German airline group Lufthansa said Monday it will cut 4,000 jobs, nearly four percent of its workforce, underscoring the slump gripping Europe’s largest economy.
Lufthansa said the majority of the job cuts would be in Germany and take place by 2030, targeting administrative rather than operational positions.
The group, which employs around 103,000 people, includes Eurowings, Austrian, Swiss and Brussels Airlines, as well as the recently acquired Italian flagship airline ITA Airways.
Germany is facing a second straight year of recession, with unemployment at a decade high.
The downturn has hit some of the country’s corporate giants hard, squeezed by Chinese competition, high energy costs and slow adoption of new technologies.
Lufthansa’s announcement comes just days after another major German company, industrial giant Bosch, said it would cut 13,000 jobs, or three percent of its global workforce.
“The Lufthansa Group is reviewing which activities will no longer be necessary in the future, for example due to duplication of work,” the company said in a statement.
“In particular, the profound changes brought about by digitalization and the increased use of artificial intelligence will lead to greater efficiency in many areas and processes,” it said.
Lufthansa set new financial targets for 2028-2030, including an adjusted operating margin of eight to 10 per cent.
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria has announced the approved fares for the 2026 Hajj.
In a statement signed by the management, NAHCON said the announcement followed “due consultations with all the relevant stakeholders, including the Forum of States leadership, and obtaining the approval of the Federal Government.”
The announcement comes shortly after top management staff of the Commission, led by the Chairman, Prof. Abdullahi Usman, embarked on a trip to Saudi Arabia to inspect facilities, negotiate service arrangements, and sign agreements with key service providers ahead of the 2026 exercise.
Earlier this year, NAHCON had announced a tentative fare of N8.5 million for the 2026 Hajj, clarifying that the amount was provisional and subject to review after negotiations with Saudi service providers and approval from the Federal Government.
The 2025 Hajj fares were fixed at N8.31 million for the Maiduguri-Yola Zone, N8.44 million for other northern states, and N8.76 million for the southern states.
However, the management said the 2026 fares have been reduced by N200,000 across all categories.
“The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria wishes to announce the Hajj Fare for the 2026 Hajj season. After due consultations with all relevant stakeholders, including the Forum of States leadership, and obtaining the approval of the Federal Government, the Chairman/CEO of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, Professor Abdullahi Sale Usman, hereby announces the 2026 Hajj Fare as follows: Maiduguri-Yola Zone (Yobe, Borno, Adamawa, Taraba) will pay N8,318,336.67; other Northern States will pay N8,244,813.67; Southern States will pay N8,561,013.67.”
“Compared to what was charged last year, each pilgrim is to pay an average of two hundred thousand naira less,” the statement partly read.
The Commission also revealed that its delegation currently in Saudi Arabia has finalised service arrangements with major providers.
“The NAHCON delegation, currently in Saudi Arabia, met and signed agreements with the 2026 Hajj Service Provider Company (Mashareeq Al-Zahabiyya) and the Transportation Company (Daleel Al-Ma’aleem),” the Commission stated.
The Chairman stressed the importance of timely payments, urging intending pilgrims to complete payments before December 31, 2025.
Airline Operators Opposes NAMA push for Tariff Hike
The Director-General of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, Farouk Umar, has declared that the current charge of N11,000 per flight imposed on airline operators is no longer sustainable, given prevailing economic realities and the rising cost of maintaining aviation infrastructure.
Umar made this known in Abuja on Tuesday while addressing stakeholders at a summit organised by the House of Representatives Committee on Aviation. The event focused on the theme: “Emerging Trends in Global Aviation: Sustainability, Technology and Digital Transformation.”
Umar explained that the N11,000 fee, which has remained unchanged since 2008, is charged per flight rather than per passenger. He cited an example of a Lagos-to-Abuja flight where airlines pay only N11,000 to NAMA, regardless of the number of passengers carried.
“In 2008, NAMA was collecting N11,000 per flight. From then till now, airfares have risen significantly, with economy tickets now ranging between N150,000 and N200,000, yet we are still charging the same N11,000,” Umar said.
