RwandAir has announced the suspension of select flights to and from the Middle East due to the evolving regional situation, affecting services between Kigali, Doha, and Dubai.

According to an official travel advisory, flights WB300/WB303 operating between Kigali and Doha, as well as WB304/WB305 serving the Kigali–Dubai route, have been suspended until further notice. The airline cited safety considerations as the primary reason for the temporary halt in operations.

The RwandAir Middle East flight suspension comes as several carriers reassess operations across the region amid heightened uncertainty. While no timeline has been provided for the resumption of services, the airline confirmed it is actively monitoring developments and will communicate updates as new information becomes available.

RwandAir emphasized that the safety of passengers and crew remains its top operational priority. The carrier has introduced flexible travel options for affected customers, allowing them to reschedule their tickets for a later date without penalty.

Passengers impacted by the flight cancellations are encouraged to contact the airline’s reservations team via email at reservations@rwandair.com or liaise directly with their preferred travel agents for assistance with rebooking and itinerary adjustments.

The temporary suspension affects key routes connecting East Africa with major Middle Eastern hubs, including Doha and Dubai, both of which serve as significant transit points for international travelers.

Nijatravel will continue to provide timely updates on the RwandAir Middle East flight suspension and other critical airline and airport developments impacting African and global travel.

Qatar Airways has temporarily suspended flight operations to Doha following the closure of Qatari airspace, the airline confirmed in an official statement.

Nijatravel report that the Qatar Airways flight suspension will remain in effect until midnight UTC, as authorities work to reopen the country’s airspace. The airline stated that it is coordinating closely with government stakeholders and aviation authorities to restore normal flight schedules as soon as conditions permit.

According to the carrier, passengers should anticipate delays once operations resume, as aircraft rotations and crew scheduling adjustments may affect departure and arrival times. Travelers have been advised to monitor updated flight information via the airline’s official website or mobile application before proceeding to the airport.

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At Hamad International Airport, additional ground staff have been deployed to assist affected passengers. The airline indicated that necessary arrangements are being made to reduce inconvenience and provide support throughout the disruption period.

In response to the temporary halt, Qatar Airways is offering passengers the option to either refund their tickets or reschedule their flights within the next seven days without penalty. The airline emphasized that passenger safety and employee well-being remain its highest operational priorities.

The Qatar Airways flight suspension comes amid the broader Qatari airspace closure, though authorities have not provided extensive public details regarding the circumstances behind the temporary restriction. Aviation experts note that airspace closures can significantly impact regional and international traffic, particularly for major transit hubs such as Doha.

As one of the world’s leading global carriers, Qatar Airways operates extensive long-haul routes connecting Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas through Doha. Any operational disruption at its primary hub can have cascading effects on international travel schedules.

The airline has pledged to provide further updates as more information becomes available. Passengers requiring assistance are encouraged to contact the Qatar Airways Media Enquiry Centre or customer service channels for the latest developments.

Former world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury has ruled out a potential bout with fellow British boxer Anthony Joshua for now, citing the recent fatal crash involving Joshua and members of his team.

Joshua was involved in a serious accident on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway on December 29 when his vehicle collided with a stationary truck.

Two of his close associates, personal trainer Latif Ayodele and strength and conditioning coach Sina Ghami, died at the scene.

Joshua sustained minor injuries and was discharged from hospital after two days of treatment.

Court proceedings against his driver, Adeniyi Kayode, have been adjourned until March 13 at a magistrate’s court in Sagamu, Ogun State.

Fury, who is preparing for a return fight against unbeaten contender Arslanbek Makhmudov, said he would not pursue a showdown with Joshua under the current circumstances.

The upcoming bout is scheduled to stream on Netflix.

Speaking to The Ring Magazine, Fury said he was unwilling to face Joshua while his rival was dealing with personal tragedy.

“I’m not interested in going toe to toe with somebody who’s in a bad place at the moment. I’ve been in a bad place many, many times. I wish them boys all the best,” Fury said.

Fury and Joshua have long been linked with a high-profile all-British heavyweight clash but have never faced each other in the ring.

Negotiations intensified in 2020 after Joshua defeated Kubrat Pulev, raising hopes of a unification bout.

Talks later collapsed over financial disagreements between the camps.

