Aviation

NAMA To Deploy Data Link Communication To Airports

Published

12 years ago

September 19, 2014

The Nigerian Airspace
Management Agency (NAMA) in conjunction with SITA is deploying Controller Pilot Data Link Communication (CPDLC), facilities at the Lagos and Kano Control Centres to enhance long range communication between air Traffic Controllers and the pilots.
The system of communication, according to the Managing Director of the agency, Ibrahim Abdulsalam, would assist in the decongestion of busy ATC frequencies at Lagos and Kano area control centre, thereby promoting safe and efficient flow of traffic within the nations airspace. In addition, the deployment of CPDLC would reduce ATC and pilot workload within the airspace”.
The installation of CPDLS, NAMA boss explained, would also enhance Air traffic also enhance Air Traffic Management (ATM) capacity while ensuring accuracy of data exchanged between ATC pilots of aircraft in flight.
In his address at the 2014 National Conference in Nigerian Airport Managers, which held at UK Bello Arts Theatre in Minna, Niger State, Abdulsalam said deployment of the equipment would boost revenue collection by providing adequate accurate and timely data for effective billing and collection.
“With the increasing growth in Air Traffic and the growing demand of air navigation services, there was no need for NAMA to deploy appropriate infrastructure and technology in order to enhance capacity in safety critical areas as well as search and rescue coordination”, he added.
The NAMA boss also hinted that, as far as the nation’s preparedness in emergency responses, the agency has concluded plans to develop a Strategic Disaster Recovery Centre for the provision of communication, surveillance, air traffic management to enhance uninterrupted services.
When in place, the centre would equally provide online, real time information in the event of unforeseen contingency.
Also, as part of the project Abdulsalam said the agency would acquire two Mobile Radar Trucks for Lagos and Abuja airports, additional Mobile Control towers for contingency use and installation of 3-Dimensional vertical tower stimulators at Lagos and Abuja for in-house training.
The agency, according to NAMA boss, would also establish additional Area Control Centres in Abuja and Port Harcourt among others.
He lauded the airspace managers for their “dedication to duty and ingenuity in managing the operational, technical, financial and administrative challenges” at their various stations and also enjoined them to put safety first in all their considerations as the onus lies on them to effectively and efficiently deploy the huge safety- critical infrastructure in their domains to bring about seamlessness and safety in the nation’s airspace.
Abdulsalam, accompanied by the 32 airspace managers in attendance, paid a courtesy visit to the governor who was presented an award for his contributions to the safety of air navigation in the country.
In his remarks, Aliyu thanked NAMA for its efforts at promoting the safety of the Nigerian airspace and also expressed concern over the “slow pace of renovation work going on at the Minna airport in view of the fact that the airport is an alternate airport to Abuja.

Aviation

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

Published

2 months 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

2 months 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

2 months 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.