He stressed that the agency is a cost recovery organisation, not a charity, and must recoup the money invested in procuring and upgrading critical aviation infrastructure, including landing, surveillance, and communication systems.
NAMA has invested heavily in state-of-the-art facilities to ensure safety in Nigerian airspace. These include upgraded Instrument Landing Systems, modern radar surveillance technologies, and enhanced communication systems that align Nigeria’s aviation sector with global safety standards.
Umar warned that the cost of procuring, installing, and maintaining these facilities has grown exponentially due to inflation, exchange rate pressures, and global supply chain disruptions.
“We keep modernising to ensure Nigeria is not left behind in global aviation development. Yet, the airlines are still paying us peanuts. The world needs to know, and the airlines need to face reality. We cannot continue this way,” he insisted.
Airlines resist
According to Umar, NAMA has made several attempts to engage airlines on the need for a fee review, but operators have resisted the idea. He argued that this resistance is unfair, especially as airlines frequently increase ticket fares to reflect rising operational costs.
“The airlines have not been fair to the agency. They respond to economic circumstances by raising ticket prices, but they do not want to understand that we also operate in the same economy. We go to the same markets to procure equipment. Safety is at stake if we cannot recover costs,” he said.
He emphasised that the agency’s charges are not designed for profit-making but strictly for cost recovery to ensure safe, reliable, and modern air navigation services.
Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the House Committee on Aviation, Abdullahi Garba, stressed the importance of collaboration in developing a stronger aviation sector. Represented by his deputy, Festus Akingbaso, Garba described the summit as a critical step toward strengthening the sector’s foundation.
“Our goal is to develop actionable plans and reinforce priorities that enhance aviation safety, infrastructure, and regulatory compliance,” he said. Garba emphasised that parliament remains committed to supporting NAMA and other aviation agencies in addressing funding challenges, provided they can demonstrate transparency and efficiency in their operations.
Nigeria’s aviation sector faces a unique dilemma: airlines struggle with high operational costs, while regulators face shrinking budgets to maintain critical infrastructure. Unlike in many advanced economies, where airspace management agencies charge rates reflective of operational costs, Nigeria’s charges have remained stagnant for 16 years.
For instance, in countries such as the United States, Canada, and across Europe, en-route and terminal navigation charges are pegged to aircraft size, distance covered, and other operational parameters, ensuring that airspace management agencies recover the full cost of services.
By contrast, Nigeria’s flat N11,000 charge per flight severely undercuts the real cost of providing air navigation services. Aviation analysts argue that the disparity not only undermines NAMA’s sustainability but also poses risks to safety if the agency cannot reinvest in its systems.
Airline operators, however, argue that increasing regulatory charges could worsen their already fragile financial situation. With rising fuel costs, foreign exchange shortages, and multiple taxes across different tiers of government, many airlines claim they are operating on thin margins.
Operators fear that higher charges could translate into even higher ticket prices, further burdening Nigerian travelers who already pay some of the highest airfares in Africa. Industry stakeholders therefore call for a balanced approach—one that ensures NAMA recovers its costs without pushing airlines or passengers to breaking point.
Nigeria and Jamaica are set to explore the possibility of a direct flight route as both countries strengthen the Bilateral Air Service Agreement.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Tunde Moshood, on Wednesday.
Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo, welcomed the Jamaican Ambassador to Nigeria, Lincoln Downer, and his Consular, Andre Hibbert, to his office in Abuja for this engagement.
Downer emphasised the potential for mutually beneficial diplomatic engagements between Jamaica and Nigeria.
He highlighted the importance of improving and enhancing bilateral relations, including reviewing the existing Bilateral Air Services Agreement.
“I have been tasked by my country to review and improve on the diplomatic engagements between Jamaica and Nigeria, especially concerning air services,” said Downer.
The Jamaican ambassador also shared the growing interest in Nigerian culture, particularly Afrobeat music and Nollywood films, which are trending in Jamaica.