A proposed two-fight agreement in 2021 also failed to materialise after a United States arbitration panel ordered Fury to complete his trilogy with Deontay Wilder.

Subsequent discussions between the two sides broke down amid contract disputes and Fury’s brief retirement announcement.

Joshua is reportedly targeting a return to action in July as he continues preparations for a comeback.

Fury’s latest comments suggest that while a long-anticipated fight remains possible, it will not be pursued in the immediate future.

The heavyweight division continues to watch developments closely as both fighters map out their next moves.

Former United States President Bill Clinton has told a congressional panel that he was unaware of any criminal activity by disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein and denied any improper conduct in relation to him.

Clinton testified for several hours in a closed-door session in New York before the United States House Committee on Oversight and Accountability.

Lawmakers questioned him about references to his name contained in recently disclosed Justice Department files connected to Epstein’s case.

Among the issues raised was a photograph showing Clinton in a hot tub beside a woman whose identity was concealed in the publicly released image.

According to a source familiar with the deposition, Clinton told lawmakers he did not recognise the woman in the photograph and denied having any sexual relationship with her.

In a statement made public ahead of his appearance, Clinton maintained that he had no knowledge of Epstein’s criminal activities.

His testimony followed that of former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who appeared before the same committee a day earlier.

Both Clintons initially resisted subpoenas issued by the panel, describing them as politically motivated. They later agreed to testify amid the possibility of contempt proceedings.

Unlike his wife, Bill Clinton did not speak to reporters after the session concluded.

Committee Chairman James Comer described the deposition as thorough and productive.

Comer said the former president answered or attempted to answer every question posed by lawmakers.

He added that a full transcript and video recording of the session would be released to the public in due course.

The chairman described the testimonies of the former president and former first lady as unprecedented in congressional history.

The committee’s inquiry forms part of ongoing congressional scrutiny surrounding Epstein’s associates and the circumstances linked to his criminal case.

The release of additional Justice Department files has intensified political attention on individuals mentioned in connection with the late financier.

Clinton’s testimony marks a significant development in the probe as lawmakers continue to examine records and gather statements from high-profile figures.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has allocated 91 days for political parties to conduct and conclude their primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The timeline follows the release of a revised election schedule after amendments to the Electoral Act 2026.

INEC fixed the presidential and National Assembly elections for January 16, 2027. Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections.

In a statement, the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Malam Mohammed Haruna, said the commission approved the revised timetable in compliance with the amended law.

According to the schedule, party primaries, including dispute resolution, will commence on April 23, 2026, and conclude on May 30, 2026.

The commission also directed political parties to submit their digital membership registers at least 21 days before conducting any primary, congress or convention. INEC warned that failure to comply with the requirement could result in disqualification from fielding candidates.

Opposition parties have criticised the timetable, describing it as restrictive and biased.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said it was reviewing the new schedule. Its factional National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, accused INEC of placing opposition parties under pressure.

He argued that the timeline could give the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) an undue advantage ahead of the elections.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) rejected the timetable outright. Its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, alleged that the schedule was designed to favour President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Abdullahi described the requirement for a comprehensive digital membership register as a “near impossible hurdle” for opposition parties.

Similarly, the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) said the timetable disadvantaged opposition groups. Its spokesman, Dipo Johnson, stated that the party was rejecting the new schedule.

INEC has yet to respond directly to the allegations of bias but maintains that the timetable aligns with the amended Electoral Act.

With primaries set to begin in April 2026, political parties are expected to intensify internal preparations as the countdown to the 2027 elections gathers momentum.

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has directed airport users nationwide to obtain their Go-Cashless cards as it prepares to enforce a fully cashless payment system at federal airports from March 1.

In a statement issued in Lagos, FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mr. Henry Agbebire, confirmed that the cards are now available at all FAAN commercial offices and airport access gates across the country.

FAAN also announced that the cards will be available at selected branches of Fidelity Bank Plc starting March 16, expanding access for passengers and other airport users.

The cashless transition follows a Federal Government directive mandating all Ministries, Departments and Agencies to migrate to electronic payment systems. FAAN said the policy aims to enhance financial transparency, block revenue leakages, and ensure better traceability of government transactions.

According to the authority, eliminating cash payments within airport facilities will speed up entry procedures, reduce congestion at service points, and improve overall operational efficiency.

