Latest news with #KamilAlawadhi
Zawya
2 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Airlines suffer from geopolitical crises, but they move on
Muscat: The Middle East and North Africa continue to face challenges due to disruptions to aviation caused by geopolitical tensions, according to IATA. The IATA/ICAO has established a series of Contingency Coordination Teams (CCTs) to ensure continuity of operations, with robust contingency plans and established routes. The regions affected are the airspaces of Kabul, Sudan, and South Sudan, Khartoum, Pakistan, and India. Kamil Alawadhi, regional VP, Africa & The Middle East, IATA, said airlines that do suffer, even if it is not their problem them they show resilience to move on in such situations. "Any political issue is a tough period for airlines." "The GCC and Arab states, and Africa are connected, and they can handle airspace closure crisis and airport crisis in cooperation with civil aviation authorities, air navigation, airlines, and so on. We are the mediator that tries to quickly solve this by handling the safety issues, like moving aircraft and stuff away from dangerous airspace, and so on. And then we move on to try to recover operations by harming the industry."
Observer
3 days ago
- Business
- Observer
Airlines suffer from geopolitical crises, but they move on
Muscat: The Middle East and North Africa continue to face challenges due to disruptions to aviation caused by geopolitical tensions, according to IATA. The IATA/ICAO has established a series of Contingency Coordination Teams (CCTs) to ensure continuity of operations, with robust contingency plans and established routes. The regions affected are the airspaces of Kabul, Sudan, and South Sudan, Khartoum, Pakistan, and India. Kamil Alawadhi, regional VP, Africa & The Middle East, IATA, said airlines that do suffer, even if it is not their problem them they show resilience to move on in such situations. "Any political issue is a tough period for airlines." "The GCC and Arab states, and Africa are connected, and they can handle airspace closure crisis and airport crisis in cooperation with civil aviation authorities, air navigation, airlines, and so on. We are the mediator that tries to quickly solve this by handling the safety issues, like moving aircraft and stuff away from dangerous airspace, and so on. And then we move on to try to recover operations by harming the industry."
The National
3 days ago
- Business
- The National
Middle East aviation developing 'unevenly' amid economic inequality and geopolitical instability
The Middle East aviation industry is developing "unevenly" because of geopolitical instability and economic disparity between countries, as airlines grapple with airspace closures and sanctions, the International Air Transport Association (Iata) has said. Of the 67 countries in the Middle East and Africa that Iata works with, 21 are under some form of sanctions and 12 are conflict zones. That makes it difficult for airlines to operate and slows the progress of the regional aviation industry, Kamil Alawadhi, Iata's regional vice president for Africa and the Middle East, said on Sunday. Speaking to reporters in New Delhi on the sidelines of Iata's annual meeting, he pointed to 'stark gaps' in capacity and investment between the Middle East's poorest and richest countries. 'Aviation in the Middle East is not developing evenly,' Mr Alawadhi said, pointing to conflicts that have closed airspace, disrupted operations and led to longer and costlier rerouting of flights. Countries under sanctions also face problems like blocked access to aircraft and parts which isolates their airlines. Mr Alawadhi called on Middle East governments to take a 'co-ordinated regional approach' to narrow the gap between rich countries building world-class travel hubs and lower-income nations, such as Lebanon, Syria and Yemen, that have declining infrastructure, underfunded civil aviation authorities and outdated fleets. Mr Alawadhi said the Middle East aviation industry's 'no state left behind' approach can help unlock the region's full potential. He added that a number of Gulf countries' civil aviation agencies, over the past couple of months, have asked Iata and the UN aviation body, ICAO, to play a 'pivotal role' in the development of the Syrian aviation industry. It comes as the war-torn nation expects to become free from the shackles of debilitating US and EU sanctions, with an increasing number of regional airlines announcing plans to restore flights to Damascus. Mr Alawadhi urged Middle East countries to create 'pathways for a safe and structured return' for states, like Syria, into the regional aviation system. This means facilitating access to aircraft, financing, and international standards while prioritising safety. Syrian aviation 'boom' Asked about the potential growth of Syria's aviation market in the medium to long term, Mr Alawadhi told The National that 'if everything went well, it would boom'. However, Syrians are still facing visa restrictions, which will limit growth if they are unable to fly out to visit other countries, he added. Additionally, heavy investment is required to overhaul Syria's aviation infrastructure in terms of airports, ground handling, regulations and airline capacity, Mr Alawadhi said. Airlines face $1.3bn in blocked funds The outstanding ticket sales revenue owed by governments to airlines around the world has dropped to $1.3 billion, which is 25 per cent below the $1.7 billion reported in October 2024, according to the latest data by Iata. The Africa and Middle East region accounted for 85 per cent of that, amounting to $1.1 billion as of end April 2025. Of the $1.1 billion, the bulk is held by governments in Africa. Mr Alawadhi said Iata last year worked with Nigeria, where the blocked funds have been cleared, while its efforts with Ethiopia and Egypt led the owed amounts to 'drop significantly'. This year, date shows that Mozambique has climbed up to the top of blocked funds countries, withholding $205 million from airlines, compared with $127 million in October 2024. Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Equatorial Guinea and Gabon collectively withheld $191 million from airlines, the date states. This was followed by Algeria ($178 million and Lebanon with $142 million. Pakistan and Bangladesh have made 'notable progress' in clearing their backlog to $83 million and $92 million, respectively, from $311 million and $196 million in October 2024. Bolivia made the most significant improvement, fully clearing its backlog that stood at $42 million at the end of October 2024. Blocked funds are a contentious issue as the revenue is vital for airlines to cover dollar-denominated expenses and maintain their operations as they deal with thin profit margins. However, governments that are withholding these amounts are often struggling with a shortage of foreign currency reserves.