This cultural exchange, he noted, further reinforces the need for enhanced diplomatic and air connectivity.
“There is no reason why we should not have a direct flight between our countries. Nigerians love Jamaica, and there is a rising demand for Jamaican spices in Nigeria,” Downer added.
Keyamo in his response, welcomed the ambassador’s proposals and expressed his eagerness to take the next steps.
“I am delighted to start the BASA arrangements. To ensure a swift resolution, we will set up a committee to expedite the process,” said Keyamo.
He further committed to visiting Jamaica if necessary, stating that he would be willing to travel to Jamaica to finalize and sign the BASA agreement in person.
It was noted that Downer disclosed that Jamaica currently lacks a national carrier, relying on neighbouring Trinidad and Tobago for air transport.
He proposed the idea of combining the BASA between Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago to address the air services gap, underscoring the increasing demand for travel from Nigeria to Jamaica.
Downer expressed his deep appreciation for Nigeria, revealing an intriguing discovery from his four months as the Jamaican envoy to Nigeria.
“I have since discovered that Nigeria might be my ancestral home after all,” said the ambassador
Air Peace, ADINA Summit Partners to Strengthen African Trade and Diaspora Connections
Air Peace, Nigeria’s leading airline, recently solidified its commitment to fostering stronger ties between Africa and its global diaspora through its strategic partnership with the Africa Diaspora Investment Network Alliance (ADINA) Summit 2024. The event, held on December 27, 2024, at the prestigious Kempinski Gold Coast City Hotel in Accra, brought together a diverse audience of African Diaspora investors, business leaders, and global institutions to discuss and advance the continent’s economic potential.
Accra, a global hub for the African diaspora every December, provided the perfect setting for the ADINA Summit. The event facilitated conversations around trade, investment, and economic empowerment, positioning the diaspora as a significant force for Africa’s economic transformation.
In his address at the summit, Davids Odeyemi, Head of Sales and Business Development at Air Peace, emphasized the airline’s mission to connect Africa and its diaspora. He highlighted Air Peace’s extensive network, which offers seamless travel solutions for diasporans seeking to reconnect with their roots, explore their heritage, and invest in Africa’s burgeoning markets. Odeyemi also reaffirmed the airline’s role as a driver of intra-African trade, enhancing connectivity to enable the movement of goods, services, and people, thereby creating jobs and fostering economic growth.
Air Peace’s partnership with the ADINA Summit also aligns with its broader commitment to promoting tourism and showcasing Africa’s rich cultural heritage. The airline’s continuous investment in a modern fleet underscores its determination to provide a world-class travel experience, reinforcing its position as a catalyst for African development.
The summit underscored the critical role of diaspora remittances in bolstering local economies, with discussions focusing on the potential of the diaspora to surpass traditional foreign direct investments. Air Peace, through this partnership, gained access to a high-level network of African and diaspora leaders, creating opportunities to connect with talent, clients, and collaborators while amplifying its branding and marketing initiatives, by actively participating in the ADINA Summit 2024, Air Peace reaffirmed its dedication to shaping the continent’s future. This partnership exemplifies the airline’s leadership in African aviation and its unwavering commitment to driving progress across the continent. Together with ADINA, Air Peace is helping to unlock Africa’s economic potential and strengthen its global connections.
AVIATION MINISTRY REFUTES UNSUBSTANTIATED RUMOUR REGARDING MOVEMENT OF FIRE-FIGHTING SIMULATOR FROM ZARIA
The attention of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development has been drawn to a video making the rounds of a motion moved on the floor of the House of Representatives by a Honourable member making reference to an unsubstantiated plan by the Ministry to move a fire-fighting simulator out of the Nigerian College of Technology, Zaria to Lagos State and urging the House to restrain the move.
The rumour is nothing but pure mischief by agents of destabilisation and is totally untrue. Whist we acknowledge the patriotism of the House entertaining the Motion, we think it was totally unnecessary since the Speaker already had a private audience with the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development few days ago when this issue came up and the Minister assured Mr. Speaker that there was NO IOTA of truth in the rumour. The Minister further put a call to the Rector of the school who re-assured Mr. Speaker that it was an unfounded rumour and purely a mischief. So, why the motion?