FAAN assured stakeholders of its readiness to comply fully with the government’s directive. The agency urged passengers, airport workers, and service providers to cooperate during the transition period.

Although enforcement begins March 1, FAAN stated that Go-Cashless cards will remain available at designated locations beyond the deadline to accommodate late adopters.

The authority expressed confidence that the initiative will promote faster, safer, and more convenient transactions, aligning Nigeria’s aviation sector with global cashless payment standards.

Several major domestic airlines have rejected claims of price fixing and anti-competitive conduct leveled by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, arguing that the watchdog’s interim report fails to account for the complexities of airline pricing.

Nijatravel report that the airlines stressed that ticket prices during peak travel periods, including the 2025 festive season, are driven by fleet capacity, aircraft availability, fuel costs, landing fees, and operational constraints, rather than collusion among carriers.

Airline executives said that patterns noted in the FCCPC’s interim analysis—such as similar fares across carriers—reflect standard yield management strategies, designed to align ticket prices with demand patterns, load factors, and route profitability. They emphasized that apparent fare clustering is common practice globally in the aviation sector.

The carriers further highlighted the impact of volatile economic conditions, including foreign exchange fluctuations and rising operational costs, which influence pricing decisions more than alleged anti-competitive behaviour.

Industry representatives also expressed concern that public dissemination of interim FCCPC findings may mislead travelers and distort perceptions of Nigerian domestic airline pricing practices. They urged that regulatory conclusions be based on comprehensive, route-level assessments rather than preliminary data.

The FCCPC launched its investigation following consumer complaints about sharp fare increases during the festive season, noting that some ticket prices appeared to outpace operational cost drivers. The commission has maintained that the probe is ongoing and is intended to ensure transparency and protect consumer interests.

Both domestic carriers and the FCCPC have signaled willingness to engage in further dialogue to clarify pricing practices. Travelers have been advised to monitor official announcements for verified updates on ticket pricing and regulatory outcomes.

The dispute underscores the challenges of regulating a rapidly growing aviation market in Nigeria, where demand fluctuations, operational constraints, and economic factors intersect to shape airline ticket prices.

The media remains the government’s most powerful partner in advancing national development, according to Minister of Information and National Orientation, Lai Mohammed.

Nijatravel report that speaking at a media parley organized by the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja, Mohammed highlighted the crucial role of media in shaping public discourse, fostering accountability, and promoting national cohesion.

He stressed that effective collaboration between governments and the media enables clear communication of policies, achievements, and development programs to citizens, strengthening trust and transparency. “The media’s influence extends beyond reporting; it educates, informs, and drives behavioral change,” the minister said.

Mohammed commended journalists for their contributions to society, noting that responsible journalism is central to deepening democracy and reinforcing public confidence in governance. He emphasized the watchdog role of the media in curbing corruption, enhancing transparency, and ensuring governments remain accountable to the people.

The minister also called for support of media establishments to operate professionally and ethically, emphasizing that upholding journalistic standards is key to effective government-media partnerships. “Governments at all levels must engage the media proactively as part of their strategic development agenda,” Mohammed added.

According to the minister, ongoing collaboration with media practitioners will help accelerate national development initiatives and ensure that citizens are well-informed about government programs and policies. By leveraging the media’s reach, authorities aim to create an engaged and informed populace capable of participating in nation-building efforts.

The comments reinforce the government’s commitment to strengthening the partnership between state institutions and media outlets, recognizing that open communication and responsible reporting are essential components of sustainable development in Nigeria.

Global aviation experienced a turbulent yet transformative month, as airport closures, regulatory disruptions and major in-flight technology upgrades defined the February 2026 air travel news cycle.

Nijatravel report that multiple operational disruptions impacted travelers across North America and Europe, while airlines simultaneously accelerated innovation in onboard connectivity and entertainment services. The developments underscore a shifting aviation landscape shaped by infrastructure challenges, government policy decisions and competitive service enhancements.

One of the most significant disruptions occurred at San Antonio International Airport, where all flights were temporarily grounded following a dispute involving the use of a counter-drone laser system. The incident halted departures and arrivals, triggering widespread delays and passenger inconvenience.