Trade Arabia
28-04-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Aviation major driver of economic growth, connectivity in Egypt
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released a study measuring the significant economic and employment benefits aviation (including aviation-related tourism) generates for Egypt. Based on 2023 figures, this includes: $21.1 billion of economic activity which is equal to 5.3% of Egypt's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) (including wider supply chain, employee spending, and tourism activities) 1.4 million jobs (across the supply chain and including tourism), of which 32,800 are directly employed by airlines 338,600 tonnes of air cargo handled 'Aviation is a key contributor to Egypt's economy. Directly and through its well-developed tourism industry, aviation supports nearly 1.4 million jobs. And over 5% of Egypt's GDP has close links to aviation. Importantly, the Egyptian government is using the aviation sector as a strategic enabler for its economic and social development. I was encouraged by the Minister of Civil Aviation's reaffirmation of the government's commitment to continued close collaboration with IATA in order to further expand aviation's benefits to Egypt—guided by global standards and best practices across all areas of aviation, including safety, sustainability, cost-efficiency, skills development, and more,' said Kamil Alawadhi, IATA's Regional Vice-President for Africa and Middle East following a meeting with Dr. Sameh Elhefny, Minister of Civil Aviation, Egypt. Key Priorities for Egypt To continue maximising the benefits of aviation, IATA highlights three key priorities for Egypt: Cost-Efficiency: As Egypt strategically invests in airport infrastructure (Cairo International, Borg El Arab and Sphinx International), IATA urges the government to collaborate with airline users and adhere to global best practices. Such collaboration will avoid unnecessary financial burdens on airlines and passengers. Sustainability: IATA is encouraged by Egypt's collaboration with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development to create the capacity to produce 120,000 tonnes of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) annually. This supports Egypt's Vision 2030 and aligns with the global goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions in aviation by 2050. It is an encouraging step which will help place Egypt and its aviation sector on the patch to achieving its common goal of decarbonising aviation.
Zawya
09-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
IATA Aviation Day MENA to focus on collaboration, innovation and harmonization
Amman: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that IATA Aviation Day Middle East and North Africa (MENA) will focus on digitalization, airspace management, sustainability, modern airline retailing and future skills. The event will take place in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on 6-7 May 2025, hosted by Saudia. 'Aviation is a catalyst for economic and social development —boosting trade, driving tourism and creating jobs. Economies and societies across the MENA region are benefitting from the fast pace of growth which will see a doubling of passenger traffic by 2040. The region can maximize the impact of this potential growth by focusing efforts on the enablers of future success which are digitalization, airspace management, sustainability, modern airline retailing and future skills development. This will be the first Aviation Day MENA to take place in Saudi Arabia. It's fitting that the event is being held in a country where aviation is recognized as a critical enabler of economic growth and modernization,' said Kamil Alawadhi, IATA's Regional Vice President for Africa and Middle East. 'We are honored to welcome industry leaders to Jeddah, one of Saudia's key hubs, at a time of unprecedented growth and transformation in Saudi Arabia's aviation sector. With safety, innovation, and sustainability driving our progress, IATA Aviation Day MENA is a valuable platform to showcase how Saudi Vision 2030 is shaping the future of aviation not only across the Kingdom but the region and beyond. We look forward to engaging with our aviation partners to exchange ideas, explore new opportunities, and strengthen the region's position as a leading hub connecting East and West,' said H.E. Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group. Speakers & Sessions Alawadhi, along with Nick Careen, IATA's Senior Vice-President Operations, Safety and Security will be speaking at the event. They will be joined by a lineup of industry leaders including: Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, President – Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) Paul Griffiths, Chief Executive Officer – Dubai Airports The conference will feature keynote speeches, panel discussions and presentations addressing: Digitalization: The role of digital identity, contactless technology and industry data in the future of travel and air cargo. Airspace Management: Addressing safety and security challenges in the context of geopolitical uncertainty. Sustainability: Strategies for decarbonization, production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and reducing single-use plastics. Modern Airline Retailing: Unlocking opportunities through customer-centricity and collaboration across the supply-chain. Future Skills: Exploring regional and global innovative initiatives to attract, train and retain aviation professionals. -Ends- For more information, please contact: Corporate Communications Email: corpcomms@ About IATA IATA (International Air Transport Association) represents some 340 airlines comprising over 80% of global air traffic. You can follow us at follow us on X for announcements, policy positions, and other useful industry information. Fly Net Zero.