We urge the public to disregard any such rumour and it amounts to grandstanding by anyone still trying to make political gains out of nothing.
TUNDE MOSHOOD SA Media and Communications to the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has quizzed the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Medview Airline, Muneer Bankole.
Naija News reports that the anti-graft agency detained Bankole on Monday at its headquarters in Abuja over a case of alleged diversion of hajj funds.
It was gathered that Bankole arrived at the EFCC headquarters around 11am following an invitation by the commission regarding the case.
Bankole is said to have received funds from the National Hajj Commission, and an additional $900,000, for the airlift of pilgrims in 2019.
He was alleged to have failed to execute the airlift contract after receiving the mobilization funds.
Confirming Bankole’s detention, EFCC Spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren, said that investigation into the allegations against him was ongoing.
In a related development, the anti-graft agency has filed N2.9 billion fraud charges against former Governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha.
This is coming hours after the former governor officially declared his presidential bid for 2023.
Okorocha was charged alongside Anyim Nyerere Chinenye, Naphtali International Limited, Perfect Finish Multi Projects Limited, Consolid Projects Consulting Limited, Pramif International Limited, and Legend World Concepts Limited.
In the 17 counts filed on Monday at the Federal High Court, Abuja, EFCC alleged that they conspired to steal N2.9 billion public funds.
Excitement as Emirates Super Jumbo Lifts Real Madrid For Spanish Super Cup
Real Madrid is all set for their epic match against Barcelona. The Emirates A380 emblazoned with the blue Expo 2020 “mobility” livery lifted one of the most popular clubs in global football all the way from Madrid, Spain, to defend their title at the Spanish Super Cup semi-finals on July 12.
Onboard this special charter flight, guests and players from the Spanish club experienced the airline’s signature inflight services to rest and unwind in complete comfort ahead of their much-anticipated match.
This included exquisite onboard gourmet meals and full flatbeds with premium bedding in First and Business Class, over 4,500 channels of the latest movies, TV shows and music on Emirates’ ice inflight entertainment system, and Emirates’ famous shower spa at 40,000 ft. above ground.
Emirates’ friendly and professional crew ensured the well-being of all onboard, with enhanced health and safety measures and the observance of protocols such as the wearing of masks.
Emirates is the world’s largest operator of the iconic double-decker A380 aircraft which attracts excitement from aviation enthusiasts and plane spotters wherever it flies. Customers also love the Emirates A380 experience for its spacious cabins and award-winning inflight products in all classes.
Since 2011, Emirates has been Real Madrid’s official main sponsor, bringing together two of the world’s most globally recognised brands in aviation and football.
With a global fan base of 500 million, the Spanish Club has established itself as a major force in sports, and has consistently played in the top division since its inception.
As the world’s largest international airline, Emirates continues to connect Real Madrid with fans and spectators from every corner of the globe, through various events that create moments of inspiration and joy.
The leader of Ilana Omo Oodua Worldwide, a Yoruba self-determination group, Professor Banji Akintoye, has said no election will be allowed to hold in the southwest in 2022.
In a statement on Friday, Akintoye expressed hope for the quick release of Yoruba agitator, Sunday Igboho Adeyemo, who is in detention in Benin Republic.
The historian urged the supporters of the youth leader to remain hopeful, adding that Yoruba nation will be achieved soon.
He said: “I am sure that all Yoruba people everywhere are expecting me to make a statement about our dear hero, Chief Sunday Adeyemo. How I wish I could announce now that he has been released.
“Unfortunately, we are not blessed with that wonderful news today. But I join all Yoruba patriots everywhere in the fervent hope that he will soon be released.
“Adeyemo will soon be blessed with liberation from detention. The Yoruba people will soon be blessed with their Yoruba nation state, the greatest desire of their hearts. Their new Yoruba country will quickly blossom into a marvellous country of peace, love and exceptional prosperity.
