Airlines count losses over drop in passenger traffic

A key air crew trade union called off a Sunday strike at Lufthansa after the airline offered them a pay rise. However, they still plan a walkout on flights run by Lufthansa's subsidiaries, including Eurowings.

Following the Iranian missile strikes targeting US forces in Iraq, as well as the unexplained crash of a Ukrainian passenger jet near Tehran, several major airlines have rerouted or canceled flights in the region.

Lufthansa has canceled its routes to Iran, as well as those of Austrian Airlines. Many other major airlines have announced new flight plans that avoid Iranian and Iraqi airspace.

The plane was evacuated when one of its wheels caught fire after landing from Istanbul. It is the second incident involving the Turkish budget airline this month.

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has urged airline operators and other stakeholders to adopt safety caution as the Harmattan dust haze persists. This comes as the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) projects an earlier than normal onset of rainfall nationwide. Desmond Majekodunmi, Environmentalist and Founder of Lufasi Urban Forest Park joins CNBC Africa to discuss how Nigeria can prepare for these weather challenges.

The COVID-19 virus is hitting travel worldwide in unprecedented ways. As business trips are being cancelled and tourists stay at home, the airline industry is facing the worst downturn since the 2008 financial crisis.

In tonight's edition: Bereaved families who lost loved ones aboard Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 converged on the crash site on to mark the first anniversary of the tragedy. In Nigeria, the influential former Emir of Kano speaks out after being removed from his position. His lawyers say his treatment is unconstitutional. Finally, we head to Morocco where women are gaining ground on the rap scene largely dominated by men.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought everyday air traffic to a halt. But African airlines are preparing to take to the skies once more. Many airlines are facing a difficult path ahead to stay competitive.

American Airlines has created a new policy allowing staff members to wear Black Lives Matter pins while on duty. While many support the move, others consider it to be offensive.

Here are a few reasons to pick up a copy of The Guardian on Thursday. Find these stories and much more when you grab a copy of The Guardian on Thursday.

Airlines count losses over drop in passenger traffic