket purchases, discounted group packages for parties of ten or more, and charter services for larger groups.

He explained that the collaboration with travel agencies would also focus on educating customers about the best ways to secure flights during the expected surge in demand.

To expand travel routes, Delta is leveraging its partnership with European carrier KLM, offering passengers alternative connections through Europe when direct routes are fully booked.

The airline believes the upcoming tournament presents a major opportunity to strengthen travel ties between Ghana and North America, particularly as interest among football fans continues to grow.