“Among most Yoruba self determination advocates worldwide, the determination exists and is growing that there shall be no state governorship and house of assembly elections in our homeland in 2022. The next election that we Yoruba people will engage in will be the first election in our own new country.”
BREAKING: Emirates Lands In Nigeria In Style [PHOTOS]
Emirates has today touched down in both Abuja and Lagos, marking the restart of daily services to Nigeria from Dubai. It received a spectacular water canon welcome at Murtala Mohammed Airport, Lagos.
Both flights from Dubai, EK 785 to Abuja and EK 783 to Lagos, were welcomed to Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport and Murtala Muhammed International Airport with water cannon salutes. Upon arrival, a cake cutting ceremony was also held between Emirates officials and the airport authorities to mark the resumption of operations.
Paulos Legesse, Country Manager Nigeria said: “We are delighted to resume operations to and from Nigeria, and are pleased to see strong interest from our customers, reflected in robust forward bookings from the time of our announcement, as well as today’s full flights from Dubai to Abuja and Lagos. The services will also give our customers the opportunity once again to safely experience Emirates’ superior product and service, offering them convenient travel options to Dubai, an already popular destination for Nigerian travellers, as well as seamless connectivity other key cities across our network.”
The aircraft being deployed to both Nigerian cities is the three class Boeing 777-300ER which offers 8 luxurious First Class suites, 42 generous Business Class seats, and over 300 seats in Economy Class.
Customers across all classes were able to enjoy the airline’s regional delicacies onboard, as well as its renowned in-flight entertainment system, ice, featuring over 4,500 channels of on-demand entertainment, including Nollywood films and content.
Emirates operates to Abuja with EK 785 and 786. EK 785 departs Dubai at 1100hrs, arriving in Abuja at 1540hrs. The return flight, EK 786 takes off from Abuja at 1900, arriving in Dubai at 0435hrs the next day. Emirates flight EK 783 to Lagos departs Dubai at 1030hrs, arriving in Lagos at 1540hrs. The return flight EK 784 departs Lagos at 1810hrs, arriving in Dubai at 0415hrs the next day.
Travelling to Dubai: Ensuring the safety of travellers, visitors, and the community, Covid-19 PCR tests are mandatory for all inbound passengers arriving to Dubai, including UAE citizens, residents and tourists, irrespective of the country they are coming from. Travellers coming from Nigeria must hold a negative Covid-19 PCR test certificate for a test taken no more than 72 hours before departure.
Additionally, the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has specified designated laboratories for passengers departing Nigeria and travellers must obtain their certificate from one of the labs listed here to be accepted on the flight. Travellers coming from Nigeria will also need to take another Covid-19 PCR test on arrival at Dubai International Airport.
Since it safely resumed tourism activity in July 2020, Dubai remains one of the world’s most popular holiday destinations, especially during the winter season. The city is open for international business and leisure visitors. From sun-soaked beaches and heritage activities to world class hospitality and leisure facilities,
Dubai offers a variety of world-class experiences. It was one of the world’s first cities to obtain Safe Travels stamp from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) – which endorses Dubai’s comprehensive and effective measures to ensure guest health and safety.
Dubai is currently hosting the world for Expo 2020, happening between October 2021 and March 2022. Through the theme of Connecting Minds, Creating the Future, Expo 2020 Dubai aims to inspire people by showcasing the best examples of collaboration, innovation and cooperation from around the world.
Its programme is packed with experiences to suit all ages and interests, including a rich line-up of themed weeks, entertainment, and edutainment. Art and culture fans as well as food and technology enthusiasts can explore exhibits, workshops, performances, live shows and more.
Emirates continues to lead the industry with innovative products and services and recently took its customer care initiatives further with even more flexible booking policies which have been extended to 31 May 2022.BREAKING: Emirates Lands In Nigeria In Style [PHOTOS]
![BREAKING: Emirates Lands In Nigeria In Style [PHOTOS]](https://www.societygazetteng.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Screen-Shot-2021-12-06-at-1.28.54-AM.png)
