Aviation

Arik Air Plans Frequent Flyer Programme

Published

15 years ago

January 28, 2011

One of the largest airlines in West Africa, Arik Air plans to launch its frequent flyer programme, which will be unveiled soon, its Vice President, Sales, Mr John Brayford has said.

Brayford said the airline also plans to put in place a new reservation system as well as a departure control system that will enable it ensure punctuality for its operations in addition to announcing new destinations every three months on the West African Coast.

“The new system we want to introduce will improve customer service, enhance punctuality, even as we plan to put a stand by aircraft in place to resolve issues of delay which will be a firewall,” he noted.

Commenting on the ticket sales problem which has always witnessed a lot of crowd as passengers go from one stage to the other before getting their tickets, Brayford said they would open up more channels of distribution where passengers would buy their tickets from travelling agencies.

“We will also increase our ticket centres upstairs, that will make it easier and comfortable for our customers to get their tickets because we are very much ready to serve them and to improve on our services to them,” he said.

He stated that with all the Plans in place, Arik Air would be able to compete favourably with other airlines that fly local and international routes, stressing that competition was good for the airline.

“Competition is good for the airline. It means more people will travel as this will make the airline to work harder. So, we are going to compete well with other airlines and we believe Arik Air will be the best,” Brayford affirmed.

Also speaking, Senior Vice President on Commercial Services of the airtime, Mr Kevin Steels noted that Arik Air had great plans for its loyal customers, pointing out it would improve on its punctuality to its flights schedules as well as its customer’s services.

According to him, to carry out these services, the airline had put in place a Boeing 737-800 as a stand-by on its daily flights to cover up for any eventuality or problem that may arise at any time that the passengers are about to fly, noting that if such incident ever occurs, the stand-by aircraft would airlift the passengers immediately.

“We the commercial team of Arik Air are very interested in serving our customers. We have put means in place to curb delays in our flights. We are going to give passengers value for their money and I am sure that with all our plans in place, our customers will be very proud of us because we are determined to serve and satisfy them,” he declared.

Shedie Okpara

Aviation

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

Published

2 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

2 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

2 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.