The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) has reportedly been facing financial difficulty, after a number of the nation’s airlines have amassed large debts owed to the regulator. The nation’s state carrier, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, reportedly owed the CAAB over USD259 Million at the end of August 2016. Additionally, a number of privately owned domestic airlines have failed to pay the handling, landing and processing fees to the CAAB. The CAAB cited that whilst Biman; a wholly government owned airline, does make payments, they are insufficient to cover the outstanding debt that has been accrued.

Nigerian carrier, Aero Contractors, announced on the 1st of September that it would be suspending all scheduled operations. The airline reportedly cited the depreciation of the Nigerian Naira, coupled with the shortage of jet fuel, as the primary contributing factors leading to its suspension. Additionally, the airline stated that the suspension was a part of a strategic business initiative to eventually return the airline to profitability. Despite this, no date regarding the resumption of services has been announced.

In early 2016, the Asset Management Company of Nigeria (AMCON) took control of the Aero Contractors’ operations and commissioned a number of internal financial audits. The airline subsequently underwent extensive internal restructuring which resulted in a complete overhaul of the airline’s executive board. In July 2016, services to Accra (Ghana) were suspended after the airline was unable to obtain adequate foreign currency to fund the airport parking and support fees.

Aero Contractors was founded in 1959 and is based out of Nigeria’s capital, Lagos. Throughout its operational history, the airline has been exposed to a number of ownership changes. The airline had operated a number of both scheduled and charter operations, utilising a fleet of Boeing 737 and Bombardier Dash 8 aircraft. In late August 2016, fellow Nigerian operator, First Nation Airways, also announced the suspension of flights, placing blame on the ailing Nigerian economic situation in addition to various maintenance related issues which resulted in a number of aircraft being withdrawn from service. Despite this temporary suspension, flights resumed in mid September after the airline was able to return a number of its aircraft to operational service.

The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has released a notification reiterating the potential risk posed to commercial aircraft operating under below 25,000 feet within Kenya. EASA highlighted a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) advisory that was issued to UK-based carriers in August 2016, regarding threats from dedicated anti-aircraft weaponry. Kenya is not currently listed as a conflict zone by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), however Kenya has since been re-categorised by EASA, due to the threats issued by terrorist organisations operating in the region.