🇹🇳TunisiaNorth Africa
Tunisair: 14 aircraft currently operational, 18 planned by end of 2026, says Transport Minister
via Business News2 min read
During a parliamentary session on Monday, April 20, 2026, the Minister of Transport, Rachid Amri, addressed the situation of national carrier Tunisair. He announced a new approach to passenger communication, stating that travelers who provide their contact details during central reservations are now informed in real-time about delays or cancellations. He acknowledged that a lack of effective communication had previously caused "chaos at Tunisair" but affirmed that a solution had been found, without detailing its mechanisms. The Minister also stated that the current fleet comprises 14 operational aircraft, projected to increase to 16 by June and 18 by the end of 2026. He recognized past technical failures, particularly with aircraft engines, and claimed solutions have been implemented, though specifics were not disclosed. Amri also announced the upcoming resumption of flights to Libya, stating that technical and logistical obstacles have been resolved. He concluded by emphasizing the government's focus on improving punctuality to restore Tunisair's credibility and reposition the company in a competitive aviation market.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Business News.
Less than two weeks after his release from prison, Member of Parliament Ahmed Saïdani resumed his parliamentary activities. He was seen on Thursday, June 4, at a meeting of the Bureau of the Assembly of People's Representatives ARP, chaired by Brahim Bouderbala. Photographs published by Parliament show Ahmed Saïdani seated alongside MP Mokhtar Aifaoui, a bureau member responsible for information and communication, marking his first official appearance within the institution since his release. His presence is significant given that the MP had been at the center of judicial news in recent months. His incarceration had provoked numerous reactions in political and parliamentary circles before he regained his freedom at the end of May. While the bureau meeting primarily focused on examining legislative proposals, organizing parliamentary work, and various issues related to the Assembly's activities, Saïdani's return to the Bardo premises particularly drew attention. With this reappearance, the MP seems to be gradually resuming his role within the ARP, after several cases concerning him fueled public debate during his absence. His participation in this meeting constitutes a first signal of his return to parliamentary activity following a judicial sequence that had interrupted the exercise of his mandate.
The 17th edition of the Mustapha Azouz Arab Children's Literature Prize and the Arab Children's Literature Forum will take place on Friday, June 12 and Saturday, June 13, 2026, at the City of Culture in Tunis. Organized by the Children's Literature Forum in partnership with Arab Tunisian Bank ATB, this edition will gather writers, researchers, critics, and specialists from several countries to discuss narrative structures in fictional literature for Arab children. The launch of this edition was announced on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at a press conference held at ATB headquarters, attended by the bank's CEO, Riadh Hajjej, and the president of the Children's Literature Forum, Mohamed Aït Mihoub. Mohamed Aït Mihoub stated that the competition received 130 entries in the main category and 17 in the children and youth category, with participants from across the Arab world, as well as Mali and a Lebanese author residing in Mexico. Prizes include 12,000 dinars for first place, 8,000 dinars for second, and 5,000 dinars for third, along with three encouragement prizes of 1,000 dinars each for young authors. The award ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, June 13, 2026, at the City of Culture, following two days of literary creation and academic reflection. The event will also feature a tribute to Cherifa Ben Ayed. The Arab Children's Literature Forum will focus on "Narrative structures in fictional literature for Arab children." Sessions will be held at the Tahar Cheriaa hall of the City
The National Administrative Body of the Tunisian General Labor Union UGTT met on Thursday, June 4, 2026, under the chairmanship of its Secretary General, Slaheddine Selmi. The meeting addressed the general situation in the country, the state of the trade union movement, and various professional and organizational matters. Selmi emphasized the need for union structures to strengthen their connection with workers and members, and to intensify membership drives to bolster the organization's capabilities. He also noted the lack of concrete signs of renewed dialogue between the UGTT and the Executive, stating that communication channels remain closed despite the union's expressed readiness for discussions. In response, Selmi urged UGTT structures to work towards initiating social dialogue, referencing national legislation and international conventions. He also called on union officials to increase their presence on the ground and intensify outreach to employees. The discussions also highlighted the importance of preserving the organization's unity, overcoming past differences, and focusing on social and professional demands. The UGTT reaffirmed its commitment to its role as a national organization concerned with all issues affecting the country's interests and Tunisia's future.
The United States celebrated the delivery of 48 HMMWV armored vehicles to the Tunisian army during a ceremony held on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at the El Aouina military base in Tunis. The event was attended by the United States Ambassador to Tunisia, Bill Bazzi, along with high-ranking Tunisian and American military and civilian officials. This delivery is part of the military cooperation between the two countries and aims to strengthen the operational capabilities of the Tunisian army. According to the US Embassy, these additional vehicles will improve the ability of Tunisian forces to conduct joint exercises, security operations, and rapid intervention missions in the region. The United States highlighted that its partnership with Tunisia, designated as a major non-NATO ally, spans over four decades through training, assistance, and support programs for the Tunisian armed forces. Ambassador Bill Bazzi emphasized that security cooperation is one of the pillars of relations between Washington and Tunis. He stated that this transfer of 48 armored vehicles illustrates the strength of the partnership between the two countries and contributes to strengthening Tunisia's capabilities in security, regional stability, and humanitarian assistance.