Read Also: South Africa Boosts Golf Tourism with LIV Golf Partnership

In Mexico, unrest in the state of Jalisco forced airlines to suspend operations, with U.S. carriers cancelling flights and authorities urging travelers to shelter in place. The disruption highlighted ongoing security sensitivities affecting cross-border travel.

Mid-February also brought policy-driven turbulence as a partial U.S. government shutdown disrupted funding for agencies under the Department of Homeland Security. Operations at the Transportation Security Administration and Customs and Border Protection were affected, leading to the suspension of the Global Entry program and longer immigration processing times at major airports. Travel industry stakeholders raised concerns about the ripple effects on passenger experience and airport efficiency.

While operational challenges dominated headlines, airlines introduced notable service enhancements. Air France announced a partnership with Apple TV+, expanding in-flight entertainment offerings with access to premium television content.

Meanwhile, Southwest Airlines confirmed it would begin equipping its fleet with Starlink Wi-Fi technology, enabling ultra-fast broadband connectivity at cruising altitude. United Airlines also reported progress in rolling out Starlink connectivity across approximately 300 regional aircraft, marking a significant shift toward high-speed, gate-to-gate internet access.

On the manufacturing front, Boeing moved closer to the first production flight of its 777X aircraft. Once certified, the 777X will become the largest twin-engine jet in commercial aviation, although the program has experienced multiple certification delays.

New route announcements also featured prominently in the February 2026 air travel news. Delta Air Lines expanded services to Hawaii, while American Airlines unveiled plans to launch service to Porto, Portugal, beginning in 2027. Southwest Airlines additionally introduced its first international redeye routes connecting Las Vegas and San Jose.

Across Europe, airports began implementing the European Union’s new electronic entry/exit system, replacing traditional passport stamps with biometric scans. Although the technology promises improved border management efficiency, early rollouts have resulted in slower processing times at select terminals.

The February 2026 air travel news cycle illustrates an aviation sector navigating operational volatility while investing aggressively in passenger-focused technology. For travelers, the month served as a reminder that while infrastructure and policy challenges remain, airlines continue to prioritize modernization and service upgrades to enhance the flying experience.

South Africa has unveiled a strategic partnership with LIV Golf aimed at accelerating its golf tourism ambitions and positioning the country as a leading destination for international golf travelers.

Nijatravel report that the South Africa golf tourism LIV Golf partnership will see the country host a flagship LIV Golf tournament from March 19–22, 2026, at Steyn City Golf Club. The event is expected to draw elite global players, international spectators, and significant media attention to the region.

The tournament is projected to feature high-profile golfers including Jon Rahm, Cam Smith, and South African star Louis Oosthuizen, enhancing the event’s global appeal and competitive stature.

Officials from South African Tourism describe the collaboration as a calculated move to diversify tourism offerings beyond traditional safari experiences. By leveraging world-class championship courses, favorable year-round climate conditions, and luxury hospitality infrastructure, South Africa aims to tap into the high-yield golf tourism segment.

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Thandiwe Mathibela, Acting Chief Marketing Officer of South African Tourism, emphasized that hosting a LIV Golf event provides a powerful platform to attract affluent international travelers who typically extend their visits to explore broader leisure and cultural attractions. Industry data consistently shows that golf tourists generate higher per-capita spending and longer average stays compared to conventional leisure travelers.

The South Africa golf tourism LIV Golf partnership aligns with the country’s broader tourism recovery strategy, which focuses on niche travel markets capable of delivering sustainable economic impact. Golf tourism, in particular, has emerged globally as a resilient segment, combining sport, luxury travel, and destination marketing.

Analysts note that the global broadcast reach of LIV Golf tournaments offers unparalleled destination exposure, potentially stimulating repeat visitation and strengthening South Africa’s brand equity in competitive long-haul markets. Gauteng, already a key commercial hub, stands to benefit from increased hotel occupancy, restaurant traffic, and ancillary tourism activities during the tournament window.

Beyond immediate economic gains, the partnership underscores South Africa’s ambition to establish itself as a regional golf hub within Africa. The country boasts several internationally ranked courses and a growing infrastructure tailored to upscale sports tourism.

As preparations for the 2026 tournament commence, stakeholders across aviation, hospitality, and destination management sectors are expected to coordinate efforts to maximize inbound travel flows.